Phillip, Head of School at Community School for Creative Education: Advize Career Interview
A career in education offers a dynamic and rewarding path, as evidenced by Phillip's journey.
Starting with an internship at the Connecticut Department of Education and progressing through Teach for America, math coaching, and various administrative roles, Phillip's career at Community School for Creative Education showcases the multifaceted nature of educational leadership.
The Head of School role demands diverse skills – communication, patience, and proactive problem-solving – while offering the fulfillment of daily unpredictability and collaborative community engagement.
Challenges exist, particularly regarding insufficient resources, but the palpable synergy within the industry and the opportunity to effect positive change outweigh these difficulties.
Entry-level positions, such as student aid or teaching assistant roles, provide pathways into the field, and the most significant lesson learned emphasizes the importance of fostering strong connections with staff.
A mathematics major combined with race relations coursework provided a strong foundation for Phillip's "whole child approach," demonstrating the value of a holistic education in preparation for this impactful career.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Phillip Gedeon
Head of School
Community School for Creative Education
Connecticut College 2005
Loyola Marymount University 09’
Ethnic & Related Studies, Mathematics, Data Science, Statistics
Education
Operations and Project Management
Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, First Generation College Student
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Career Path of a Head of School at Community School for Creative Education
Phillip's career trajectory showcases a consistent progression within education, starting with an internship at the Connecticut Department of Education where they worked on "Mastery standardized assessment" initiatives. This experience led to five years teaching in Teach for America, followed by roles as a math coach, mathematics director for 26 charter schools, high school principal, principal supervisor, and ultimately, the Head of School at a TK-8 charter school in Oakland, California.
Main Responsibilities Of A Head Of School At Community School For Creative Education
Phillip's main responsibilities as Head of School at Community School for Creative Education involve "overseeing the day-to-day operations," including staff management, teaching and learning oversight, and external relations. This includes "brokering external relationships," securing funding, and handling HR functions, showcasing a multifaceted leadership role.
A Day In The Life Of A Head Of School At Community School For Creative Education
A Head of School's day is highly varied, beginning with greeting students and families, followed by "morning Circle," and administrative team huddles. The remainder of the day involves a mix of meetings, campus supervision ("walking the campus," "overseeing them at recess"), email correspondence, and community engagement, reflecting the multifaceted nature of leadership in a creative education environment.
Most Important Skills for a Head of School at Community School for Creative Education
Phillip, Head of School at Community School for Creative Education, identifies communication, patience, and proactive problem-solving as crucial skills for his role, highlighting the need to "be able to balance the day" and anticipate future needs. The ability to inspire and maintain a positive outlook, especially in a post-COVID world, is also vital for leading a potentially exhausted workforce and envisioning a brighter future.
Favorite Parts of Being a Head of School at Community School for Creative Education
Phillip, Head of School at Community School for Creative Education, thrives on the "day-to-day unpredictability" of the role, finding fulfillment in constantly adapting to unexpected challenges and "being responsive to those needs". This environment fosters continuous learning and necessitates open-mindedness, a crucial skill for a leader in such a dynamic setting.
Biggest Challenges for a Head of School at Community School for Creative Education
Phillip, Head of School at Community School for Creative Education, identifies insufficient resources as the biggest challenge in his role. He explains that California's educational funding system fails to adequately address the diverse needs of students, particularly those from low-income communities requiring "social emotional supports," leaving him feeling overwhelmed by the gap between student needs and available resources.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Educational Industry As A Head Of School
Phillip, Head of School at Community School for Creative Education, finds the most rewarding aspect of the educational industry to be the "Synergy that is palpable" at convenings and conferences, where like-minded individuals share innovative ideas and inspire each other to effect positive change within their communities. This collaborative environment, constantly evolving with new challenges and solutions, keeps the work exciting and engaging.
What Type of Person Thrives in the Education Industry According to a Head of School at Community School for Creative Education
To thrive in the education industry, individuals must be "passionate about change," deeply rooted in and reflective of their communities, and committed to continuous learning and assessment of community needs to create effective programming. This requires constant networking, a deep understanding of community realities, and a dedication to renewal, fueled by a strong personal calling to effect positive change.
What A Head Of School At Community School For Creative Education Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Education Industry
Phillip, Head of School at Community School for Creative Education, learned that the job "never stops," highlighting the difficulty of "managing the off switch" and maintaining work-life balance. This necessitates prioritizing self-care to effectively lead and make present, insightful decisions.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring School Leaders
Entry-level opportunities in education include "student aid or teaching assistant" roles, with pathways often beginning through volunteer work or internships, allowing individuals to gain experience and potentially transition into teaching or administrative positions; schools value passionate individuals and "a variety of ways" they can contribute to the school community.
Career Lesson From a Head of School at Community School for Creative Education
Phillip's most significant career lesson, learned from observing ineffective leadership, is the importance of maintaining an "always open door" policy to foster connection and investment among staff. This approach, embodied both literally and figuratively, ensures decisions are "grounded in the reality of the people" served, preventing staff disinvestment and ensuring student-teacher continuity crucial for positive educational experiences.
College Experiences That Helped a Head of School at Community School for Creative Education Succeed
To prepare for a career in education, Phillip combined a mathematics major with coursework in race relations, recognizing the interconnectedness of education, social dynamics, and community issues. This allowed Phillip to develop a "whole child approach to teaching and learning," enabling them to effectively serve underrepresented communities and build stronger, safer communities for future generations by marrying "being an expert in mathematics" with understanding "complex problems" in those communities.
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