By promoting a diversified style of learning, teaching and administrating, and requiring that all members respect diversity whether that is in the classroom or outside of school. It is the basis for which this nation was founded and must be understood that it is a requirement for all citizens to uphold and respect. Students and/or teachers that do not abide by this basic principle must be dealt with appropriately and all parties involved must understand that this type of action will not be tolerated.

As a teacher I totally converted industrial education curriculum to modular-type technology education curriculum; as a DPI Tech. Ed. Consultant I assisted school districts in developing modular-type technology education curriculum; as a pilot for Air Wisconsin I developed training materials using the Worldwide Instructional Design System (WIDS) performance-based design tool and my Master's thesis was based around developing computer-based curriculum resources.

First of all, an educational leader must start out by sharing his plan with all faculty members and displaying a sincere devotion to these initiatives with the understanding that actions will speak louder than words. Second, open a two way path of communication by getting interested faculty members on board during the planning phases, recruit key persons to help with major initiatives and learn to delegate certain responsibilities. Keys to success: communication, involvement, constructive feedback and do not micromanage.

I am a true believer in the statement, "One size does not fit all," and when related to middle school methodologies, Data-Driven Decision Making must factor into the process. While teaching technology education at the middle school level, student-centered project-based learning was the basis of my instruction. I strived to relate as much of the required subject materials (i.e. math, science, English, history) into my own subject matter to promote a holistic learning environment.

By listening to their needs and promoting quality staff professional development opportunities. More important than ever, an administrative staff must seek out and offer opportunities that allow teaching staff to excel in technology-rich learning classes and seminars. Positive reinforcement/praise toward staff members that stand out above the rest and always exert effort above the normal "call of duty" also needs to be common practice as an administrative leader. "You get more bees with honey" is a motto of mine.

First, it starts with the leadership of each and every school, i.e. the principals, administrative support staff and the cadre of teachers. A leadership team having and living by the motto, "Failure is not an option." Second, 24/7 totally dedicated communication between administration, teachers, students and parents. Third, rules that are set and enforced. Fourth, an administration that will stand behind their staff and students. Fifth, curriculum that meets the needs of all students.

By leading by example and truly wanting to be an instrument of change. By having a vision for learning and living by the motto, "failure is not an option." If an administrator loves what he does, dedicates himself to the cause, and surrounds himself with highly intelligent, dedicated and caring teachers/staff, change is inevitable. This belief and motivation will permeate throughout a school and into staff and students, and quality change will follow.

My school would be designed to meet the needs and be accessible to all students. It would be technologically advanced and "wired" in a way that would assist students and teachers to stay on the leading edge of technology/learning. The school would become a center for face-to-face learning, but would also include a great amount of virtual learning over the Internet which would extend beyond the "brick and mortar" classroom.

First of all, we must consider and follow mandates established through DPI and the Federal Government that must be acted upon under current law. The "sacred" part would be what is most needed to provide students with the tools to succeed in life. This includes the three "Rs", but technology, vocational training and the arts must be taught in conjunction with all subject matter as much as financially possible.

As a leader, I am a firm believer in surrounding myself with very motivated, intelligent and ethically driven people. I do not micromanage, but instead allow people to do what they are trained best to do and take responsibility for their actions. I will listen a great deal and work toward a collaborative decision-making process structure, but when a decision has to be made, I will accept the responsibility that comes with this, be open-minded, and stand behind the people I represent.

The key to my plan is that I don't plan to do it alone. I will surround myself with the best, most intelligent and dedicated educators and we will work to develop our plan as a cohesive group. My overall plan will be to not just meet state standards, but to exceed them. We as educators must establish a "new bar" if we are going to meet the needs of our students today and into the future, and this certainly can be done better as a group working toward common goals.

With the significant reductions in school budgets currently taking place, (one) the ability to meet the standards required and outlined under the "No Child Left Behind Act"; (two) the ability for school districts to offer up-to-date and applicable curriculum to properly prepare students to face 21^st Century technologies; and (three) to offer a curriculum base that is well rounded for all students, i.e. college bound vs. technical college/workforce.

My diverse administrative/leadership experiences include: Director of the Aeronautic Program for Fox Valley Technical College, Technology Education/STW Consultant for the Department of Public Instruction, Executive Director of Wisconsin SkillsUSA - Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (SkillsUSA-VICA), Director of Operation for Orion Flight Services and several administrative roles in military and civilian aviation as a pilot and officer.

An administrative leader must have an "open door" policy and be willing to work long hours to perform all tasks that will be required of him or her. I will do this by offering myself on a 24/7 schedule. Because I feel I have the most important job of developing the next leaders of this great country, it is my duty to offer my assistance in this way and I am honored to be a part of shaping the next generations of Americans.

Everything that I have done in my life up to this point has shaped and prepared me for this task of becoming a principal. As you can see from my resume, I have a very diversified background in and outside of education. I am not venturing back into this occupation because I just want change in my own life. I want to be an educational leader, welcome the many associated challenges that I will face, want to help shape our educational system, but most importantly, I want to help students learn and be successful.

While teaching for the Burlington School District, as a part of an Aviation/Aerospace Unit I was teaching, I coordinated an Aviation Career Awareness Day for all students and faculty to participate in (please refer to the WECAN Attachment Section for examples). Many teachers participated in team teaching their specific subject matter related to aviation/aerospace and students benefited by experiencing commonality between different academic and vocational disciplines.

One: Providing key leadership for faculty and students under the direction of the principal. Two: Determining on the Principal's overall plan, develop, coordinate and implement the High School Disciplinary Policy Plan of Action and develop an atmosphere that is conducive for all students to learn and faculty to work. Three: Participate and be an active member in school district initiatives. Four: Actively engage with students and parents.