Self-Assessment Reflection:

Areas of strength:

Dealing with instructional leadership, competencies 5-7, are my areas of greatest strength followed by acting with integrity, fairness, and in an ethical manner to promote the success of all students.  I currently employ these competencies daily in my current role as a district level leader and through experience, have honed my skills in this area. 

Throughout this school year, I have become involved with activities where I have been supporting the current superintendent’s efforts to lead the educational community.  I have gained experience in the beginning steps where a district vision is being created that will be supported and shared by the larger educational community.  Additionally, I still need further growth to become well practiced in the intricacies involved in responding to diverse community interests.  I understand that superintendents can never please everyone.  Helping the larger community understand why a given choice was made and tying decisions back to a shared district vision will likely result in a greater shared respect for the superintendent as well as the speak to the integrity of the district. 

Areas of needed improvement:

Where I find the most room for needed growth is in applying principles of effective leadership and management in relation to district budgeting, personnel, resource utilization, financial management, and technology application.  Looking back, the coursework I experienced this year has certainly increased my knowledge and skill level in this area; however, since many of the functions are detailed and require a great deal of knowledge, I will continue to make this domain an area of study.

Areas of competency:

I do have several areas I have marked as competent, and not a strength.  These areas where I considered myself competent indicate I have direct experience with this portion of the competency but, I would not feel confident enough in my abilities to lead a group.  For example, Competency 6 states that a superintendent knows how to apply knowledge of motivational theories and strategies to encourage the educational community.  Presently, I am not current on the most effective motivational theories and strategies but, could easily research to become current once again. 

I will continue to study and grow more competent in the areas I have just indicated as an area for needed improvement.  These will be areas of focus as I move towards a superintendent role.