Try, try again

 

It's understandable to feel frustrated and disheartened after going through multiple rounds of interviews only to receive a canned rejection email or, even worse, experience ghosting. While rejection is indeed a common aspect of the application process, it's also important to acknowledge your humanity and the emotional toll that repeated rejection can take.

Here are a few points to consider:

Self-care: It's crucial to prioritize your well-being during the job search process. Take breaks when needed, engage in activities that bring you joy, and lean on your support system for encouragement.

Reflection: Reflect on your experiences and consider if there are any areas where you could improve. This could involve refining your resume, practicing interview techniques, or seeking feedback from mentors or trusted colleagues.

Setting boundaries: While persistence is important in job hunting, it's also essential to recognize when it's time to move on from a particular opportunity. After several rounds of interviews without progress, it may be worth redirecting your energy towards other opportunities that align better with your skills and goals.

Communication: If you feel comfortable, you can reach out to the company for feedback on your application or interview process. While not all companies may provide detailed feedback, some may offer insights that could be valuable for your future endeavors.

Maintaining perspective: Remember that rejection does not define your worth or abilities. Job searching can be a challenging and unpredictable process, and setbacks are a natural part of it. Stay focused on your long-term goals and remain resilient in the face of obstacles.

Ultimately, while it's important to acknowledge your humanity and the emotions that come with rejection, it's also crucial to maintain a proactive and resilient mindset as you continue your job search journey.

Dr Flavius A B Akerele III

The ETeam

#jobsearch #nevergiveup #hiring

Terms and labels. Again.

 

It's indeed fascinating how language evolves and gets appropriated in various contexts. Terms like "woke," "DEI" (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), and "CRT" (Critical Race Theory) have certainly undergone shifts in usage and connotations recently (especially due to politics).

"Woke" initially emerged as a term within African American Vernacular English (AAVE) to refer to quite different things. However, it has been co-opted and sometimes used sarcastically or pejoratively to dismiss or mock perceived excessive sensitivity or political correctness.

Similarly, DEI and CRT have been central to discussions around social justice and equality but have also faced severe misuse, often in politically charged contexts.

Observing these shifts in language and how terms are used in professional spaces, specifically this “professional” can indeed be intriguing. It highlights the complexity of communication and the importance of understanding context and nuance in discussions about sensitive topics like diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Has it come to this, or has it always been this? Just some thoughts from an educator, not political.

 

Dr Flavius A B Akerele III

The ETeam

Current issues in educational leadership

 

Current issues in educational leadership according to what is being discussed in this space this year:

1.     Equity and Inclusion: Promoting equity and inclusion remains a significant challenge in educational leadership. Disparities in access to resources, opportunities, and quality education persist across various demographics, including race, socioeconomic status, gender, and ability. Educational leaders must address these inequities and work toward creating more inclusive learning environments.

2.     Digital Transformation: The rapid advancement of technology has transformed the landscape of education, requiring educational leaders to navigate digital tools, online learning platforms, and data-driven decision-making processes. This includes ensuring access to technology for all students, training educators in digital pedagogy, and addressing concerns about privacy and digital citizenship.

3.     Teacher Recruitment and Retention: Many regions are facing shortages of qualified teachers, particularly in subjects like mathematics, science, and special education. Educational leaders must develop strategies to recruit and retain high-quality educators, which may involve offering competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and supportive working environments.

4.     Educational Policy and Governance: Changes in educational policies at local, state, and national levels can significantly impact schools and districts. Educational leaders must stay informed about policy changes, advocate for policies that support their educational goals, and effectively implement new mandates while balancing the needs of their communities.

5.     Social and Emotional Learning (SEL): Recognizing the importance of students' social and emotional well-being, educational leaders are increasingly prioritizing SEL initiatives. This involves integrating SEL into curriculum and school culture, providing training for educators, and fostering supportive relationships among students, staff, and families.

6.     Financial Management and Budget Constraints: Educational leaders face the ongoing challenge of managing limited financial resources effectively. Budget constraints may require difficult decisions regarding staffing, programs, and resource allocation, necessitating strategic planning and collaboration with stakeholders to prioritize investments that will have the greatest impact on student success.

7.     School Safety and Crisis Management: Ensuring the safety and security of students and staff is a top priority for educational leaders. This includes implementing protocols for emergency preparedness, addressing issues such as bullying and violence, and promoting a positive school climate that fosters a sense of belonging and well-being.

8.     Professional Development and Leadership Training: Providing ongoing professional development and leadership training for educators and administrators is essential for improving teaching practices, fostering innovation, and promoting career advancement. Educational leaders must invest in opportunities for professional growth and mentorship to support the development of future leaders in the field.

These issues underscore the complex and multifaceted nature of educational leadership in addressing the diverse needs of students, educators, and communities. Effective leadership requires a proactive and collaborative approach to navigating challenges and promoting positive outcomes for all stakeholders in the education system.

 

Thoughts?

Dr Flavius A B Akerele III

The ETeam

The Banking Industry will fine you for not having money

 

Monthly maintenance fees, convenience fees, check cashing fees, teller deposit fees, overdraft fees, extended overdraft fees. Telephone fees, fee fees fees!

I just cashed a large check at the bank it was drawn from, and they charged me $7.50. I asked a simple question about the fee: “what is the fee for?”, and the teller could not answer it but said “I will ask my manager to answer you’. Manager comes and proceeds to give me a paragraph on “how it depends on how the account is set up”, blah blah blah. I politely let her know that she did not answer my simple question, but never mind. She moves on with no shame and does not care. Surely you can simply tell me what a fee is for?

The reason I had to go to that bank to cash the check is because my own bank wanted to put a five day hold on the money and would not divide up the check into my 2 different accounts like I asked until the hold was up. The hold by the day did not include Saturday and Sunday so really it was a seven-day hold. I have been an account holder with them for almost 20 years…

Banks need to do better; the nickel and diming really does hurt people who are living paycheck to paycheck, and it does not provide better customer service in any way. Banks need to stop acting like they are doing you a favor by charging you a monthly fee in order to use the money you own, and before anyone shout out “credit unions!”, just know I have an account at credit union as well and I fail to see the difference in policies; yes, I get more free ATM access but that is about it.

No, I do not have a solution, this was more of an observational rant, so thanks for listening.

Dr Flavius Akerele III

The ETeam

What I hope for in 2022

 

#whatihopeforin2022

The past is exactly what it is, the past. While we can learn a lot from it, we can never really go back, and nor should we. However, I do remember a time before social media when we did not have ability to comment on every single thing instantly, I remember when courtesy was paramount when sharing written words with people.

What I hope for in 2022, is that we learn to better use this powerful tool called social media, that we recognize that the person types the fastest is not always right, and that we stop using term like “with all due respect” so disrespectfully. I also hope that we have learned tomorrow is never promised, so spend the energy on being polite rather than rude.

I hope 2022 is a successful year for you all, and I hope it the year of RESPECT.

Dr Flavius AB Akerele III

The ETeam

Collateral Consequences: do we really believe in rehabilitation? If so, let us show it

 

"There are at least 40,000 federal, state and local restrictions across the country, known as “collateral consequences,” that prevent formerly incarcerated people from working in certain jobs and also from accessing various services and opportunities, according to reporting by The Marshall Project, which focuses on criminal justice issues and employs currently and formerly incarcerated reporters. Some of the laws even ban former prisoners from securing public assistance benefits or living in public housing".

"Most of these laws—72 percent—limit people with past convictions from working in certain jobs. The most commonly restricted fields include health care, public service and education, according to a 2021 report by the Council of State Governments Justice Center. The laws range widely, however, and bar people with a conviction history in some states from becoming cosmetologists, manicurists and barbers. These restrictions can prevent formerly incarcerated people from pursuing their fields of choice by denying them licensure for specific careers, forcing them to undergo background checks or prove they’re rehabilitated, or making it illegal for certain types of employers to hire them".

https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2021/12/15/incarcerated-students-face-maze-legal-obstacles-jobs

Four pillars of an educational institution’s existence

 

Imagine the institution is a car, and I prefer the car analogy rather than “ship” because most people will never get on a ship but will have driven in some kind of four wheeled vehicles.

These pillars are not necessarily in order, but they most definitely need to be in balance in order to steer correctly.

·        Financial stability

·        Enrollment

·        Accreditation

·        Retention (of students and staff)

From time to time the tires must be changed; sometimes it is one because of a flat, sometimes it is all four tires because they have expired. You also must check the pressure and tread of each tire on a regular basis.

Can everyone in the school answer these questions with some degree of certainty, or at least know how to readily find the answers (students included):

1.      Does the school have a strategic plan? If not, why not?

2.      How do you measure the benchmarks on your strategic plan (if you have one)?

3.      What is the mission of the school?

4.      What is the vision of the school?

5.      Do you have enough funding to complete the fiscal year?

6.      How many alumni do you have, and do you have an alumni database?

7.      How many teachers stay more than 2 years?

8.      How many students transfer out after a year?

9.      Are you in compliance with your accreditor and when is your next accreditation visit?

10.   Can you name the council person of the neighborhood where your campus is located?

Seems basic right? However, so many schools’ administrators cannot answer all these questions (or know where to find the information), let alone staff and students. This information should not be a secret.

If you can quantify everything on this one sheet of paper, then you are in decent shape. The question is can you?

Dr Flavius Akerele III

The ETeam