by Jimmy L, Staff Writer
How many years have you worked at Gal? How many years as department head?
“This is my 22nd year at Galileo. I have been department head since 2010.”
Why did you decide to teach at Galileo?
“Galileo needed a Social Studies teacher at the last minute. As a result, I was called in for an interview and they offered me a job the next day. At the time, Galileo was the only school that offered me a job, so I was happy to accept the position.”
What are your extra responsibilities as department head?
“I still consider myself to be a classroom teacher. Most of my energy is focused on that. As a department head, I have a few more responsibilities. I go to more meetings than classroom teachers. I also plan and run weekly department meetings. I assist the administration with planning teacher schedules and classroom assignments. I am also responsible for the department budget and supplies, so it’s my responsibility to make sure that teachers have the supplies, textbooks, and other resources that they need to teach their students. Other than that, I just help out where I can.”
What are the benefits/ drawbacks?
“Being department head offers me an opportunity to serve my school and my colleagues. As department head, I am also part of the Instructional Leadership Team. This allows me to voice my department’s input in school-wide decisions. One drawback includes having to report back to school three days before teachers do, and also sticking around two days after the last day of school.”
What is your least favorite thing about being a DH?
“It can be difficult balancing a department’s wants and needs. Helping to plan a department schedule can also be difficult because it’s impossible to accommodate every teacher’s preferences such as what classes to teach, which periods to teach, sharing classrooms and more.”
Why did you want to become department head?
The previous department head retired. During the years before her retirement, she began showing me how to perform some of the duties expected of a department head. When she retired, people just assumed that I would replace her. I was happy to step up and serve the department.
How hard is it to balance your tasks as a department head and classroom teacher?
My first priority is my classroom. Most of the department head tasks can wait. I feel busier, so keeping a list of items to do along with prioritizing those items by importance helps me balance my tasks.
How do you think other teachers would describe you as department head?
Teachers should see that I trust them as professionals. They do not need to be micromanaged because they know what they are doing. If they need help, they should also feel comfortable enough to approach me.
What qualities do you bring as department head?
I’m even tempered and I try not to talk that much in meetings. I am trying to improve as a listener and also working on finding ways to affirm and encourage other teachers.
FUN FACT about yourself
Fun fact: I enjoy dark roast coffees with no milk and no sugar
