Final Reflection:
Wow, what a journey. I am so glad that I took this journey slowly so I could enjoy it to the fullest. I started the educational administration program in the Summer of 2012, and will be finishing here in May of 2015. My eyes have been opened to the difficult challenge of leading schools in the 21st century. Education is constantly changing. There is so much to be done, and we need qualified and motivated people to step up to the plate.
At the start of my journey I knew that I wanted to get a masters degree. Being an art teacher I looked into MFA programs in painting. They were $50,000 to $75,000 for the online programs, and I knew that I couldn't afford that on my teaching salary. I started to look at my options and felt very good about pursuing a degree in educational administration/leadership. My top choices were the University of Wyoming or Chadron State, and I chose the later because it could be completed totally online. The University of Wyoming requires intensive weekends for some of their courses.
Back then my thought was, "I don't even know if I want to become an administrator, but I will follow what I feel is right and continue my education." As I have progressed through Chadron's Masters program I have gained an appreciation of the leadership roles in schools. I have worked with many school leaders and administrators, and have come to understand the grave importance of their roles. Not only that, I know that some day soon I want to be a school leader. I am so passionate about education and feel like I need to put all I have learned into practice.
During my program I have been blessed with great mentors who have believed in me. One of those is Ken Griffith, past President of NAASP. He has taken me to conferences, given me leadership roles and opportunities, and he has always been there to answer my questions. This guidance in addition to my coursework has given me the reassurance that I can lead a successful school, even though being a principal will be difficult and challenging. In a way it is sad to see my studies coming to a close. What excited me though is the continual learning that I am already looking forward to that comes as a part of the job. I am currenlly applying to a few administrative positions, and if I'm not hired I will continue to look next year.
I have gained confidence, knowledge, and insight as a result of this program. I have improved as a learner, researcher, and students. I understand leadership and roles of a principal. I have a knowledge of the court system and school law. I understand the budgeting process and the sources of school finance. I honestly feel this program has prepared me well.
I would say the strengths of the program are committed faculty, good textbooks and resources, and fairly good communication between faculty and students. I would say the weaknesses are teachers that occasionally are too lenient on their grading, and some faculty who are slow to answer students questions and concerns. My overall experience was really good. I am so grateful for Chadron State. I know that my education there will give me an added opportunity to make a difference in the world.
Principal Vision Statement
I am a growth and student-centered principal who makes a difference in students’ lives by empowering all stakeholders to step up to the plate and make positive contributions to the lifelong growth of each and every student. I foster a culture of caring and lifelong learning by creating a fun and exciting school environment where everyone is a learner, and learning is cool. I guide our school in establishing expectations of excellence and rigor. I seek continual personal and school improvement, build on the strengths of others, communicate effectively, lead teaching and learning, and act purposefully and intentionally so all students succeed.
"Good, better, best. Never let it rest. Until your good is better, and your better is best."
-Tim Duncan-
Personal Life Vision Statement
I Jason Harmon, am an honest, hardworking, and positive individual who never gives up. I continually work to improve myself so I can focus on serving others and building them up. My life is dedicated to my Heavenly Father, my family, my community, and the world. I know that although my sphere of influence is small, I can affect the one. I love everyone, and express that love and concern often through specific praise and feedback. My life legacy is built on the lives I have touched, the memories I have shared with others, and the selfless service I have given.
At the start of my journey I knew that I wanted to get a masters degree. Being an art teacher I looked into MFA programs in painting. They were $50,000 to $75,000 for the online programs, and I knew that I couldn't afford that on my teaching salary. I started to look at my options and felt very good about pursuing a degree in educational administration/leadership. My top choices were the University of Wyoming or Chadron State, and I chose the later because it could be completed totally online. The University of Wyoming requires intensive weekends for some of their courses.
Back then my thought was, "I don't even know if I want to become an administrator, but I will follow what I feel is right and continue my education." As I have progressed through Chadron's Masters program I have gained an appreciation of the leadership roles in schools. I have worked with many school leaders and administrators, and have come to understand the grave importance of their roles. Not only that, I know that some day soon I want to be a school leader. I am so passionate about education and feel like I need to put all I have learned into practice.
During my program I have been blessed with great mentors who have believed in me. One of those is Ken Griffith, past President of NAASP. He has taken me to conferences, given me leadership roles and opportunities, and he has always been there to answer my questions. This guidance in addition to my coursework has given me the reassurance that I can lead a successful school, even though being a principal will be difficult and challenging. In a way it is sad to see my studies coming to a close. What excited me though is the continual learning that I am already looking forward to that comes as a part of the job. I am currenlly applying to a few administrative positions, and if I'm not hired I will continue to look next year.
I have gained confidence, knowledge, and insight as a result of this program. I have improved as a learner, researcher, and students. I understand leadership and roles of a principal. I have a knowledge of the court system and school law. I understand the budgeting process and the sources of school finance. I honestly feel this program has prepared me well.
I would say the strengths of the program are committed faculty, good textbooks and resources, and fairly good communication between faculty and students. I would say the weaknesses are teachers that occasionally are too lenient on their grading, and some faculty who are slow to answer students questions and concerns. My overall experience was really good. I am so grateful for Chadron State. I know that my education there will give me an added opportunity to make a difference in the world.
Principal Vision Statement
I am a growth and student-centered principal who makes a difference in students’ lives by empowering all stakeholders to step up to the plate and make positive contributions to the lifelong growth of each and every student. I foster a culture of caring and lifelong learning by creating a fun and exciting school environment where everyone is a learner, and learning is cool. I guide our school in establishing expectations of excellence and rigor. I seek continual personal and school improvement, build on the strengths of others, communicate effectively, lead teaching and learning, and act purposefully and intentionally so all students succeed.
"Good, better, best. Never let it rest. Until your good is better, and your better is best."
-Tim Duncan-
Personal Life Vision Statement
I Jason Harmon, am an honest, hardworking, and positive individual who never gives up. I continually work to improve myself so I can focus on serving others and building them up. My life is dedicated to my Heavenly Father, my family, my community, and the world. I know that although my sphere of influence is small, I can affect the one. I love everyone, and express that love and concern often through specific praise and feedback. My life legacy is built on the lives I have touched, the memories I have shared with others, and the selfless service I have given.