Competency 5
Political Influence and Governance
a. Exhibit an understanding of school districts as a political system-including government models
b. Demonstrate the ability to involve stakeholders in the development of education policy
c. Understand the role and coordination of social agencies and human services
d. Demonstrate the ability to align constituencies to support and build coalition for program and finances
Political Influence and Governance
Part of the reason I chose to complete my internship hours in ISD 15, where I have been my entire teaching career, is because of our Teacher Academy. This revolutionary concept allows teachers to receive training in relevant areas that will directly impact student learning and achievement. Having this entity creates a different political component than other districts. In essence it breeds and empowers teacher leaders. Since I began teaching in ISD 15, I have watched our district change and evolve as a result of the efforts and passion of our leaders. It is a direct result of this effort that I have pursued my K-12 administrative licensure. My ideal administrative position would be within ISD 15, however, I feel that with the knowledge I have of our Teacher Academy I would have a lot to offer other districts interested in pursuing a similar design.
Typically I do believe in the saying “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know”. Prior to having sat in on an interview for a teaching position within our Teacher Academy, I would have thought the same held true for our district. I am a believer in the ideals behind the Teacher Academy and the leaders in charge of it. While discussing who the proper candidates were for the position, the conversation was one of mutual respect and openness. Everyone was willing to listen as we each offered differing ideas and suggestions. When all was said and done we had chosen two great leaders, and it was clear the district leaders who sat in on the discussion were after nothing more than the best interest of students.
The Teacher Academy allows teachers to take yearly professional development courses from district teachers who have been trained in proven strategies and classroom applications. I was very fortunate to have our superintendent, Ed Saxton on my Peer Review Team for the 2010-2011 school year. Upon completing our responsibilities related to the observation process, we were able to discuss other things. Mr. Saxton is a visionary leader with innovative and relevant ideas. It is because of his ideals and philosophies that our district has headed in the right direction for educating students of the 21st Century. Keeping in mind the political spectrum, the school board often backs his ideas, and parents are in support of all the new technology that has entered our school buildings. Just getting to the level he is at, one has to have a deep understanding of the competency Political Influence and Governance. However, it is very clear that he is able to navigate the system to get the backing needed for successful educational reform.
When I first came to ISD 15, the district didn’t have the best reputation for having quality programming. I believe it is a direct result of our Teacher Academy that progress has been made in that area in an exponential way. Our teachers feel supported, they pass that on to parents, whether intentional or subconsciously, and parents have begun to support our efforts. Historically we have had a difficult time getting community members to support tax increases for educational funding. As teachers and community members rallied together in support of the efforts in our district prior to our last levy, we were able to get the majority of voters to vote yes. This allowed us to avoid detrimental cuts and continue on our path toward increasing student achievement. Though there is a chain of command, and political hurdles in every district, it takes the efforts of every stakeholder to make the most impact on students.
As a future administrator I will need the knowledge of the competency of Political Influence and Governance to rally for support and turn vision into reality. In order to demonstrate my competence in this area the artifacts I have included include a link to the 2011 School Board meeting minutes for ISD 15, and a description of the school board posted on the district website As I look toward a career as an educational administrator I will use my knowledge of this competency to obtain and maintain a position.