The apprenticeship component of the program is meant to expose candidates to meaningful administrative experiences in the school setting. The apprentice will work with their current principal or another designated mentor. This mentor is normally an experienced principal who is willing to work with the candidate during the program providing guidance and facilitating knowledge acquisition.
The candidate, in collaboration with their principal/ mentor, will complete the following three compulsory topics:
- Conflict Resolution
- School Growth and Development Team
- School Council Meetings
- Individual Student Program Development
- Professional Development for teachers
- Student Attendance Management
- Curriculum Leadership
- Professional and Non-Professional Replacement
- Teacher Interns
- School-Based Curriculum Related Activity
- School-wide Written Communication
- Administrative Software Competency
- School/Provincial/System Committee
- Other Approved Topics
Compulsory Topics
Topic 1 - Conflict Resolution
The candidates will assist in the resolution of a minimum of three conflict situations. The conflict may be student-teacher, teacher-teacher, student-student or parent-teacher. This topic requires close coordination with the school administrative team.
Documentation required for topic completion: The candidate will submit a written report of each experience with particular emphasis on the strategies employed in facilitating the resolution (Candidates are reminded that names in the report are to be changed to protect the privacy of those involved).
Topic 2 - School Growth and Development Team
The candidate will participate as a member of the School Growth and Development Team.
Documentation required for topic completion: The candidate will submit a reflection on the experience relating it to the collection and analysis of data and the intervention strategies implemented to improve student achievement.
Topic 3 - Academic Interventions
The candidate will assist the school administrative team in the monitoring and reporting of school based academic interventions.
Documentation required for topic completion: The candidate will submit a reflection on the experience related to the collection and analysis of data and the intervention strategies implemented to intervene with the individuals and groups targeted for intervention.
Professional Readings
Throughout the program, a series of professional readings will be provided to each candidate. Three of these readings will be identified as requiring a written reflection on designated dates. These reflections will be posted in the leadership development conference for all participants. In addition to the readings provided, candidates are encouraged to read and reflect on a variety of documents such as professional journals, current books, electronic list serves and research articles.Optional Topics
Topic 1 - Individual Student Program Development
The candidate will identify 3 students from their assigned teaching load that are in danger of failing. The candidate will develop individual programs meant to assist these students in becoming successful by the end of the school year.
Documentation required for topic completion: The candidate will maintain and submit a journal describing the experiences and events.
Topic 2 - Professional Development for teachers
The candidate will be involved in planning, presenting, and evaluating a professional development session for teachers. This may be done individually or with a school or district committee. Participation in a Department of Education or School Board initiative is acceptable for this topic.
Documentation required for topic completion: The candidate will submit a report which includes a synopsis of participant evaluations of the session. The candidate is also responsible for providing the session agenda.
Topic 3 - Student Attendance Management
The candidate will be involved in tracking, analyzing and managing student attendance in their school for a one month period. The candidate will liaise with the school administration, the student and home as required.
Documentation required for topic completion: The candidate will present a written report describing the experience and identifying some of the issues surrounding student attendance.
Topic 4 - Curriculum Leadership
The candidate will demonstrate leadership in a curriculum initiative during the current school year.
Documentation required for topic completion: The candidate will submit a description of the curriculum initiative and a written reflection on his/her leadership role in its implementation.
Topic 5 - Professional and Non-Professional Replacement.
The candidate will assist with employee substitution for a period of one month. This responsibility will include accepting teacher call-ins, contacting substitutes, dealing with internal fill-ins, orientating substitutes and monitoring their activities.
Documentation required for topic completion: The candidate will provide a written report in which the experiences with the topic are described. The candidate may give suggestions and recommendations on how substitution (external and internal) procedures can be improved.
Topic 6 - Teacher Interns
The candidate will serve as a cooperating teacher and complete the range of activities required by Memorial University.
Documentation required for topic completion: The candidate will submit a written report describing the process.
Topic 7 - School-Based Curriculum Related Activity
The candidate will assist in the development and implementation of a curriculum related activity, evaluate its effectiveness and reflect on the various stages of its implementation. It would be expected that this activity is beyond normal classroom preparation.
Documentation required for topic completion: The candidate will provide a written report of the activity and a description of the effectiveness of its implementation. Commentary should also include any possible suggestions for improvement.
Topic 8 - School/Community Communication
The candidate will work with his/her mentor developing a communication means such as: a school newsletter, revision of a school handbook, school web page, teacher web page or other school-based documentation.
Documentation required for topic completion: The candidate will provide a copy of the communication item, along with observations concerning the development and distribution of the communication.
Topic 9 - Administrative Software Competency
During the current school year the candidate will complete a introductory computer course/workshop in one or more of the following:
- Data management system - such as Winschool/SDS
- Spreadsheet application - such as Excel
- Webpage editing - such as FrontPage
- Presentation Software - such as PowerPoint
- Quicken
- Microsoft Office
- TCAS
- Other as approved by mentor
Topic 10 - Provincial/District Committee
The candidate will serve on a provincial or district committee that facilitates their development as a school administrator.
Documentation required for topic completion: The candidate will submit a written report detailing the experience.
Topic 11 - Other Approved Topics
The candidate may submit other options and alternative experiences for approval. The expectation is that these experiences contribute to leadership development. For example an alternative experience may include a University course not associated with the candidate's current program.
Documentation required for topic completion: The candidate will complete a written reflection outlining what the experience.
Topic 12 - School Council Meetings
The candidate will attend School Council meetings as the teacher representative.
Documentation required for topic completion: The candidate will submit a written report on each meeting describing the experience.