Evaluating staff...

Just finished attending a SAI informational meeting about the evaluation and discipline of staff. It was worth going to mainly because I needed a professional example of how to discipline. I found the techniques very similar to how I disciplined students in the past. With students I have always tried to work with them and build a relationship of trust knowing that if discipline did happen that the student would understand that I was trying to help. Some times they did, sometimes they did not, at least right away. Well...I hope to always build relationships and if discipline is needed that I always intend for it to help. I am learning every day what it takes to be a principal and every day I learn how important education really is to everyday life.

Govenor Brandstad Blueprint for Iowa Education

Govenor Brandstad, thanks for the conversation that you started with the 'Blueprint for Iowa Education'. Have been hearing a lot of conversation from teachers and administrators. Read a lot about it on line in teacher forums and the newspaper. What I haven't heard is conversations from parents and students. HMMMM???

Social Networking

Just read an article from the Washington Post about lawsuits from employees who had been fired due to postings on social networks. The postings involved criticism of company they worked for , procedures, or other employees. Many employees that were fired did not win the law suit to regain their jobs or salaries, a few did. What I noticed was that the employees that did win the law suits had criticized the company or management not only on a social network site but also in person and had filed complaints. So what did I learn from this article.

1. Social networks are public forums and that should always be remembered. Never ever think that someone will never read it.

2. Freedom of speech is freedom of speech even on a social network. Freedom of speech does not mean that you are not going to be held accountable for what you say, even if you have the right to say it.

3. If you have a legitimate complaint about the business you work for, management, procedures, or employees don't let your social network be the first or only place that you report it. Follow your companies procedures and then if the need arises use other reporting procedures such as a social network.

Any other tips?

Now , what do you think about companies that urge employees to use social networking sites and blogs and even expect it?

What social networking guides have you been made aware of at your job?