Erin Murray - Former Superintendent, Simsbury Public Schools and Adjunct Professor, University of Connecticut
How are simulations used in your program?
“UCAPP has been integrating SchoolSims into each course to provide aspiring administrators authentic learning experiences that correlate with UCAPP coursework, core assessments, and intern experiences. SchoolSims simulations have been led by an instructor or provided to students in a collaborative setting that engages them in real-life situations that educational leaders regularly face. They are challenged to use their leadership knowledge and skills to address an immediate situation.”
What do students say about simulations?
“An important leadership lesson is building the perspective to see your leadership actions from all angles. I am learning that balancing stakeholders and their wants or needs can be challenging.”
“This simulation allowed me to work with two other expert future leaders that broadened my perspective and challenged my own beliefs.”
“I appreciated listening to the various scenarios in the SchoolSims and having professional conversations with colleagues about it. We could justify our thinking and question each other to allow for more deep thinking and clarity.”
“I had the great opportunity of teaching in the principal preparation program at the University of Connecticut and I had my class last night and had the great opportunity to use a simulation in a group of six. I’m telling you they were standing up, they were leaning over, they were you know – the pure collaboration and the opportunity to engage in this manner and I love the proactive, as Dr. Mason put out there, they said they’ll do more. I don’t want to do it alone. I love the fact that there were six of us arguing about how we should answer and giving good rationale. For novice teachers, I can’t begin to tell you how powerful something like this would be.”
See Erin’s thoughts here or watch the Building Inclusive Classrooms Webinar.