Running head: SELF- REFLECTION 1

Self-Reflection

Monica Gomez

University of St. Thomas

EDUC 6331 Administrative Internship II

Dr. Huff

April 26, 2017

SELF-REFLECTION 2

I have learned a lot this year during my internship. I will admit it was difficult to get

exposure to everything there is to know and the different experiences that a principal encounters

because I am a teacher and had to attend to my students. However, I had the opportunity to work

with parents, mentor first year teachers, train the staff, and analyze data.

My greatest strength is Competency 002. One of my major projects this year was to

provide workshops for parents where they learned tips and strategies on how to help their

children at home. I believe that there needs to be a bridge between home and school, and this was

a way to build one. Not only were parents taught how to help their child, but they were also

educated on the different ways their child is assessed such as: running records, math fact drills,

and STAAR. Additionally, our campus has built a community through an application called Class

Dojo. This is a point reward system that keeps parents informed of their childs positive and

negative behavior. This is a school wide program, and it seems to be effective in promoting a

caring school climate.

My second strength was Competency 004. This year, I learned different ways to analyze

data. On our campus we have a professional learning community (PLC) day every Monday, and

a planning period every Tuesday. During these meetings, we analyze student data and plan

interventions. We also collaborate and develop strategies to increase student performance.

Furthermore, we are implementing Teachers College and Sharon Wells, which are two research-

based teaching frameworks.

My greatest weakness is Competency 008, which relates to budget. I was not presented

with opportunities to experience school budget. I did learn that the school budget has different

funds that are restricted and can only be used on certain items. For example, I am going to tutor

my bilingual students, and the funds for my pay will be coming from Title III, which is used for
SELF-REFLECTION 3

the English language acquisition of English learners. I also learned that when the principal does

not have enough funds for resources, the PTO can aid by providing the funds. The PTO funds are

not restricted. They were able to provide snacks for our extended day students, parent

workshops, long faculty meetings, and occasional breakfasts on district staff development days.

My second weakness is Competency 009. My experience in this area is participating in

the different emergency drills. We had several practice fire drills, lockdowns, and shelter-in-place

drills. We also had a tornado drill.

I have learned that a principal does not just sit in their office and give orders, as many

believe. My principal has taught me how demanding but rewarding it is to be at the head of a

school. I have learned that every day comes with an unexpected event and that it is imperative

that a good leader has the tools and the knowledge to think quickly and know what to do in

whatever they encounter.