We started a program. Now we are starting a school. I have a few credentials. I do not have a principal\u2019s certificate yet. I need one. <\/p>\n
I interviewed at a local university, one where I currently adjunct. At least a year and at least $20k. There are other programs that are more expensive and then those that cost less and take longer. I’ve Here\u2019s a program, then, that will provide a route to principal certification. Free. I had to apply. <\/p>\n It’s run by the New Teacher Project (tntp) and sponsored by the Philadelphia School Partnerships (PSP). I think. <\/p>\n I know TNTP was started by Michelle Rhee. It looks like a lot of TFA folks are on their staff. <\/p>\n Anyway, tomorrow I miss my weekend day, my son’s baseball game, my daughter’s softball game, a long-run with an old friend, a chance to finish a Hilary Mantel novel, and time in my garden so that I can report to an interview at 8:30 that will last until 6:15. I had a shorter interview for an academic position at a terrific liberal arts college. <\/p>\n I’m supposed to read a chapter from Rick Hess’s book — Cage Busting Leadership — and the executive summary of The Irreplaceables. The chapter from cage busting wasn’t bad and was fairer than I thought it would be. You could see how the union folks would hate it; for example, you can generate a clean slate by crushing the union or you can generate a clean slate by starting a new school with the union as a partner. I also thought much of the general advice was spot on — you can’t think about teaching without thinking about the situation within which people teach — if not particularly original or deep. Begin with a quote from the Matrix and end with a line from Swingers and your target age group becomes readily apparent. <\/p>\n I struggled with The Irreplaceables. There are some good, even great, teachers in most buildings. But their greatness isn’t just about test scores and at least the executive summary seemed to show that test scores are the sole way of measuring an “irreplaceable.” I’ve seen average teachers completely elevate their game when part of a great team and I think I’d rather be the leader who builds a team than one who identifies some teachers as too valuable to lose. <\/p>\n Sorry for rambling. My famous friend and neighbor <\/a>suggested that I blog about this experience. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" We started a program. Now we are starting a school. I have a few credentials. I do not have a principal\u2019s certificate yet. I need one. I interviewed at a local university, one where I currently adjunct. At least a year and at least $20k. There are other programs that are more expensive and then … Continue reading tomorrow’s a day<\/span> rarely <\/del>never encountered someone who raves about their principal cert program other than the occasional person who talks about how painless it was. <\/p>\n