PROFESSIONAL PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIOPORTFOLIO

MR. TODD A. BARRACOMR. TODD A. BARRACO

PLEASE ACCEPT THIS DOCUMENT AS AN EVIDENCE PLEASE ACCEPT THIS DOCUMENT AS AN EVIDENCE PORTFOLIO OF RELEVANT EXPERIENCES AND TRAINING PORTFOLIO OF RELEVANT EXPERIENCES AND TRAINING

RELATED TO THE INFORMATION IDENTIFIED DURING RELATED TO THE INFORMATION IDENTIFIED DURING THIS PRESENTATION. MOST EXPERIENCES REFERENCED THIS PRESENTATION. MOST EXPERIENCES REFERENCED

ARE ALSO REFERENCED IN DETAIL IN MY RESUME. ARE ALSO REFERENCED IN DETAIL IN MY RESUME.

CREATING AN INCLUSIVE SCHOOL CREATING AN INCLUSIVE SCHOOL CULTURE AND ENVIRONMENTCULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT

The objective is to develop the knowledge, skills, personal dispositions and performance competencies outlined in the Standards for Michigan Principal Preparation Programs that pertain to diversity and school culture. I believe that research based standards require the development of instructional leaders who understand and effectively apply evidence-based school leadership practices to transform school culture, and build organizational and instructional capacities. I will be prepared to create and sustain professional learning communities and inclusive school environments that support continuous improvement of instruction, learning, and achievement for all students.

In addition to the training listed below, I have taken a leadership role in the development of the school mission, vision, beliefs and goals. I have also participated in the High School Professional Learning Community of the Imlay City School District and the Lapeer County ISD.

TRAININGS INCLUDE BUT NOT TRAININGS INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO:LIMITED TO:

THE DANIELSON GROUP, UNDERSTANDING TEH FRAMEWORKS OF EVALUATIONS WITH DR. RON ANDERSON 2013

FACILITATION TRAINING WITH NORTHWEST EVALUATION ASSOCIATION (NWEA) 2013

NEW ADMINISTRATORS ACADEMY-2009

ACT/MME STATE ADMINISTRATORS TRAINING 2009,2010

PATH TO LEADERSHIP PROGRAM MODULES 1-9 2013/2014

I have read extensively about school leadership, change, creativity and the role of technology including: Bo’s Lasting Lessons, John U. Bacon; The Power of Servant Leadership, Robert K. Greenleaf; Strength Finder 2.0, Tom Rath; The Art of School Leadership, Thomas R. Hoerr; Leading Change in your School, Douglas B. Reeves; Enhancing Professional Practices: A framework for Teaching, Charlotte Danielson; School Law and the Public Schools, Nathan L. Essex; Good to Great, Jim Collins; Who Cares?, Kelly E. Middleton & Elizabeth A. Petitt.

MY PHILOSOPHY OF EVALUATION AND ELEMENTS MY PHILOSOPHY OF EVALUATION AND ELEMENTS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE INSTRUCTION:OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE INSTRUCTION:

Key objectives of teacher evaluations should include: Exploration of state and legal issues related to staff supervision and evaluation, and their implications for the supervisor’s role and the school leader’s role as instructional leaders.

I believe in having collaborative committee to review and revise our district’s teacher evaluation system, to not only comply with the new state requirements, but also to better reflect best practices.

IMPROVING INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS IMPROVING INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS AND LEARNING FOR ALL STUDENTS:AND LEARNING FOR ALL STUDENTS:

There are a few key objectives of this approach: The need to review current research on effective standards-based methodologies, curriculum, and instructional practices with a particular focus on understanding the expectations of the Common Core and its implications for teaching and learning in the 21st Century. Emphasis should be placed on the expectation that all students will achieve state standards regardless of diverse needs. Strategies are investigated for guiding instructional staff to improve programs, instruction, student support services, and student learning.

A FEW THINGS I ALWAYS SHOULD AND WILL BE A FEW THINGS I ALWAYS SHOULD AND WILL BE ASKING MYSELF TO ACHIEVE THESE GOALS IS:ASKING MYSELF TO ACHIEVE THESE GOALS IS:

• Am I setting a vision for the school and the community to transition to state Standards?

• Am I establishing teacher buy in.

• Am I allowing for incubation-time for teachers to reflect

• Am I communicating changes to the curriculum with parents?

• Am I gathering information to understand the teachers’ needs?

CREATING A SAFE AND ORDERLY CREATING A SAFE AND ORDERLY ENVIRONMENT FOR STUDENT LEARNINGENVIRONMENT FOR STUDENT LEARNING

Key objectives: creating an environment that is safe and orderly. First, we start by building an understanding of the societal issues that impact student safety and well-being, socio-emotional development and academic learning, and the importance of safe and orderly school environments that are conducive to learning for all students.

I will be focused on proactive research-based systemic approaches and classroom practices for developing a safe, caring, and productive learning community that embraces diversity of staff, students, and community.

Furthermore I will continue to administer State and federal laws, classroom management and school-wide curriculum approaches. Staff, family, and community involvement as well as human relations and conflict resolution helps create a safe environment. Specific attention is directed at safety/security, bullying/harassment, violence prevention, and crisis planning and intervention.

USING TECHNOLOGY TO DRIVE USING TECHNOLOGY TO DRIVE EDUCATIONAL CHANGE AND IMPROVEMENT EDUCATIONAL CHANGE AND IMPROVEMENT

Understanding the role of technology in driving, facilitating, and managing the educational changes and improvement process is essential to student growth.

I have participated in trainings to embed an online professional learning network within the district’s structure. I have completed training such as E-Learning Design Technologies; these courses allowed the advancement of knowledge in Prezi, PowerPoint, website activation, website designs, blogs, school-wide information systems such as PowerSchool, and virtual learning such as GENET and E2020.

PRINCIPALS OF PUBLIC SCHOOL LAWPRINCIPALS OF PUBLIC SCHOOL LAW

As your principal, I am up to date with the principles of basic school law, with a particular emphasis on the legal structure of Michigan public education and statutes related to the administration of school laws.

Specific attention is paid to laws related to the educational environment, student rights and responsibilities, school safety/operations management and management of school finances, personnel, and negotiated agreements.

PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY AND TEAM PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY AND TEAM APPROACHAPPROACH

The belief of my educational platform is that a child must truly trust an adult before they can learn from that adult. As an educator, I believe in creating an environment in which the children know that they are valued as both a learner and a person. The children must know that they are in a risk-free environment where they feel safe to make a mistake. They must feel secure, they must feel safe and they must feel important. I believe for children to learn, the children need to know their ideas, opinions and lives have value. This type of environment will encourage them to push themselves and take risks as learners because there is no fear of failure or ridicule, only encouragement and guidance. The more they believe that they and their ideas are valued, the more they will be willing and excited to develop, explore and share their ideas.

It is important for students to clearly understand what behaviors are expected and to understand why the expectations are in place. It is important for students to understand that expectations are designed to benefit the good of the class as a whole and help facilitate learning. These expectations are based on respect for oneself and respect for others as both people and learners. Behaviors that focus on respect are positive and geared toward encouraging and supporting all members of the group. Respectful behaviors help others see the good in all they do and feel good about themselves. “Treat others the way you want to be treated” is the philosophy that will guide the respectful behaviors. A classroom filled with students who respect themselves and their classmates is a place where students feel safe and confident to explore and learn.

CONTINUEDCONTINUEDBeing an administrative leader provides opportunities for me to continue as a lifelong learner, as I guide students in their development to become lifelong learners. It is important that I model the skills and behaviors that I expect from students. Respect for others as well as being a self-directed learner are character traits that I take pride in modeling on a daily basis. I will strive to help each student find his or her strengths as a learner and as a person. I believe it is imperative to identify weaknesses in order to strengthen these areas as well. I will use my education along with my own personal beliefs to model dedication, respect and hard work for the students through my commitment to helping them become the best, most well-rounded students and people they can be.

CONTINUEDCONTINUEDFurthermore, being a highly productive administrator to my staff will include similar expectations. To be successful in my position, I will always keep the superintendent and board of education informed processes I wish to take and gear them to be a part of the success. Overseeing the district’s policies to ensure they are being implemented will create an environment which will allow professional growth and eliminate any confusion on what is expected from staff. It is imperative that school administrators follow disciplinary policies to guarantee that quality learning takes place in an orderly and safe atmosphere.

CONTINUEDCONTINUEDKeeping an open line of communication with all staff and stakeholders will be an essential key to my leadership. Although I come across as very strict and punitive I believe it is very important to embrace the positives and achievements of everyone involved. The book The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon has impacted the development of my educational philosophy. I believe having a staff that understands the direction of our goals will further educate them through weekly meetings on how to develop the “bus.” It is my goal to make sure that we have the correct people on the bus and in the correct positions to make everything click.

Embracing staff ideas and allowing for accurate and realistic accountability is a form of delegating the growth to each staff member. My goal is to develop a staff that knows how to take ownership of demands and create opportunities to develop highly productive outcomes with my assistance. I prefer to view myself as an educational coach rather than their boss when it comes to building the team atmosphere; keeping the morale and motivation up is the objective.

CONTINUEDCONTINUEDFinally, creating an environment that is strict yet fair is an approach that I value. I must display integrity, character and leadership at all times. There is very little room for mistakes and keeping everyone involved is the key to success. I can’t wait to continue my growth in this area as an administrator.

PROFESSIONAL PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIOPORTFOLIO

MR. TODD A. BARRACOMR. TODD A. BARRACO810-441-9236810-441-9236