Portfolio

MY PORTFOLIO DEMONSTRATING THE EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP CONSTITUENT COUNCIL (ELCC) STANDARDS FOR ADVANCED PROGRAMS IN EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP Ellen Bratowicz 38 Seventh Street, North Arlington, NJ 07031 201-998-6896 ellen.bratowicz@narlington.k12.nj.us KEAN UNIVERSITY <span style="direction: ltr; display: block; language: en-US; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: restrictions; punctuation-wrap: simple; text-align: center; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: bold; language: en-US;">COLLEGE OF EDUCATION <span style="direction: ltr; display: block; language: en-US; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: restrictions; punctuation-wrap: simple; text-align: center; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: bold; language: en-US;">DEPARTMENT OF INSTRUCTION AND EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP

Introduction

 * I am currently employed by the North Arlington Board of Education as a high school media specialist. My tenure there includes 10 years of serving a population of over 500 students and 60 employees.**
 * I am pursuing my principals certificate and wish to continue to work in a district whereby I can make a positive change and improvements in curriculum, policy and motivation of staff and students. I plan to be an effective instructional leader. I chose to do my field study at the high school in which I work because I enjoy working with the high school student and think I can contribute to the overall smooth running of the school by helping the adminstration in their daily tasks of managing all the aspects of a multicultural educational facility.**

**Personal Resume:**
[|Resume_ellen_2010.doc]

**Philosophy**

 * Philosophy of Education**
 * I believe that educators have a moral responsibility to be their personal best for the benefit of the students they teach, and in turn, the society that we all share. Education is a life-long process and must be encouraged, valued, and made available to all. Each student, young and old can learn albeit differently. Education is not a "one size fits all" program. Educators need to evaluate each student individually, find their dominant learning style and commit to helping each child find success.**


 * Philosophy of Leadership**
 * A good leader must have qualities such as integrity, honesty and trustworthiness, competence and good communication skills. A leader must care deeply for the well being of his community of learners. A good leader has the power to make incredible things happen. A leader does this by adopting values such as purposing, followership, empowerment, collegiality, intrinsic motivation and reflection. Leadership requires one to lead by example; however a good leader is not afraid to ask for help from competent professionals. An effective leader looks for the good in others and is astute enough to know that like a smile, praise is contagious. When students and teachers feel appreciated, they strive to continuously do better. A good leader can and will change the culture of the school. This is perhaps the most important aspect of a leader: changing the climate of the school for the better.**


 * Vision for School Learning**
 * All students have the right to learn in a caring and safe environment. Students perform better when they have a personal connection to their teacher. Teachers who show care and concern for their students as learners and as human beings will find that their students will respond better. A school climate that promotes this sense of caring is what I hope to achieve. Listening to students and teachers shows that they are important and central to the success of the learning environment. Students have tremendous insight regarding their courses and their ideas must be heard. Therefore, teachers, student and administrators must work together to improve curriculum and re-design courses to prepare youngsters for our fast paced and ever changing world.**


 * Vision for Teachers**
 * Teachers are professionals who deserve the respect of their students, parents and colleagues. Characteristics of effective teachers include dedicaton, willingness to learn and grow, care and concern for students, and knowledge and acceptance of all cultures. Effective teachers should be flexible, genuine and supportive. They must be competent in their field and communicate high expectations to students. Effective teachers are enthusiastic about teaching and work hard to keep students on task.**
 * Staff development is important to effective teaching and learning. Teachers must have input as to their need for this development and supervisors must make time for teachers to be trained. Effective staff development requires follow-up and therefore a commitment by spervisors to make sure it happens. Every teacher should be given frequent instruction in technology and be encouraged to use advanced technology in their classroom. Evaluation of effective teaching cannot center on test scores. A number of factors including teacher self-assessment, climate of the classroom, feedback from students and parents, and student growth as measured by standardized scores, benchmarks, teacher-made tests and other assessments must be examined.**


 * Vision for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment**
 * Curriculum guides need to be visible and open in every classroom. Teachers and supervisors must have a good understanding of the curriculum guide and the state standards. Additionally, teachers should view the curriculum as a work in progress. A column needs to be added to the guides so that teachers can reflect and make additions or deletions as they teach and be given time to share their ideas with colleagues.**
 * Instruction should vary and consist of more than lecture and note taking. Teachers should encourage students to engage in group discussions and projects, make presentatons using the latest in technology, and sometimes self-direct their learning experience so as to make learning meaningful to**
 * each student.**


 * Student assessment should never be based on tests alone. Students' assessment may include tests, quizzes, writing assignments, oral presentations, group presentations, homwork completion, notebook checks, and portfolios. In addition, teachers must be aware of IEP's and adjust their assessments accordingly for special education students. Also, regular students should be given accommodations as necessary according to their individual needs as per the theory of differentiated instruction.**


 * Technology is a crucial component in all classrooms. Teachers and administrators must be given staff development in this area and encouraged to update their technology skills and use this technology with students. Students should also be encouraged to share their technology skills and be permitted to "test-out" of courses for which they are already proficient, such as Computer applications. Staff should communicate with parents in person as well as through the use of district email systems.**


 * Vision for the Organization**
 * As a school prinipal, I would maintain an open door policy. I will be accessible to the students as well as staff so that they feel welcome to share the good news as well as any concerns. I will welcome any suggestions for improvement in school climate. Advisory committees will be added and all stake holders will be invited to attend. A student advisory committee will also be formed to give the student body a valuable voice. I believe that much can be learned from the students and when we listen to them it reinforces the fact that they are important and valued members of the school community.**


 * Model of Supervision**
 * Supervision is the leadership process whose ultimate purpose is to improve instruction, and thereby facilitate and promote successful student learning. Additionally, supervision is conceived as any service to teachers that eventually results in improving instruction, learning and the curriculum. New teachers and experienced teachers benefit from different levels of supervision and should be given a choice as to whether they prefer the traditional model or a more open model. Non-tenured teachers, including those with experience would benefit from the traditional model of supervision. I would take great care to give new teachers added attention and support. I would pair new teachers with experienced and motivated professionals who want to mentor. This relationship between new teacher and mentor should be confidential. The new teacher should be made to feel safe and secure and free to ask questions with the mentor or supervisor. This positive relationship will surely help all parties involved.**
 * With formal observations, the cycle should include a pre-observation conference, whereby the teacher is once again offered support and encouragement. The first pre-observation conference should be attended by the mentor. the mentor can be a silent observer who later gives advice privately to the teacher. The actual observation should be non-threatening. A supervisor should work to ensure that the teacher feels comfortable and supported during the classroom visit. Supervisors should look for technical skills as well as classroom culture. Engaged, motivated and happy students are a good sign that a positive relationship exists between the teacher and student.**
 * Post-observation conference should be supportive and encouraging, especially for the first observation. Supervisor should concentrate on the positive aspects of the lesson, and address any areas that need improvement. Dialogue between the teacher and supervisor is most important. After the conference, the supervisor should be willing to revise the written evaluation if necessary, to include important information shared by the teacher.**
 * Each department and each teacher must work together for the good of the students and district. It is especially important for guidance and child study team members to be supportive of each other. Monthly meetings should be held to discuss relevant issues and then brainstorm ideas for enhancing services for our students and their parents. Most importantly, staff should treat each other with respect and treat the students the way they would like to be treated.**


 * Vision for Professional Growth**
 * As a professional, I will continue with my own education through graduate courses, workshops and staff development. I will continue to subscribe to and read journals related to education. I will share knowledge with others when relevant and encourage them to do the same. I will work collaboratively and persuade others to form collegial relationships with their peers. I will visit other schools in an effort to discover new ways of handling day-to-day activities and problems. I will maintain my membership in national and state professional organizations to keep as currrent as possible in educational change. I will encourage staff and students to use the district web site for information and email system for communication. I will make technology a priority and work to provide staff develoment in this important area.**


 * Method of Vision Attainment**
 * As a leader in education, one must be a role model to others, yet be secure enough in their leadership skill to allow others to be leaders as well. A district that is fortunate enough to have acting as leaders and supported by administration isheaded in the right direction. i want to be part of the model because I envision considerable improvements resulting from this philosophy.**
 * A successful school system is the goal of every community. Good schools attract wonderful people and raise the value of homes. therefore, a good leader must recognize the value of the community and the people in it. The schools should be open to the community and members should be open to the idea of helping the schools. Each community has people that have valuable lessons to share with students. I want to hear from these community members and will extend an open invitation to them. We need everyone's support to have a system that works for the greater good of the community.**
 * Next**