School Leaders: Why Should They Blog?
September 30th, 2009
I’m attending a workshop on Thursday entitled “Unleashing the Power of Web-Based Tools for Every School Leader: Using Digital Tools for Instruction, Communication, Community building, and Professional Development” as presented by Dr. Kathleeen P. King, Professor of Education at Fordham University. Iroquois Superintendent Neil Rochelle and I are presenting in the middle of the day on the “regional applications” of the tools.
There’s a lot happening in our classrooms with the uses of technology by our faculty and students. Off the top of my head at Randolph these uses include pod-casts, wikis, Ipods, smart boards with senteo clickers, video presentations of projects, digital media including YouTube videos, blogging and all of our instructional software programs which are too numerous to list.
I’m guessing though that this audience of administrators from Western New York will want to hear more about the reasons Neil and I might have for including technology in our own professional practices. Specifically, I’ve been asked to talk about this practice of blogging.
At first I was going to do a PowerPoint presentation about it, not detailed–more just a visual about the uses of the blog for me, including screen shots. I started it and thought, “this isn’t right–PowerPoint is so yesterday and they’re there to learn more about today’s tools“–so I’m going to do a series of posts with links that I can point to for the presentation.
Readers–please consider posting a comment below directed at an audience of administrators that answers the question, “Why do you read this blog?” To further prompt readers, consider: If you come back after reading the first time, why? What are you looking for? What does it provide for you? What more do you wish you could learn here?
Perhaps your comments will help to influence a group of school administrators who are considering additional ways to communicate with their school communities!
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See also:
- Empowering Teachers and Students (November 23rd, 2009)
- When is Life Fair? (November 18th, 2009)
- Randolph Parent Responds (November 12th, 2009)
- Randolph Cardinals Keep On Winning! (November 9th, 2009)
- Sectional Season (October 28th, 2009)
September 30th, 2009 at 11:02 am
I check this blog daily and look forward to finding out what your thoughts are in regards to current issues within our school or in general. It’s a great tool for supplying information and recieving direct feedback. I applaud your effort in maintaining an open line of communication with the community. I guess it’s just nice to know that you are not merely some “wizard behind a curtain” making random decisions based on your own agenda.
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September 30th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
When I started subscribing to blogs 4 years ago, you were one of the few administrators who blogged. I keep your blog in my administrators folder in my reader, as an example as I work with administrators in my own district.
Although I’m not a school administrator, I find the reflections to be very relevant and applicable for my role.
I work with some very bright, articulate administrators and have great discussions with them. My goal and push is for them to take those offline discussions online and connect with others whom they can learn from and with.
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September 30th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
There are MANY reasons I read this blog.
1. Your issues are real and relevant to so many of us. It is nice to hear what you are doing, how you are thinking and how you resolve and work through situations in your school.
2. Your writing has great voice. Because you put yourself out there and just write what you are thinking, it becomes very relevant to the reader as we all are thinking and working through similar projects, ideas and issues.
3. I appreciate the comments and I learn. I am not a superintendent, but I am always inspired by what you are saying and how you are connecting, and I seem to take a bit away every time to ponder and share with others.
Thank you!
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September 30th, 2009 at 5:42 pm
What a great series of posts and way to introduce people to blogging. Your reasons are right on. Why do I blog? I have something to say and I get to be part of a larger conversation. The more voices in the conversation the better so I welcome – with open arms – anyone who is willing to give it a try.
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September 30th, 2009 at 10:36 pm
Kim,
Yours was one of the first edu-blogs I read when I discovered blogging. Actually, I was pointed in your direction by Will Richardson, one of the pioneers of education blogging. I truly enjoyed your posts about your experiences as a principal, and now I enjoy reading about your experiences as a superintendent. There are not many of you (blogging supts) out there, and I respect how you use this forum to share very honestly your thoughts about your job. I think it is riskier for a superintendent to write a blog than for a principal because your job is so much more political than mine. However, sharing one’s thoughts for the world to read is worth the risk, and that is what you do so well here.
I have tried to get my superintendent to start blogging, but I have been unsuccessful so far. I hope that as she reads my blog posts and she sees how I am sharing my thoughts, beliefs, feelings, and ideas about school administration, teaching, and learning that she will become inspired to do the same.
I am especially looking forward to your future posts regarding blogging for administrators because this school year I will be teaching a series of workshops about the Read/Write web (blogs, wikis, RSS, etc.) to groups of Illinois principals. I know there is a lot to learn from you.
Keep up the inspiring work!
Dave
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October 1st, 2009 at 2:47 pm
I’m a taxpayer in the Randolph School District, have a student in the system and am a former teacher. I read this blog because I want to be a better educated voter: posts such as those on the bus garage issue speak to that. I believe as a parent it is my responsibility to educate my child; I have chosen RCS as my partner in that mission. This blog provides one means of enhancing my partnership with the district. As a former teacher this blog provides a way for me to get back in touch and stay in touch with education as a profession.
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October 4th, 2009 at 9:18 am
[...] of teachers as well. I have been reading a series of blogs written by Kimberly Moritz entitled School Leaders: Why Should They Blog? Moritz is a superintendent of a school district and a frequent blogger. She feels that there is [...]
October 5th, 2009 at 9:13 am
I read your blog on a regular basis and find it to be very interesting. You bring family and friends together with the work place so that people can relate better. Our community is very lucky to have you! I am looking forward to reading many more blogs.
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October 11th, 2009 at 3:54 pm
There are a number of things I would like to say about this blog: First, I believe it is an excellent way to communicate. Not only Superintendent to community, but, community to superintendent. As a faculty member, I believe it is also an excellent way to communicate between administration and faculty in a way that shows the community that we are all working toward a better education for our children. Secondly, Mrs. Moritz shows that she practices what she preaches. She is constantly telling the staff that we need to use technology. She shows her leadership ability by showing us the way. Thirdly, it shows this community what a great choice they made in making Mrs. Moritz their superintendent. She is truly a great communicator, not only through this blog but also with her staff. It may appear that I am trying to get brownie points, since I am a member of her staff. However, anyone who knows me, knows that I am direct and to the point. They also know that I am too close to retirement to need brownie points. Congratulations Randolph, on having a great educational system! I am proud to be a part of it!
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October 11th, 2009 at 4:28 pm
Blogging is new for me. I am taking a class and am so impressed with this blog. Thank you for taking time to write and share.
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