Name:
Peyton Novoa
Concentration:
Educational Leadership
Alternative practicum location:
Emma King Elementary School in the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) with administration
What was your focus?
I shadowed the principal of an elementary school and got to see the leadership and admin side of running a school. I also got to participate in a few board professional development activities, where I got to experience different roles around the board. Through this placement, I focused on leadership, dealing with conflict and discipline, and the ins and outs of being a principal.
How was your experience?
My alternative practicum experience was very informational, providing me with an insight on what happens on every aspect in a school and empathy towards what administrators have to handle. Beyond that, I found it very beneficial to be able to ask questions about hiring, how to deal with certain procedures, and really advantageous to meet people all throughout the board I want to work in.
How did you find this placement?
Applied through the Practicum Office. I completed the alternative practicum in the same school I was in for PRAC440 + 460.
Did anything surprise you during your placement?
The life of a principal is far more paperwork than I imagined. I was also surprised to learn that respect from teachers and students highly depends on how the principal runs the school, their presence and transparency, and their support.