During my first clinical experience my mentor was very big on encouraging to put my "administrator hat" on. Some of the biggest learning opportunities never actually occurred. I was helping supervise a wrestling meet after school. He asked me what my role would be as the administrator in charge if the fire alarm went off. I had never really thought of it and it kind of caught me off guard. When we did the crisis simulations it reminded me to keep working through situations even if it is just in your mind. We have the benefit now as future administrators to look at how other administrators handle different situations. When we become administrators staff and students will be looking to us for leadership and will expect that we have their best interests in mind.
It was very beneficial to learn about maintaining a budget. It has been an area that has somewhat concerned me as an aspiring administrator. Not that it will be a breeze, but there is only so much you will have oversight over as a building administrator. It will be important to be financially responsible. However, it is also important to realize that communication is key. If you are able to finish a year significantly under budget you may need to be prepared to communicate that this won't necessarily be able to happen the following school year.
I really thought the mock press conference was beneficial. It was important to learn strategies for talking to press. As a sports fan I often criticize athletes for what they say during interviews and press conferences. It is certainly harder than it looks. As a teacher, when talking to students, you have the luxury of clarifying to students and explaining your thoughts thoroughly. Reporters do not have the luxury of writing about or showing your entire quote in the newspaper or on the television. There is certainly some communication lost when speech turns into print and you have to be prepared to make sure your words accurately represent your stance.
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