Initial Vita

 

Vita

Robert Murray

6622 Mahan Wood Drive, Humble, TX 77346

281.324.7515(w); 832.289.0405(c); rmurray@huffmanisd.net

Education/Certification

·         Lamar University, Beaumont, TX                                                            2011

Superintendent Certification Cohort (in progress)

·        University of Houston-Victoria, Victoria, TX                                        2005

Mid-Management Certification

M.Ed.- Instructional Leadership

·        Henderson State University, Arkadelphia, AR                                     1993

BSE- Kinesiology/History                            

Administrative Experience

Vice-Principal, Hargrave High School

Huffman I.S.D.

Huffman, TX 77336

2001-present

·         Responsible for students services including day-to-day operations involving attendance, student safety, and discipline management

·         Responsible for instructional leadership and evaluation of English and Science departments

·         Responsible for facility operation and liaison to maintenance department

·         Chair district safety committee

·         Supervise law enforcement activities on campus

Athletic Director, Louise I.S.D.

Louise, TX 77455

1997-2001

·         Supervised overall athletic program

·         Responsible for evaluation of all dual-contract employees

·         LISD UIL representative

·         Responsible for overseeing and maintaining athletic budgetary considerations

·         Conducted athletic booster club meetings

·         Head coach of first three state championship teams in school history

Teaching Experience

Government/Economics Teacher- Social Science Department Head

Louise High School

Louise, TX 77455

1994-1997

·         Supervised district social science department

·         Oversaw disaggregation of district social science TAAS scoring

·         Responsible for daily instructional strategies and delivery of instruction

Coaching Experience

Head Varsity Football, Track, & Powerlifting Coach

Louise High School

Louise, TX 77455

1997-2001

·         Responsible for overseeing every aspect of athletic teams

·         District UIL representative

·         Coached two state championship powerlifting teams

·         Coached UIL state track championship team

Professional Affiliations

·         Texas Association of Secondary School Principals

2001-present

·         Texas High School Coaches Association

1994-2002

·         Texas High School Powerlifting Association

1996-2001

References

References will be listed on the following page, if requested.

Superintendent Interview (a super-original title)

To begin, I am appreciative to our associate superintendent, Dr. Soileau, for working with me. I have been away on military orders since before the school year began. I sincerely appreciate him being willing to work with me in regards to a phone interview as face-to-face was not possible. Additionally, this is a busy time of year and many times hectic so again a special thanks for him being willing to clear out a spot in his schedule.

Although he has only been with our district for a short time, I have much respect for the job he is doing and the philosophy he has thus far relayed to me. Many of his responses were affirmations to strategies I already knew, and common philosophies we both share.

The first that sticks out in my mind was his definition of leadership. Dr. Soileau referred to Robert Greenleaf, and the concept of servant leadership. He stated that he believed it was his role to serve others, provide resources for campus leaders, and ultimately to make every decision in the best interest of kids. If he adhered to this principle then he would be satisfied with the job he did.

Additionally, he bridged in to another of our competency areas when within servant leadership he emphasized ethics and integrity (question 5). He summed it up by speaking to “the golden rule” of treating others as you would care to be treated. He stressed modeling both at school, and in our personal lives. Just this morning there was a retired San Antonio area principal arrested for solicitation of sex. Although we both agreed that this was an extreme (although sadly not altogether uncommon) example, it epitomized many of the problems associated with our profession. When incidents like this occur, people lose faith in schools and school personnel- and rightly so. We are held to, and must maintain the highest standards of honor.

One of my need areas was competency area 7, dealing with superintendents improving the performance of all staff members. I asked Dr. Soileau were he sees his role in this. He believed that it begin with both the board and he working together to develop measurable, attainable goals. He said it was important to understand need areas and to facilitate staff development that would pinpoint these areas in order to benefit students. He made a particularly profound statement to me in regards to his position on teachers. He said he believed most were not curriculum experts, but rather instructional experts. It was important for him to facilitate putting all the pieces together and to “find ways to lower anxieties while raising production.” This really spoke to me.

According to my practice exam, my second highest need area dealt with competency three, effective communication strategies (question 7). Dr. Soileau emphasized that he liked community surveys. According to him, visibility was the key to everything. He reminded me that you seldom have to go out asking the questions. Most times the communication would come to you. He believes it is very important to be involved in civic organizations within the community. He believes this is one of the best ways to keep communication lines open, and to get a measure of the pulse of the community.

In response to question 10, dealing with the superintendent promoting and sustaining culture that emphasized student learning, Dr. Soileau believes the role certainly starts at the top. It is his responsibility to ensure that it filters down to all campuses. It requires the hiring of good people and putting “the right people in the right seats on the bus.” I couldn’t agree more.

I thoroughly enjoyed speaking with Dr. Soileau and, further, enjoyed the assignment. Additionally, I look forward to reading the other interviews and hearing what other area superintendents have to say. As far as manning that bus- I believe I am already on it. J

Action, Action, Action Research

Our action research process in this format is very intriguing to me. Assuming that those collaborating on this project are ultimately qualified, (we each were, after all, accepted into this program) we differ from many collaberative groups in that we have little knowledge at this point on the various backgrounds and experiences of each of the participants. In reality, that just might be what makes the process work.

I akin action research to my own district's concept of spiraling curriculum. Together we can assess an issue, collaberate ideas, put a plan in place, and assess an outcome. If need be, we can go back and analyze either breakdowns in the plan, or analyze successes. The technological aspect of it is powerful in the respect that in very few other formats would I be able to collaborate with colleagues from outside my own district in such an open, non-threatening format. I look forward to learning from each of you. It seems the world truly is flat. :)

TECHNOLOGY

It is rather fitting that our first few assignments and video resources deal with the need for technology in schools. I fully understand the need to support efforts within our district to continue its advancement as there is little question that many of our students learn differently than those only a few years ago. With that being said, there is little doubt that we must be hyper-vigilant in efforts to remain ahead of the curve. Technology in schools has already proven to have numerous consequences both from a student standpoint, as well as from an employee standpoint. It is unfortunate (but not altogether surprising) that such a powerful tool can have heavy consequences if it is misused. Sadly, we hear and read about it every day.

First Course- Lamar

Okay, this is my first blog- uncharted territory. Is there anybody out there?