How would you tackle using new/social media for a school?

I've been spending a huge hunk of time recently just mulling over the notion of a web writer at an independent, secondary, boarding school. My wife says I get like this: fixated on the very remote when it comes to new employment. Perhaps, but it gives me a chance to think big ideas.

To review, here's the job description for a web writer at a school in Massachusetts. This is a full-time staff opening (and one that I've applied for):

The School, an independent co-educational boarding school in the folds of the Connecticut River valley, seeks a versatile, innovative, and prolific wordsmith with an appreciation for institutional strategy and priorities to develop crisp, lively, and targeted copy and other content for the school’s website and other electronic communications. Flexibility is key to success in this position, which will also include some media-relations work and special projects, as assigned.

The successful candidate will have knowledge and facility with and writing for social media and the web; experience with web-based content management and web applications for marketing and communications purposes; demonstrated talent and skill in writing; a basic understanding of media relations; copyediting skills; proven organizational and communication skills; and excellent interpersonal skills. Experience in a school or higher education environment a plus. Additional qualifications include the ability to work collaboratively with a team, as well as being a self-starter capable of working independently. Candidates should be familiar with boarding school life and have a demonstrated interest in making a positive impact on the lives of adolescents.

For someone who has a passion for boarding schools and social media, this reads like the ideal job. I know, because I have a passion for boarding schools and social media, and it does read like the ideal job.

So, what would I do if I were the new web writer?

Well, first, the school is using three primary social media applications, with a fourth tool in the works. They're using Twitter, Facebook, and flickr; YouTube is in the works. As an outside social media pundit has said, their journey thus far has been social media done right. I agree. What I'd do is simple: build on the school's successes in a strategic and systematic manner.

Josh Bernoff notes that when organizations enter the social media realm, they don't really know their objectives. To address strategic threats and capabilities, one needs a strategic planning process, and Mr. Bernoff provides in The POST Method: A systematic approach to social strategy.

• People
• Objectives
• Strategies
• Technology

A good, basic model. I'd use this in conjunction with Prosci's change management model and link to the school's overall strategic objectives and associated goals. Chris Brogan had a recent post with guidance on strategic blogging that fits nicely with the POST model. See his Strategic Blogging and Some Tactics to Nail It

Over at Web Worker Daily, Meryl Evans has some suggestions on Ways to Avoid Overwhelming Your Followers’ Twitter Stream. I like his fifth suggestion, one I use (having thought I was unique):

Schedule tweets: Typically, I don’t recommend automating anything in Twitter as it will likely lower your rep. However, if you’re like me and only check Twitter a couple of times a day, then you may want to spread out your tweets, replies, etc., using an automated service. This avoids cluttering a person’s stream with bursts of tweets.

Indeed. Having said that, there is something for consistency. In building a brand, it's work; it's presence. Chris Brogan tells us there are 19 Presence Management Chores You COULD Do Every Day. Chris lays out tasks to be completed on various platforms/applications. He specifically mentions:

• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Blogs

I'm not sure about the value of LinkedIn for a non-profit organization, although perhaps it would be good for alumni and be more professionally oriented. I am encouraged by Mr. Brogan's inclusion of blogs. I think blogs are missed opportunity for this school along the shores of the Connecticut River. Some people would suggest that blogs are well past their prime. I don't buy it. Blogs are still an excellent way to post current pieces, generally longer than 140 characters. Ideally, each of the senior staff at the school would have a blog to which they posted at least weekly.

Another issue to consider along with creating objectives and goals for the social media effort is creating measures to track as indicators of completing the goals and attaining the objectives. These might be considered ROI measures, perhaps, in the model of Jack Phillips. Ideally, these would follow from the goals and objectives; generally measures don't come first. Having said that, I can imagine metrics of various flavors including:

• Activity measures such as number of tweets or posts or the numbers of followers.
• Survey to incoming students in 2010 to see if they used any of the social media tools with the school and what the benefit was.
• Surveys to other stakeholders.
• Number of initial admissions queries generated through social media.
• Increase in annual fund giving.

In essence, a full-blown program evaluation (and I might know a little something about program evaluation).

In short, then, what is my counsel? Aside from hiring me, it is this: be deliberate and strategic in building and deploying a full social media initiative, ensuring it is fully tied in with the larger enterprise and various internal stakeholders and their programs (admissions, development, academics, dean of students, etc.).

For schools just starting out and not committing a full FTE to the iniative, I'd suggest splitting the load between several key staffers. Still need to do the planning. Still need to link to the larger organization.  But, instead of a single person responsible, split the duties, perhaps by tool. One person takes Twitter, another takes Facebook, and so on.

What are your thoughts?

Falling off the Net for the next month

Even thought I'm excited about the possibility of the social media job at @nmhschool, I'm dropping offline for the month of July. I know, there's a bit of irony there. I have two tasks on which I want to focus: finishing the first floor renovations (so we can get back to some semblance of order) and making substantial progress on the dissertation (so I can remove the ABD label and be done with it). I am buying back the time social media has been eating from my days and nights.

See you in a month... and let's hope @nmhschool calls to set up an interview. I have the third week of this month all ready for a sprint to northern New England.

So, now, until the start of August, peace to you.

All frequencies broadcast-this could be bad if you're following too close: Request feedback job app http://ow.ly/fiWO IRT http://ow.ly/fiVT

All frequencies broadcast-this could be bad if you're following too close: Request feedback job app http://ow.ly/fiWO IRT http://ow.ly/fiVT

A frog (and a) prince to save the rain forests

Nothing to do with the topic of this blog... more important, actually...

Back in the Classroom

I'm back in the classroom, teaching, although I'm not teaching at an independent school. I'm teaching as an adjunct at National Graduate School, a degree-granting institution with a focus on quality systems management. I'm teaching the first class of their master's program, and it's a weekend class. Four hours Friday after work and then all day Saturday, twice. So, different in many ways, but still familiar.

I don't know how other instructors teach the class; the school provides a set of powerpoints for each module, and I know there are faculty members who go through the ppt, slide by slide, with the class. I can't imagine.

So I did what's natural: discussions and group work. I can't imagine that in working with adult learners, learners who need more than lecture.

Shutting down bloggers, one blog at a time

Moan-et
Originally uploaded by aknacer

I continue to be amazed at dinosaur thinking in the workplace. And, no, I'm not talking about my place of employment.

I received an email recently from a fellow blogger who has been cut down on her blogging. She's a teacher in a public school. Here's a little something she received from her boss:

Actually, you'll not see the little something she received from her supervisor.

Revieved in an email this morning:

Please delete the quotes from my school district's directive from your blog post. I just googled it, and it popped up. If my school district does the same, I'm history--and I'm already hanging by a slender thread!

Oh, I can relate to that. In the spring of 2007, I went through the same rigamarole. See Coast Guard Bust and CG FORCECOM to {{snip}} ... The good news, if we can look a the situation with a glass-half-full perspective, is that, if my situation is any indication, things will get better.

In the mean time, at the request of my blogging colleague, I've deleted the missive from her superiors..

I've been reading her posts for several years now; while I certainly don't agree with everything she says, I have never found her postings disrespectful or even tinged with the thought of undermining her supervisors' authority. Indeed, as other teacher-bloggers have noted, her posts are educational. Wrote one teacher-blogger, "I have learned many things about teaching from her, and in fact, just changed the seating in my room based on some things I just recently read."

Some people are just afraid, I think. This whole notion of transparency and learning from others, well, the dinosaurs don't get it.

Sure, it's scary. I'm not talking about life streaming, but about sharing information, making people and organizations learning people and and organizations.

For instance, I've started posting my work summaries online. Insane, some would say. I've caught some flack for it, and some people have suggested that it's inappropriate. Well, to my mind, the payoff is worth the risk. Hands down.

At least the Coast Guard, more of a monolith than any public school district, has attempted to balance organizational needs with individual needs and, also, actually, larger needs. Recently, the Coast Guard came out with a policy which, first, defined unofficial Internet posts: An unofficial Internet post is when a Coastie (of any flavor, be they a military member, a civilian employee, or a volunteer) expresses

THEIR COAST GUARD RELATED THOUGHTS, IDEAS, KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, AND OPINIONS BY POSTING ANY COAST GUARD RELATED INFORMATION TO ANY (COAST GUARD OR OTHER) INTERNET SITE. UNOFFICIAL INTERNET POSTS ARE PERSONAL EXPRESSIONS DEVELOPED AND RELEASED BY A MEMBER IN AN OFF-DUTY STATUS AND ARE NOT INITIATED BY ANY PART OF THE COAST GUARD ORGANIZATION OR REVIEWED WITHIN ANY OFFICIAL COAST GUARD APPROVAL PROCESS.

Since I've mentioned the Coast Guard, I'm thinking this very post probably falls under this rubric.

So, what are the guidelines? Fairly balanced, I think.

COAST GUARD PERSONNEL WHILE IN AN OFF-DUTY STATUS . . . ARE AUTHORIZED TO MAKE INTERNET POSTS ON COAST GUARD RELATED TOPICS . . . THE COAST GUARD PERFORMS VALUABLE SERVICES AROUND THE WORLD EVERY DAY AND THERE IS NOBODY IN A BETTER POSITION TO TELL THIS STORY THAN EACH OF YOU. AS A RESULT, THE COAST GUARD ENCOURAGES EMPLOYEES AND VOLUNTEERS TO RESPONSIBLY ENGAGE IN UNOFFICIAL INTERNET POSTING . . . COAST GUARD PERSONNEL WHO POST CONTENT ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THE COAST GUARD BEAR A RESPONSIBILITY FOR ENSURING INFORMATION DISCLOSED (INCLUDING PERSONAL COMMENTS) IS ACCURATE AND APPROPRIATE. COAST GUARD PERSONNEL SHOULD KEEP IN MIND HOW THEIR POSTS WILL REFLECT UPON THEMSELVES, THEIR UNIT, AND OUR SERVICE.

The policy is replete with references to privacy information, information security, operational security, and all the other caveats one would expect from a military and law enforcement agency. But the bottom line is clear: it's okay to muck about on the Web 2.0 and add content. And, it's okay to talk about the Coast Guard when doing so.

What's the teacher-blogger who's been shut down to do? Well, she clearly can't keep blogging, at least with the same focus she had before. As noted in one of the most recent posts, "From now on, you'll find nothing of substance here."

Actually, you will not find anything there, as she's locked down the site so that no one can read it. That's right, no one. It's become little more than a personal journal. No more learning from a fellow teacher. No more seeing through a window into someone's classroom. No more learning about how schools function and school leaders lead and school managers manage.

What irks me greatly is that in this teacher-blogger's posts, she didn't even name the school she taught. No hint of the real location. No hint of the real people involved. Rather, an unabashed view of one anonymous classroom in one anonymous school in one anonymous district.

And for that she gets the muzzle. Noted another follower,

All I am saying is this: if it can happen to her, it could happen to the rest of us. Keep your eyes open and your backs to the wall. And keep on posting.

Indeed.

So another blogger bites the dust. Or so the administrators think. We all know, however, that the hog will be fed, and ideas will flourish, and free speech will reign in the end. And, I look forward to reading this teacher-bloggers words and learning from her (albeit not from words on her blog), and other intelligent and dedicated professionals in the blogosphere (or whatever suitable replacement we can find).

To those leaders and managers who are concerned about content on the Web 2.0, get over it. Trust your people. Sure, give them guidelines. And follow-along. Realize everyone is still learning about this new media, so mistakes will be made. But also realize that there is more positive power here than any of us can imagine right now.

To my teacher-blogger colleague, and all the other folks out there who have taken it in the chin because of blogging (yes, Michael, you), keep at it. I certainly will; blogs and other tools help make us all learners. And that is nothing but good.

Cross-posted at Tidewater Musings and A School to Call Home.

Sometimes a position announcement reaches out and grabs ahold of me

I'm certain that it appears I'm no longer actively seeking a school position

Not so; what I am doing is being much more selective in what position announcements I bother responding to. While I'm still called to teach, I also realize that I'm actually doing good where I am right now

Every once in a while, a position announcement reaches out and grabs me. I felt the grip of this one. The school

is seeking a high school English teacher for the 2008-09 school year (courses will probably include 9th grade, 11th grade, AP English, and Creative Writing). The successful candidate will join an exceptional team of teachers and work with curious, passionate, and capable students in grades nine through twelve. Qualified candidates will have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in English and at least three years teaching experience. We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in project-based learning, the Writing Process, interdisciplinary teaching, differentiated learning, and innovative curriculum. The position also involves active participation in duties related to a residential community oriented high school (faculty meetings, advisory, evening and periodic weekend duty, and attendance at all-school events).

The school is enjoying maximum enrollment of 100 students (50 male, 50 female), 80% are residential students. Commitment to experiential education and project based learning.

I've written the academic dean, indicating my interest in the position. We'll see where it ends up.

Picture from this post is from Ojai Valley Photo Gallery.

Worth 25 minutes of your life

| View | Upload your own

Hit the green button, and you'll feel as if you're at the conference.

Education and Creativity

What an awesome talk from TED:



About my job search: What search?

;-)

Still here; still looking; still slow going

Well, it's been more than a month since I've posted. In the blogosphere, that is an eternity, and any regular readers I might have had here have certainly gone onto other places on the Internet.

I'll not provide excuses for my lack of posting, other than to say I've been doing other "stuff." Some of it has involved other places in the blogosphere; please don't feel like the forsaken woman (or man) as that has certainly not been my intention. In part, there's been no news to post here.

Frankly, my job search has gone nowhere. I've been complacent with it. I think part of that comes from being content (more or less) in my current job. We have some new things going on, and I've been slightly rejuvenated with those initiatives.

On my RSS reader, I have 228 job announcements tagged, but I haven't applied to any of them... except one which is a repeat school from last hunting season. Nothing has spoken to me except for this one; I keep waiting for something to jump off the board and announce, "This is it. This is the job and the life for you!" Just the one.

Of course, I only need (or want) one job.

The Stinsons by the Elizabeth traveled to see the Stinsons in the Wilds of Pennsylvania for Easter. My parents were thrilled, as they hadn't seen Jack (or any of us) for over a year. Late on Monday, my parents and I were sitting around the dining room table and they asked about the search and my plans. I mentioned that I had hope as my father had a twenty year long job search; he flinched. He said I was mistaken.

I guess it's a matter of perspective. I remember he went on an interview at an all girls school in Poughkeepsie, NY in 1974. I remember this because (a) I have pictures and (b) I ran up and down the dormitory halls and the girls yelled, "Boy on the floor." My father didn't get the job (head of school), and the school closed within a couple of years later. He remained where he was a rector until sometime in 1991 or 1992 when he accepted a call to a church in eastern Pennsylvania. And, there were applications and interviews in the intervening years.

Okay, that's not a full two decades, and maybe the search wasn't active the whole time, but, for me, the point is still clear: sometimes it takes a while for the right call to come along. In the mean time, continue to good work where you are.

So, while I'm hopeful for this new opportunity at the Little School on the Prairie; may this be the call I'm waiting for... and, no matter what, may I continue to good work here along the shores of the Elizabeth.

---

The picture with this post is by David Morris who posts at flickr as iowa_spirit_walker; the picture is used here with his kind permission and under a Creative Commons license.

Silence: Flu and uncertainty in what to say

Wikipedia Concept Map
Originally uploaded by juhansonin

Things have clopped along here at the Stinsons Along the Elizabeth. Jennifer has had morning sickness for what seems like four months now. And we were hit with the full force of this season's flu, a strain not in the vaccination; we were down for the count for two weeks.

Now, on the reason for the post: Wikipedia as a source.

From Barbara Nguyen at The Editors Weblog: Top (news)papers reference Wikipedia and raise question of website’s credibility as source. Evidently, Jimmy Wales, co-founder of Wikipedia, thinks the encyclopedia's best journalistic use is for background research rather than as a source to be quoted.

I'd say the same goes for academic papers. I wouldn't ban its use, but I'd certainly want substantial supporting documentation.

As to the job search: let's say that good news doesn't come in thin envelopes.

Ranting in an age of near infinite knowledge accessibility

Crayons Taste Yummy
From taylorkoa22

Brian Kirwin has been ranting over at Bearing Drift with the post It ain’t true, but they keep saying it. On the state of education in today's world, he wrote,

My kid’s school is great, but all the others are horrible

This is the single biggest impediment to improving schools. Even in Detroit, where 80% of the kids who enter as Freshmen don’t even graduate, you’ll find “but my school is different.” It’s amazing how we expect kids who every day in the real world interact with technology that the Apollo 11 astronauts didn’t have, they have access to a worldwide goldmine of information in a world that’s quicker, multitask-oriented, interactive and incentive-based, and we wonder why 30 kids in a room with a common textbook working at a unified pace with no incentive to do any better than the person sitting next to them results in a generation of students so bored with education that we face the real risk of creating a nation of salespeople marketing the inventions and innovations of other nations.

Until we adopt an education model that is interactive, individualized and incentive-laden, schools will continue to try to improve their outdated, 20th century models like Edison’s competitors tried to make better candles or blacksmiths who thought better horses were an adequate response to Ford’s new carriage.

Indeed. I think the Coalition of Essential Schools might have a possible answer. I know others do, also.

What is it that is holding the American education system back?

Your thoughts?

The heat has turned up slightly

Here in southeastern Virginia, it's been a balmy winter. Today the heat was up, and everyone was out in short sleeves.

The search for an answer to my call is also heating up a bit. I have a couple nibbles at the moment. One is for an assistant head position at a day school with a unique environmental focus. I've been tinkering with my credentials file, particularly the page Search Objective for Peter Stinson.

I did a major rework of one section, going so far as to delete Desired school characteristics and in its place put The ideal school.

This is the section which was, in essence, left on the cutting room floor:

Desired school characteristics

Selection Criteria for all schools:

• Non-profit
• College prep or college bound
• Maintain similar standard of living as current
• Co-ed or all boys

Additional Selection Criteria for boarding schools:

• 325 students, max
• 35% day students, max
• 1:9 faculty:student ratio, max
• 25% international students, max

Additional Selection Criteria for day schools and day/boarding schools in the United States:

• 400 students max (upper school)
• Casual dress
• Follows Coalition of Essential Schools or other progressive program
• If private school, must be an "independent" school
• Maximum faculty/student ratio 1:11

Additional Selection Criteria for schools outside the United States:

• 400 students max (upper school)
• May be an "American" school or an "International" School
• Maximum faculty/student ratio 1:15
• Prefer for school to offer the IB

You can see the new page here. Pay particular attention to the ideal school section.

I'd be interested to hear what you think.

Also, I re-ordered the sections; do you think it flows better?

Please do comment below, and please ask others to provide me feedback also. Thanks.

How have you lived your life? Insights for us all.

I wanted to pass along two videos I came across recently that I think would be of benefit to all the folks in the ever-shifting blogsophere. They're both from Randy Pausch from Carnegie Mellon.

Well, he's actually on a leave of absence from Carnegie Mellon and has moved to Chesapeake, Virginia, with his family.

Anyway, there are two talks he gave this past fall. Devout members of the blogosphere have likely seen one or both of them, or at least heard about them.

One is called "The Last Lecture" which is a Carnegie Mellon lecture series: if you had one last lecture to give... In his case, it is nearly his last lecture as he is dying from pancreatic cancer. It's an awesome lecture about living life and succeeding at goals.

The second lecture is one that he evidently gave somewhat frequently, but gave again at UVA (where he was a professor before going to Pittsburgh) in November.

Both of these are worth the time to watch.

• The Last Lecture
• Time Management

For those who would like more information about Randy and his life and work, there's plenty on the web. Here are a couple of sites.

• A site by one of his mentees at UVA
• Randy's own site at CMU

Enjoy.

---

Cross posted at Tidewater Musings, An Unofficial Coast Guard Blog, and Coast Guard Performance Excellence.

Just how technology savvy are you?

Valerio Mezzanotti for The New York Times
Originally uploaded by vegasmike433

I came across a list of technology-based interview questions for independent and international schools to use with new faculty members. Jeff Utecht at The Thinking Stick proposes that these questions will allow you to see how excited a prospective faculty member is about technology and how they might integrate technology into the classroom or their other work in a school community.

I though these questions were very thought-provoking; I took a stab at answering them (before really studying Jeff's analysis of each question); I liked the results so much that I posted my replies in my employment credentials package.

Your thoughts? Comments below, please.

Haidho American School in Sarkhan: Part 2

Haboob
From Jonathan @ Gaucin

For anyone following my journey and wondering how I dealt with the Haidho American School, here was my reply to the superintendent, after many days of wondering what to say.

I decided to just take an open approach:

Thanks so much for your note back. I hope the New Year finds you and yours and the school community safe.

I appreciate your kind words and your straight-forward feedback. While finances are certainly critical, I've always thought that nearly
everything financial is negotiable, particularly if the "fit" is "fine." If you find, as the hiring season rolls along, you'd like to continue the conversation, please don't hesitate to get in touch with me. The opportunities present at Haidho American School are innumerable, and I would thrive on working in the HAS community.

I wish you a most excellent 2008.

I suspect, however, that while I may hear again from the head of HAS, I'll not be packing my bags for Sarkhan.

I did see a posting for a dean of students position at a day school nearby; I sent off my letter of inquiry this morning.

Making a long-term impact on students: Experiential Learning

Project U.S.E.
From Project U.S.E.

Recently, I read about a Spanish teacher at Olentangy Liberty High School, Erica Vieyra, who had her Spanish V students take on a role playing exercise: they were to "assume a Latino identity, build an imaginary life in your home country and develop a workable plan to immigrate to the United States," as noted in an article by Holly Zachariah in the Columbus Dispatch.

The project has raised a fair bit of controversy amongst many, including some loud voices in the blogosphere. I think the critics are missing the point. This is not about liberal indoctrination or teaching students how to break the law; this is about getting students to learn through experience.

If I am representative of the typical American student when it comes to foreign languages, twenty-five years from now Ms. Vieyra's students will remember little, if any, actual Spanish. But, they will likely remember the many lessons learned from completing this project.

The same goes for the Newark, New Jersey, students who participated in the project pictured with this post. They spent three months building the boats and then launching them in the Passaic River. The project worked to integrate the usual academic disciplines with an experiential and hands-on approach.

I seek the opportunity to work in a school which embraces this sort of teaching and learning.

Oh, that actually has a name?

This afternoon I was scrolling through my RSS reader, and one feed caught my eye: Are we doing anything today?

Every year my students read All Quiet on the Western Front. I force them through the process of a Quaker Read then into developing a poem from lines culled from the chapter. It takes a couple of days of work, but looking at the poems and listening to their comments makes the effort worthwhile.

A Quaker Read?

Perhaps I've been out of the classroom too long, but I had no idea what a Quaker Read is.

From a webpage at Seattle University, Reading Response and Discussion Strategies, we learn,

Quaker Read
Readers fist select a significant passage, line, or phrase from the reading. Then, seated in a circle giving no explanation or rationale, one student reads his/her selection aloud. In no particular order, another reader adds his/her selection, and on and on. The key is to listen and consider how your selected passage connects to (or even contrasts with) the passage read. Remind students that lulls, pauses, and repeated passages are fine.

Oh, it has a name...

I'm not worth 6 Round Trip Tickets?

Shri Diwa International School
Originally uploaded by Mun Mun

Well, okay, that's not quite true.

I applied to The Haidho American School in Sarkhan; they'd advertised a need for a counselor and an English teacher. (And, yes, Haidho is the fictional capital of the fictional country Sarkhan in The Ugly American. I've changed the names to protect the innocent; as I'm the guilty one here, we will not bothering adopting a fictional pose and personna.)

Here's what I received back from my initial e-mail:

Dear Peter:

I have just spent some time reading through your website, enjoying reading about your career and your many accomplishments. In so many ways, you are the kind of person I'm looking for to join the staff of Haidho American School but I have to be quite honest with you that it would be a real strain for us to hire a faculty member with a spouse and four children, delightful as I'm sure they are. Finances are a big part of it, I'm afraid, since we would be committing ourselves to six RT air fares every year plus a much larger apartment (probably 4 bedrooms) than we normally use for faculty (apartments here in Haidho are going for about $1,500-1,800/month for 2-or 3-bedroom flats).

In virtually every other aspect, HAS meets what you're looking for in an independent school and more and, like I said, you meet what I'm looking for for this vibrant school.

With every best wish for you and your family for the New Year.

Sincerely,

Bill Clinton
Superintendent
Haidho American School
Sarkhan

A couple of days later, and I'm still not sure how to respond. Frankly, in a country like Sarkhan, I might end up as a geo-bachelor, as Jennifer isn't really intrigued with the idea of living in a third-world nation. Well, that and the fact it's actually 7 roundtrip tickets as we have another child in the oven.

I've done this to myself, but that is a totally different post on a totally different blog.

I'm tempted to right back that while I understand that finances does come into play at some point, it ought not be the starting point. Finances is merely one component of all that makes up a deal and is negotiated.

Your thoughts?

Another "alternate" sport: Extreme Sledding

sweetjumpc
Originally uploaded by wme91988

Who'd have thought? Sledding. To the extreme.

We could have races, long and short courses.

And hang out by 55-gallon drums with fire inside; and drink hot chocolate.

And race. With clocks. The real deal.

We wouldn't call it "Extreme Sledding." No, a name like that could bring too much focus and attention. Just call it sledding and join the National Interscholastic Sled Racing Association, or NISRA, and show everyone pictures of snow sledding in Vermont.

More fun with Ask Vox

Random One Reverse
Tidewater Muse

What is Peter Stinson looking for in a school community?

Blogging from "an undisclosed location"

Dissertation Run
@ University of Sussex. By rokou.

While I ought to be working on the dissertation. I ought to be wrapping up the literature review and methodology chapters this weekend. It's not going as well I has I had hoped.

As such, I've decided to create systems to hold myself accountable. The first step in making me accountable is to post my work online; let people see were I am and how much I've done and the like. I'm writing in Google Documents and have enabled publication allowing the most-recently-saved version of my ongoing work will be available for everyong to see. In progress.

To honor completion of my dissertation, rather than run naked through the streets, I'll cut my hair and trim my beard... or maybe even go back to looking like a bowling ball. {{Sidebar: When I went through the Coast Guard's Search & Rescue School, I received an award: "Most Looks Like a Bowling Ball."}}

If you'd like to see my up-to-the-minute work and progress, join me. Read, critique, and comment here on this post.

Crossposted at Tidewater Musings.

A little fun on the Internet

Well, are you?
Originally uploaded by windbourne

Slip over to Ask Vox, and ask it who I am. Type "Who is Peter Stinson?"

What do you think?

When does the compromising start?

Abandoned bikes
Originally uploaded by oliva732000

I've been tracking the jobs posted at the NAIS job site. When something looks of interest, I then look to see if the school meets my criteria. Today I decided that even if a school doesn't meet the criteria, I'll not automatically trash thoughts of serving there.

Next, I'll be nuking the thought of having any criteria...

Quidditch, Dodgeball, and Ultimate Frisbee: Coming to a campus near you

Starting Line
Originally uploaded by plagueoftruth

I recently read about the Muggles Quidditch, sponsored by the Intercollegiate Quidditch Association, at several New England colleges. I thought, "How cool is that?" And then, today, I discovered that dodgeball is actually a sport with a national association; not the American Dodgeball Association of America but the National Amateur Dodgeball Association; or try the National Dodgeball Association.

Why do I mention this here? Well, I'm thinking that these non-traditional sports (and the more I think about it, these really do qualify as athletics) -- which would also include Ultimate Frisbee, Frisbee golf, and Footbag (which, in my day, we called "hacky sack" -- are actually sports which are life-long sports and which don't need a tremendous outlay for equipment. I think we often don't give non-traditional activities much in the way of real look.

I suspect their are other areas we give short shrift to also because they are not traditional. Would a school that was not willing to try alternative sports also be less likely to try and teach to all learning styles? Or, perhaps the school would be less likely to teach to the whole person?

Another presence on the Web

New Credentials Page
Originally uploaded by Tidewater Muse

After consideration, I have nixed my wiki-based credentials package and built a cleaner package using Google pages.

Any thoughts or feedback from the blogosphere?

The call continues: New answers to an old call

Here in SE Virginia, the days are getting shorter, the air is getting cooler, and the holiday rush is right around the corner. Yes, it has been quite a while since I posted here at A School to Call Home. I've been busy with various projects, including working on my dissertation (although, until it is accepted, I'll not have put enough time into it) and keeping up with a semi-work-related blog, An Unofficial Coast Guard Blog. In the back of my mind, however, the thought of returning to a school community has never been far away. My daily list of RSS reads includes Dana Huff and California Teacher Guy. They couldn't be more different, but they have one thing in common: they both have a passion for the classroom and for students and for teaching.

I want to fuel my own passion for the classroom, students, and teaching.

While I'd thought that my personal situation would make it nearly impossible to keep seeking a school position this year and next, I've carefully evaluated things, and sought out the opinions of my wife, sons, and former spouse, and have decided to not only continue looking but to open the search from just indendent boarding schools to include day schools (and even public schools).

As has been true, I still have a list of criteria to screen possibilities. Here's the criteria for this season's search. The first set of criteria is for all schools. Then there's a set of criteria for boarding schools; the third set of criteria is for day schools and boarding schools which don't meet the boarding criteria. In short, I'll still consider boarding schools which don't meet the boarding school criteria, but they must meet the day school criteria.

Selection Criteria for all schools

• Non-profit
• College prep or college bound
• Maintain similar standard of living as current
• Co-ed or all boys

Additional Selection Criteria for boarding schools

• 325 students, max
• 35% day students, max
• 1:9 faculty:student ratio, max
• 25% international students, max

Additional Selection Criteria for day schools and day/boarding schools

• 400 students max (upper school)
• Casual dress
• Follows Coalition of Essential Schools or other progressive program
• If private school, must be an "independent" school
• Maximum faculty/student ratio 1:11

I've also decided that I'm not adverse to using head hunters, as by adding day schools and public schools to the mix, I'm increasing the number of possible schools a hundred-fold.

The working copy of my criteria for a school community can be found at my listography profile.

Food for thought... today's college student

Professional development: An online opportunity

Starting today:

The competition

Joust Competition - Scottish challenger
Originally uploaded by Mr. Physics

I know I ought not, but sometimes I look to see who a school has hired. I'm wondering who filled the role; what chopped liver pate am I? I likely ought not to do this, because in truth it doesn't matter and comparisons like this are evil... but I do it anyway.

A year ago, I looked to see who filled an English teaching job at a boarding school I'd thought I had a good interview with. They hired a young woman who had just finished a master's degree in the teaching of English from William & Mary.

Today, I looked to see who was filling the role of counselor at another school I'd had what I thought were good interviews. He holds a bachelor's and master's degrees from schools in southern Mississippi; he most recently served as a behavior specialist in a rural school district in Mississippi. And, he lists his athletic background as "wilderness activities, mountain climbing, rock climbing, body building, dirt bike racing." And I doubt he's a day over 30...

Oh, it's that time of the year again?

St Swithins
Originally uploaded by MrGiles

Can we hope that the third time's a charm?

Robert Kennedy at About: Private Schools posted today:

You know the sinking feeling you had first week of school. Things have changed for the worse at St. Swithin's as far as you are concerned. You just aren't happy there any more. After five years it's time to move on. So, just how marketable are you anyway? Ponder this question as you read How Marketable Are You?

The window for finding a new job is a narrow one. It runs from Now through February 15 or thereabouts. If you are thinking about a move, you'd better get moving now!

I'm off and running, and clearly this is a marathon and not a sprint.

This is what I crave

The Almighty Punahou School
Originally uploaded by SandyRat

Over at Throughlines, Bruce Schauble recently wrote

Once upon a time I thought that if I stayed at something long enough, it would eventually get easier. That has turned out to be true in some cases. I can, for example, after three years of practice, now play a C major scale on the piano with both hands without screwing it up too badly. I can throw together a salad in five minutes before dinner, without injuring myself, whereas once it was even money if I could get it done without breaking into the Band-Aid box.

But this is my 38th year of teaching, and I've gotta tell ya, whatever else it is, it isn't easier. The teaching part is always interesting and always challenging in a good way. It's the stuff that's going on around the edges just keeps getting more complex.

I want to work in a community of thoughtful people; I want to work with people who believe, like Mr. Schauble, that teaching is "always interesting and always challenging in a good way."

Perhaps as I expand my search to day schools, I'll add Mr. Schauble's Punahou School.

Talk like a Pirate Day!

Talk like a Pirate Day!
Originally uploaded by aromig52

Oh, to have a classroom where we could all talk like a pirate for the day! Don't let the 19th slip past without embracing your inner pirate.

My school is currently looking for a headmaster. Would you consider that type of job?

P3220105
Originally uploaded by Tidewater Muse

Yes.

There's a slew of "howevers" however.

Several weeks ago, my son Richard asked me if I won the lotto, would I build a boarding school? Interesting question, and it does get at the root of the question: What do I truly want to do?

My answer to this question is shifting slightly. What's shifting? I think the main thing that is shifting is I want to put my leadership skills to work.

That's all for now... and, yes, I realize that's not a complete answer or a complete thought. Off to Richard's school for a meeting with his teachers... More to follow.

The Internet is an amazing thing

Cathedral in the Forest
Originally uploaded by algo

I am amazed at what the Internet does and can do. I've met fantastic people using the tools of the Internet; I've had some great times with people I've met using the tools of the Internet; I've reconnected with friends and colleagues lost through time using the Internet. And today, as I'm discounting even the possibility of teaching this year and gearing up for a busy fall at work and completion of my dissertation, I receive an email with the subject line of "English Teacher."

Hi, I am the Director of Studies at St. Swithins School in Middle of Everywhere, New England. My wife found your blog while doing web searches for our school. Are you still looking for a position?

Okay, I've changed the name to my default St. Swithins, but even so, amazing. Even if nothing comes of this, I'll chalk even the possibility up to the power of the Internet.

And, as I'm still reading the NAIS job board, I guess I am "still looking."

Dissertation Progress

Dissertation Run 4
Originally uploaded by rokou

Forgot to mention... received the following email yesterday:

Peter,

Congratulations! You have an approved Concept Paper. Now it's on to your Proposal. Review the Power Point and the Dissertation Guide on the ARC website before you start. If you have any questions just ask.

Good Luck with your job search.

Take care.

Dr. Regina

For anyone who wants to suffer through my concept paper (which will become Chapter 1 of the final dissertation), you can find the work posted here.

The academic year begins to swing

first teacher meeting of the year
Originally uploaded by dbstrother

August is two-thirds of the way past, and across the US of A, teachers are gearing up to return to the classroom. Anticipation. Excitement. Fear. Hope.

As we all know, I'll not be in a classroom. Yesterday, at a farewell party for a family leaving our church for a new assignment in Bath, Maine, someone asked me about my job search. That I was standing there this late in August spoke more volumes than I could have actually uttered.

Scanning the headlines, I learned that my high school alma mater has new faculty and staff. Not surprising. What did surprise me was the age of the two faculty profiled. I'm getting old. The article profiled the new athletic director and assistant athletic director at the school. The new AD graduated from Yale in 1998; she spent the last five years coaching and teaching at Saint Mark's School in Southborough, MA. The assistant AD graduated from Baylor in 2004. Okay, that makes them something like 32 and 25.

Perhaps I'm too old to be even have considered getting back into the boarding school biz. I remember when I was a college senior looking for a boarding school position, I was told I was too young. I earned a master's degree and landed a job. Now, at the age of 45, I seem to be too old. Some how, I slept through the prime time to land a job.

August spins to a close

the birth of a better Day
Originally uploaded by COWsignal

Well, here we are in the middle of August, and the month is now full-tilt spinning to a close. Pretty much all bets are off for my candidacy to an independent boarding school. I do have one recently submitted application, but in general all is quiet and no options remain open.

I'm at peace with the situation. Very much so.

Certainly, I still have the burning desire, but I am now working on ways that I can quench, if not fulfill, the desire, one component at a time.

This week, I'm teaching at a conference for officer trainees in the College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative. It's nice to be helping provide for the success of these young Coasties.

Last week I met several representatives of colleges and universities who serve military members, and they encouraged me to consider adjunct faculty positions. I will, as I think it will help provide me a venue to make a difference in the lives of those around me.

So, at the moment, I'm looking forward to new venues to teach, coach, and counsel.

Defense Against the Dark Arts

i deftly deflect cara's blast
Originally uploaded by theparadigmshifter

My lovely bride has suggested that I apply to Hogwarts for the Defense Against the Dark Arts faculty position... at least I'd get a year's worth of work, and it would be exciting...

Perhaps it is time for me to move to Springfield

Came home from church today to find an interesting email waiting for me in the in-tray:

Sincerely hope your job hunt progressing. I came across your site researching schools for my son, and since you are so sharp and open and love teaching (as do I), I'm wondering if I might impose on you for the kind of straight answers about admissions and financial aid that are tough to come by.

Sharp. Open. And love teaching. We forgot to mention seemingly without an answer to my calling...

Yes I did respond, albeit I don't know enough about financial aid to have been much help in that department.

I find it very interesting who has found me on the web. We can do things today that were unthinkable fifteen years ago. What will things be like in another decade? I can't even imagine.

As to the status of my current search, no joy. The latest note I received from a head of school was short and to the point.

Peter, many complications to this hiring and I believe we have just concluded the search. Thank you for thinking of us....

Er. Ah. You're welcome.

Why boarding schools? Immersion.

Immersion II
Originally uploaded by sharply_done

Yesterday, Mr. B-G asked, "Why is it that you only want to teach at an independent boarding school?"

This would be the question of the hour.

The short answer is simple: Immersion.

I want to immerse myself in a school and the life of a school. I want to be a part of the school in every waking moment.

Okay, that's a slightly flippant answer, but it is accurate as far as it goes.

First, let me be clear about the type of school I seek: independent; secondary; college-prep; small; boarding. Not just any boarding school; not just any independent school; not just any secondary school. Independent. Secondary. College-preparatory. Small. Boarding.

Yes, the selection is small; my count is fewer than a hundred schools, probably closer to 70 schools.

Why not settle for something else? There are plenty of schools that meet some, but not all, of my criteria which would likely be thrilled to have me as a faculty candidate. I think the answer is that I have a darn good gig where I am, and I'll give it up for my ideal but nothing else.

So, let me go through my list and be positive about what I seek.

Independent: My sense, based on my experience, is that in independent schools faculty members have a fair amount of freedom in the classroom and in choosing what to teach and how to teach it. With my former spouse and her husband teaching in local public schools, and my own older sons attending public schools, I am disturbed at what I see, particularly with regard to the Commonwealth's standards of learning. I know; I know; this is a bit of rash generalization. The other item is a bit more pragmatic: I'm not certified.

Secondary: Years ago I would visit schools for fun during spring vacation. I usually spent one week of the two weeks touring schools, spending a day in a school. In talking to teachers, I never found a middle school teacher who didn't love their job. I can't say the same for the elementary school teachers I met or the secondary school teachers I met. That being said, I enjoy high school students as they have, on the whole, developed intellectually so that they can actually function in a world of ideas. I like ideas.

College prep: I want to work with students who are at least considering college. In the world of independent boarding schools, there are schools which are therapeutic in nature. While I do have a degree in counseling, I don't want to work in a school which has an entire student body in need of therapeutic interventions.

Small: Small is good. Small is, I believe, better than big. For me, small means fewer than 300 students, and that would actually be on the large side. Ideally, the max would be about 220 or so. And, that's the max. In my studies of small communities and small organizations, I came across one author who noted that when an organization is less than 300, it's possible to actually know everyone. Once the organization has grown beyond that point, it's not possible to know everyone... and people fall through the cracks. I seek a small school.

Boarding: And, finally, boarding. I'm looking for the 24 by 7 experience, something that demands immersion.

For more on my beliefs about schools, see this essay.

Lastly, if I don't land a teaching job, I'll be able to concentrate on finishing my dissertation, and finishing the dissertation is a high priority. I don't want to be ABD forever.

Desperation

Noise
Originally from LOlandeseVolante

My thanks to Mr. Guy. Yes, you're right, it does sound desperate.

And, sadly, it's too late. The letter already went.

And I've heard... nothing.

The note was one that was written hurriedly and passionately; I probably should have given it time to ferment, like a fine wine.

Interestingly, I don't actually consider myself desperate. Resigned, perhaps, but not desperate. Resigned that I'll not be working in a boarding school come this September.

But I've got this great idea for a community sailing center to build right out my front door...

What do I teach?

sunset
Originally uploaded by solarnu

Recently, I came across a job description that sounded very interesting:

Candidates should hold a B.A. or B.S. (field flexible), be self-directed, and have the flexibility to work with many different kinds of people. Interest in and experience with methods of multi-modal or differentiated instruction are important, as are familiarity with and interest in a cross-platform environment (Macintosh and PC). Finally, candidates should be realistic and excited about the challenges and rewards of teaching and living in a boarding school.

Interestingly, while in the past I'd seen myself capable of many roles, usually within teaching I only seriously considered English and history positions. I could see myself in nearly any administrative position at the dean or associate dean level, but teaching only held two disciplines.

I think I was wrong: that's a position I could definitively see not only doing, but excelling.

So I wrote to the academic dean. This is one of the schools which has already interviewed me... and reviewed my package for at least half-a-dozen positions over the last two years. Here's what I wrote:

Dear Ken,

I saw recently that you may have experienced a late departure and are now looking for a "field-flexible" technology teacher.  I am most interested in this position at Saint Swithins.

As you know from reading my blog and perusing of my wiki, I may not have previously considered myself a technology teacher, but rather a teacher who uses and understands technology.  I'd like a swing at the role to teach technology so that my use of technology could be seen (and copied) by colleagues.

As you know, technology is merely a tool to help with some bit of learning.  I picture students using technology to further other disciplines.  I see students creating a wiki about the biology of the campus; I see students keeping semi-official blogs about life as a student; I see outreach offices, such as alumni and development, using Web 2.0 tools to get the message about Saint Swithins to the widest constituency as possible.

In terms of formal educational preparation for this position, I have none.  In terms of informal study and hands-on use of the technology tools, I have plenty.  I'm not "bleeding edge," but I'm definitely "cutting edge" when it comes to trying and using new technology, particularly Web 2.0 tools.  I have a more than passing familiarity with a variety of computer operating systems, including Windows, MacOS, Linux, and VMS.

Please do consider me for the role, Ken.  I think you'll more than agree I'm a good fit for the job, and you know my desire to be on a resident faculty is tremendously strong.  As you know, you can find my candidacy package online.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Reading over it, I come off too forcefully. Sorry, Kenneth.

And that, right there, is part of what is so interesting about blogging in the open. It's all out there.

So, dear readers, I have a question for you to consider, if you'd be so kind. Well, actually, I have two questions.

1. Do you think, after looking over this blog and my credentials package, I'd be able to compete well for the appointment, do the job, and also excel in the role?

2. Do you think my letter was too strong & over-the-top?

Please do let me know what you think; post in the Comments section below.

My thanks to all of you...

More Crayons
Originally uploaded by angieu

... who have taken the time to check out my credentials package and provide feedback. And a special thanks to Mr. California Teacher Guy who posted a link, no, rather an entire post, to my plea for assistance.

And the feedback has been most helpful. It's forced me to tweak and re-tweak and think and re-think. I know it's not possible to please everyone, but the critical eye from everyone has been helpful in forcing me to at least articulate in my mind certain decisions. Certainly, more review and comments is welcome.

Current status: Continuing to hold. I have a couple of open applications, and more unanswered applications than I care to think about.

Soliciting counsel

Gentle reader, I beseech you to check out my new credentials package and provide feedback, if you would. Thanks.

Why teach? Why this calling?

Silence please....God is talking!!
Originally uploaded by neloqua

With the lag of progress on my search, I've thought a bit about this call. Is it truly a call, or is it something I invented? Am I doing this for those I'd serve, or am I doing this for me?

It is real.

I am doing this as service, not for myself.

Over at The Daily Grind (h/t to Dana Huff at huffenglish... and how I didn't catch it myself as I have The Daily Grind on my reader), Mr. McNamar proposes the Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teachers, with apologies to Dr. Steven Covey.

1. Desire


2. Be Yourself


3. Prepare


4. Don't Move on until the Concept is Understood


5. It's about the students


6. Go with what works


7. Don't Give Up

These speak to me; they speak to me louder than most of what I have read the last several weeks.

Okay, that's not saying much, perhaps, but they have spoken to me. Habits 1, 2, 5, and 7 resonate with me in my current situation.

My call is sure. My skills are honed. My passion is aflame.

I am ready to serve.

Online Poll here at "A School to Call Home"

survey 1
Originally uploaded by Dasha_K

I'm using Blogger's new draft interface, and there's a cool polling tool. I've placed a poll in the sidebar; please respond. If you read A School to Call Home in an RSS reader, please swing on by to answer the poll.

Thanks.

And if you want to leave a comment, please do so on this post.

Still circling; still holding

Schools Out For Summer
Originally uploaded by arodphoto

I've decided to stop holding my breath.

Scott Elliott notes, "a few years ago, we were worrying about an impending teacher shortage here. Now with the economy in the dumps, districts are cutting teachers left and right."

While he's referring to public school districts, I'm not sure the independent school teacher market is any better.

Nothing. Nada. No joy.

The academic dean who visited last week never got in touch with me; I can only assume no interview is likely. The admissions dean out west looking for an associate dean has not responded to two, short, carefully-crafted emails expressing interest (these followed kind words by the head of school).

Perhaps this isn't going to be my year to end up back at a small boarding school. At least I still have a job.

A quiz for you... History teachers might find this of interest

Over at my Tidewater Musings, I've posted a speech with a challenge: Identify the speaker. Give it whirl and see how you do.

I've been Simpsonized

Mr. S, Boarding School Teacher
Originally uploaded by Tidewater Muse

I'm not sure whether to be happy or sad at this gift from my wife...

CMC, are you there?

Mentee & Mentor
Originally uploaded by Tidewater Muse

A note to CMC, who posted a comment below... If you're out there, could you get in touch with me? I didn't see an email addy, and I'd like to pick your brain. Thanks.

Where we stand

HBpanorama.jpg
Originally uploaded by gravity0069

Holding. One. Two. Three.

Here we are, the day before the July 4th holiday. I'm in the office, still employed as a performance consultant, still called to a small boarding school, and still waiting.

I was gladdened to see that one of my recent visitors to my blog is from a school which is looking for an English teacher. The academic dean told me that he'd be narrowing the field this week to create a short-list for interviewing. While I haven't heard if I've made the cut, I'm pretty sure he visited yesterday.

And that is good news. Why? Well, frankly, there's been a dearth of school leaders from small boarding schools who are conducting active faculty searches actually stopping by A School to Call Home. And this lack of visits sort'a puts the question of anonymity vs. transparency fairly moot. If nobody visits, it really doesn't matter if the blog is open and transparent.

So, I sign off today, the day before this mid-week holiday, hopeful that by Thursday I'll get a call to come up for an interview.

In the mean time, perhaps I’ll take the boys to the beach tomorrow.

I wish you all a relaxing holiday tomorrow, and a chance to enjoy the freedoms and liberties so hard fought by Americans throughout the years.

A change in blogging strategy?

Approaching the Altar
Originally uploaded by Stuck in Customs

First, let me share an email discussion with you:

Peter (me): Do the leaders of the schools you're applying to know you have a blog and, if yes, have they dropped by to visit

California Teacher Guy: Why do you ask about administrators visiting my blog? To my knowledge, no one knows about it--and I'd like to keep it that way!

Me: I asked because my blog is written in the clear, and I'm wondering if I'm losing interviews and/or offers because of my online presence, both at A School to Call Home and my other blogging/writing endeavors. Not sure if it is a plus or a minus.

California Teacher Guy: Honestly, Peter, I have heard so many horror stories about teachers being reprimanded (or worse) by administrators for blogging openly that I think it's the height of wisdom to maintain anonymity. I read probably three dozen teacher blogs a day, and only ONE of them (well, TWO, with yours) is not anonymous. You might, IMHO, want to rethink your blogging strategy, especially for A School to Call Home.

I'm interested in Mr. Guy's response as it touches on two important issues.

First, it assumes that I have, or need, a blogging strategy. This isn't just writing; this is automatic publishing to the world and available in nearly every home and office in America, if the residents of those homes and the workers in the offices decide they want to read what I've written.

I do have a strategy, mind you... more on that to follow.

The second issue is somewhat more problamatic, albeit just as important. What's the issue? The issue is the question of anonymity.

Actually, I think the first issue and the second issue are tied together. The question of being anonymous or not is a strategic question.

There is a third important issue which raises its ugly form in Mr. Guy's notes: Do I really want to work at a place where my blogging -- my comments and commentary on the world around me -- are going to be a problem?

The issue of anonymity has been a large one in the Virginia political blogosphere.

While I'm going to address some of these issues over the next several days, I'd be interested to hear some readers' thoughts. What are your thoughts?