Professional Statements

Website Address: www.elizamarquez.weebly.com Statement of Career Interest I have made many changes in my professional life over the past ten years. I have opened a new school, applied and accepted a position as curriculum coach, lost my position because of downsizing and taught 4th grade, and regained my position as curriculum coach. Now I am seeking a position as assistant principal at an elementary level. Being able to accept changes in my career and the challenges that come with those changes have helped me grow tremendously. I have learned to make important decisions and stand by them, have crucial conversations with various colleagues and most importantly how to view situations from a more global perspective. This last one is essential when making decisions for an entire school. I cannot only look at things from one side, but rather consider all of those involved. As an immigrant of Mexico, I came into the U.S. to start over. We were well off in Mexico. We had a home, our cars and my parents had good jobs. Yet, my parents made the decision to come so that I could take advantage of a good education. Not knowing the language, I came on what I like to call survival mode. I did what I had to do to succeed and I did it with little help due to the language barriers that my parents faced. This caused me to be very quiet and shy and I never considered myself a leader. However, during my time in education, I was fortunate enough to work with teachers and administrators who did. They mentored me in such a way that I was eventually able to see it for myself. Mrs. Angelica Jensen and Ms. Michelle Aube-Barton were among those mentors who I am truly grateful for. By becoming an administrator, I can realize

my goal of becoming a mentor that can help a person reach their own true potential just as they did for me.

Philosophy Education means many things to different people. For me, it is the teaching of both academics and character. In the hallways of my school I see little human beings that are going to bring various intelligences and home experiences, which will have an impact on how they learn. I believe in teaching the whole child, the intelligence, character, emotional and physical being of that child. We cannot teach one part without taking the others into consideration. Intelligence in my classroom is not only taught by providing hands-on, in-depth instruction, but most importantly through the teaching of the Get Smart Method developed by the Efficacy Institute in Massachusetts. This method teaches students to reflect on their learning by looking at data, turning data into feedback, and using that feedback to develop strategies for success. Teaching students to know their strengths and accept and change their weaknesses is a crucial step in creating life-long learners and problem solvers. I understand that I have little or no control over what happens in a childs home. However, I know that what I can control is what happens in my own school or classroom. I help my students feel safe and nurtured during the entire time that they are with me by being a good listener. Being a good listener has allowed me to get to know what my students needs are. I have learned over the years that children will control what they can when they cant control the world around them, their behavior. Teaching them about

trust, caring and respect, brings about a change in students. Teaching character education changes emotions, usually for the better. I truly believe that taking care of a childs character, emotions and academic learning, will bring about a good physical being. When the mind and the heart are healthy, the body will follow. I am certain that what I believe for my students is true for my teachers. They are the ones making it all happen, which is why they must be taken care of as well. Not just by providing staff development, but also by nurturing them as people, life-long learners and the providers of the most important thing in the world: an education. Education cannot happen with only one person. As the African proverb states: It takes a village to raise a child, I will say, It takes a community to educate one.

Narrative of Administrative Experiences My experiences during my administrative internship have been positive. My position as a curriculum coach has allowed me to take on a more hands-on role. There are many aspects of a leadership position that I already take part in. Some of these include preparing quotes for resources, providing teachers with books and materials, staff development, school-wide data analysis, observations and working with new or struggling teachers. I also work with the current administration to provide information to the community through our family nights and parent/teacher conferences. I am a member of our attendance, safety, and SIT committees, which help me, understand the importance of having a school-wide plan. All three of my administrators have been wonderful mentors. They make sure that I know what is happening with the programs they are in charge of and invite me to

their meetings. They took the time to explain the procedures and their experiences with parents, teachers, student discipline, testing and more. I know there are many aspects of being an administrator that I still have to learn. It was difficult to truly understand all aspects of a budget because I didnt have much access to it. Taking care of the building is also something that was difficult to learn in a hands-on environment, but my assistant principal walked me through some of the situations that she had to take care of this year. Overall, my experiences were wonderful and I am grateful for them, but I clearly understand that there is much more to learn. I am a life-long learner and therefore, will continue to work towards my goal of becoming an administrator.

Links: more links included in my website http://www.tepsa.org http://www.reading.org http://lead4ward.com http://www.tsta.org http://www.tea.state.tx.us http://www.esc19.net www.sisd.net http://www.sisd.net/site/default.aspx?domainid=4022

Photos: included in my website photo gallery