Artifact Reflections:

In August of 2013, we began the PBIS implementation process for SWG

Middle School. There was a team of teachers who went through PBIS
training and worked to create parts of the PBIS binder we all were to
follow through implementation, but many components of the PBIS
handbook that was developed had to be created with input from our
staff as a whole. Because the culture and climate of the school
requires all members of the environment to be on board and reflect
that climate and culture, we really had to develop our PBIS plan as an
entire staff. We took two days during in-service before the school year
to write the Eagle Way, come up with lesson plans for teaching our
expectations, and develop the Give Me 5 common language for
expectations. This was a joint effort that I am proud to have been a
part of. It showed me how establishing a positive culture is so vital for
student success and creating that culture really takes the efforts of all
staff members in order to be successful.
At the beginning of the 2014-2015 school year, I worked with Mr. Dan
Fox, Southeast Valley Middle School Principal and my mentor, to revise
our emergency procedures for the Burnside building because of the
transition to a 5-8 Middle School. We had to look at the existing
procedures and decide if they would fit our current situation. We also
had to be in tough with emergency management services and law
enforcement to be sure of our options and requirements. This process
helped show me a behind the scenes look at duties principals have to
perform that help to provide a culture that is safe and conducive to
successful student learning. This is a process that is not visible to
most stakeholders of the school but is vital to ensuring that the
academic program can be implemented by staff with consistent
knowledge of procedures in case of an emergency.
Being selected as a District Teacher Leader for our Concept Based
Instruction professional development was a surprise and an honor. Our
Iowa Core Consortium Professional Development centered around
learning how to develop units of instruction that would be concept
based in delivery in order to better implement the Iowa Core in our
classrooms. I was selected to be trained as a District Coach for this
process to lead at the professional development sessions and provide
feedback to fellow staff members. This included leading members of
not only my districts staff but all districts in our consortium. This
opportunity taught me the importance of educating myself in best
practices and being able to provide leadership for staff in implementing
those practices in the instructional program. I was also trained in how
to evaluate fellow staff members in regards to their progress in the CBI
unit development and implementation. This provided me with an

opportunity to show leadership to staff members and provide feedback

for continuous improvement.