Possible Primary School Vice Principal Job??

macy10

Hi
The current vice principal has indicated that next year he intends to retire. I am close to him in seniority and feel that I am definitely up to the challenge and ready for a promotion. I am 11 years teaching in this school, but don't hold any post of responsibility within the school currently.

I hope to apply when he give in his notice, and would like to be as prepared as possible if and when this happens. Do you have any recommendations for courses/things to do in preparation for this??

I would like to put my best foot forward as any other potential contenders are at the same seniority level as I am so not much between us...

Any advice really appreciated!

J.R.

macy10 wrote: »

Hi
The current vice principal has indicated that next year he intends to retire. I am close to him in seniority and feel that I am definitely up to the challenge and ready for a promotion. I am 11 years teaching in this school, but don't hold any post of responsibility within the school currently.

I hope to apply when he give in his notice, and would like to be as prepared as possible if and when this happens. Do you have any recommendations for courses/things to do in preparation for this??

I would like to put my best foot forward as any other potential contenders are at the same seniority level as I am so not much between us...

Any advice really appreciated!

Your are right to be thinking a year in advance - many don't even think about it until the post is advertised and then begin to panic wondering what they should do / know.


Firstly I would look at the new, revised marking scheme for interview


http://www.into.ie/ROI/InfoforTeache...l0039_2014.pdf


This will give you an idea of the way the interview is marked / where marks go etc.

Secondly I would be on the look-out to do a suitable leadership course during summer. Something like:


http://ippn.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6787&Itemid=327


This will definitely put you in the frame of mind


I would also seriously think of getting a post graduate qualification in Leadership.......this would definitely give you a good edge over other applicaticants if they had none. You don't need a Master ....you could enrol in
this diploma course (closing date is two weeks time)


http://postgradireland.com/course/8972



After that read suitable material...go to the library, search on-line lok at websites. IPPN have a magazine for principals & deputy principals which members receive monthly (back issues here). Browse through them to see what is of concern / being discussed.

http://ippn.ie/index.php?option=com_mtree&task=listcats&cat_id=54&Itemid=94


Just remember you will be applying for a position that if successful you will:

1. stand in for the principal, if absent

2. assist the principal in day to day running of school

3. come up with new ideas tio help & push school forward


Thing like this & you have plenty of time to gather your info. and be prepared

videos

http://primary.lds21.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=259


http://primary.lds21.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=260

macy10

J.R
Thank you so much for taking the time to post such a well informative, comprehensive reply! I am almost 100% sure that I'll enrol on the Toraiocht course which you have linked above, although I know time is running out for applications!

I will also try see if I can do that summer course you've suggested. Do you think it's limited to IPPN members? I tried to click on your magazine links but access to these are for IPPN members only. But thank you for bringing these to mind.

I've looked at there side marking scheme. How is this different to the one previous? Were the sections weighted dirfferently? Also, mod the think that the Principal would influence other members of the interview panel prior to the actual interview?

Again, I really appreciate your lengthy reply

J.R.

macy10 wrote: »

J.R
Thank you so much for taking the time to post such a well informative, comprehensive reply! I am almost 100% sure that I'll enrol on the Toraiocht course which you have linked above, although I know time is running out for applications!

I will also try see if I can do that summer course you've suggested. Do you think it's limited to IPPN members? I tried to click on your magazine links but access to these are for IPPN members only. But thank you for bringing these to mind.

I've looked at there side marking scheme. How is this different to the one previous? Were the sections weighted dirfferently? Also, mod the think that the Principal would influence other members of the interview panel prior to the actual interview?

Again, I really appreciate your lengthy reply

I will also try see if I can do that summer course you've suggested. Do you think it's limited to IPPN members?

I would say anybody could do it as it states:

Ciall Ceannaithe - IPPN's online summer course Is a highly practical step-by-step course built on the collective wisdom and experience of seasoned principals. The course is designed to professionally support Newly Appointed Principals through the first day, first week, first month and first year of their Principalship. It is also very suitable for teachers and deputy prinicpals who wish to one day undertake the role of principal or as a refresher course for experienced principals who wish to reflect on their current practice.............only principals & deputy principals can be members of IPPN but teachers are mentioned on this course so I'd say you could sign up.



There are lots of other suitable courses out there

http://cpd.hiberniacollege.net/CourseInformation/CPDCourses/leadershipfortheprimaryschoolprincipal.aspx

Key Skills for good school leadership
http://www.intolearning.ie/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IN02-Summer-2014-Programme-Poster-A2_finalcopy.pdf

Also, you do not have to limit your courses to leadership content…any course dealing with school self evaluation, assessment, paired reading, literacy / numeracy initiatives, etc. will be valuable.

Check into INTO site regularly to check for latest news and DES circulars…keep up to date with current practices and expectations…..remember if you get the job and principal is absent / sick then you are in charge!



I tried to click on your magazine links but access to these are for IPPN members only. But thank you for bringing these to mind.

I should have guessed that magazine links would only be available to members ......when I open it it always keeps me signed in so I can see everything on site.




I've looked at there side marking scheme. How is this different to the one previous?

It changed in relation to the way length of service is calculated for marking



think that the Principal would influence other members of the interview panel prior to the actual interview?

Interview panel is usually principal, chairperson & outside assessor approved by Archbishops House. The outside assessor is there to ensure the whole process is conducted in accordance with DES circulars and is also fair to all candidates.

The principal has one third of the marks in the interview - not the majority.



As to can the principal influence the interview?......nobody knows really!...each individual situation is different .........depends on the principal - the chairperson & outside assessor......in my experience these people are well capable of making up their own minds....they must also sign off on the fair process and in their opinion the best candidate was selected and the interview was conducted properly. If an appeal is lodged then they are answerable.