CHRIS
TOY
Diary #24
The Hiring Season
As the legislature continues to debate funding for Maine's laptop initiative the newspapers have been publishing different points of view. Even though I am in support of the Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) and have been willing to work for its implementation, I am getting a little tired of the debate. I think it comes down to those who are willing to take risk of being the first to try something different and those who want to wait and see.
While testifying to the state education committee earlier about the MLTI, I linked their role and my role as public servants. I said that we both entered public service for the same reason, to make a difference in the lives of those we serve. I shared my opinion that the MLTI was, perhaps, that once-in-a- lifetime opportunity to do exactly that.
I wished them well in their deliberations and thanked them for their time. The moderator of the committee thanked me for reminding him of why we were there. I think if they remember why they are there, the legislature will let it happen.
What we look for in a teacher
At last week's administrative team meeting we took some time to talk about the upcoming hiring season. At this point it looks like the middle school will have an opening for a guidance counselor, a social studies teacher, and a math teacher. The team developed a list of the most important traits we would expect to find in a good teacher.
I think we also placed them in the order of importance, although we agreed that if any one of them was problematic it would probably move up in importance for that individual. So, in order of overall importance, a good teacher should:
-- have a good rapport with students -- have a strong work ethic -- be a reflective practitioner -- be reasonably intelligent -- able to work well with others -- have a kind sense of humor -- bring new skills and knowledge to the building/districtIt was a good discussion and there was general agreement about what is important. Our next step, which I think will be more difficult, is to identify how we will determine whether a candidate possesses these qualities as a result of our hiring process.
Excitement about our new quarters
The first stage of the building project is just about done! Tomorrow afternoon the first two 6th grade classrooms will be moved into their new rooms. I get to go to work tomorrow in my blue jeans and hiking boots to help the custodians, the teachers, and the superintendent move desks, chairs, files, and equipment into the new rooms.
I checked them out tonight before coming home. They are 30% larger than our current rooms and the windows open completely, unlike the high, small windows in our present rooms. I've canceled the staff meeting to allow the staff to begin packing boxes. Of course some are so excited that they are pretty much packed except for materials they need to teach classes until the move is completed on Friday. Friday will be a half day for students to allow the teachers to complete the move and set up their rooms for Monday.
There are still two other phases to complete. One will be the completion of the administrative offices, as well as the 8th grade and cafeteria wing. The last phase will be renovations to the library and the computing center. The whole project is to be completed by the end of April. Time will tell.
