Laurie Newton Intro

Hello, all.

I am joining the class rather late in the quarter. This is the thirty-third year of my career in education and I am taking this course as an elective to complete my Continuing Administrator License. This is very likely the last course I will ever take as a requirement for anything and I wanted to choose a curriculum that would be a stretch. Oh, my! This course will give me that stretch. Please think of me as a struggling TLL student (Technology Language Learner). With a late start and so much that is new to me, I am feeling lost and intimidated. I can truly empathize with students who just want to drop out when they feel overwhelmed. I considered it but the PSU folks, especially Dennis Shultz, have been very encouraging and supportive so here I am!

As the superintendent of a very small school district (240 student k-12), I serve as district CEO, district CFO, Title director of all Title programs, director of transportation, director of school improvement, director of facilities and operations, director of human resources, and principal of two schools sixteen miles apart. It keeps me occupied for about 60 hours per week. I taught math for 23 years before becoming an administrator. After four years in Salem-Keizer administration, I accepted the superintendency of the Days Creek School District in Southern Oregon.

I am blessed by the support of a patient, understanding, and neglected husband.

OK. I'll join the blog again when I come up for air after catching up on the readings.

Laurie