Robert Brittingham Interview By: Galen Bell

Qualifications Tomlinson College A.S Music UTC B.S. Music Education Lincoln Memorial University EDS Education Administration

Teaching Band director at Sequatchie County High School East Ridge High School Soddy Daisy Middle School Hunter Middle School

Assistant Principal Hunter Middle School Ooltewah Middle School East Hamilton School

Others… Instructional Technology Coordinator Hamilton County Department of Education Instructor at University of Phoenix (Teacher Education)

Principal at Michigan Ave Elementary School K-5 Typical Day 7:00-7:15: Arrive, office, glance, hot tea 7:15: Find one teacher on duty and replace… 7:25-7:45: Walks the halls, makes sure teachers and students are in place. 7:50: TV Announcements 8:00: Meet with office secretary, calendar and schedule for the day. 8:15: Check …central office or parent immediate responses, calls, s etc.

Continued… 8:45: Out in the building 10:30: In the office again 10:30-1:30: During Lunch...Come through 8-10 times each day…quick conversations with monitors, cafeteria workers and students 1:30-2:30: Office time 2:30-2:45: All over the building preparing for dismissal 2:45:Standing in front of Bus #1…remain in car loading area until all students are gone 3:00-4:30:Teacher time

Questions …? *Meetings at least 3 days a week in or out of the building...parents, community, central office, etc… *2-3 students per week are sent to the office for discipline. *Intentional re-arrangement of schedule to see teachers at different times of day. 5:00 pm heading home "What did I do today?" "Was I productive and helpful or did I just twiddle my thumbs?"

More Questions…? -What are your strengths as a principal in K-5? I get out of my own way. I don’t need to get the credit to be happy. I see myself as support and the least important person in the building. I listen to what people are trying to tell me. I like to put everything on the table. I expect clear communication from my teachers as well. I encourage openness in our communication. I observe and communicate privately and directly when we need to correct things.

Even more…? -What skills are you trying to develop? Elementary Instructional Strategies...TVAAS interpretation, support, and resources -Favorite part of the job? The satisfaction of having a wide impact -Least favorite part of the job is when a teacher, student, or parent has a problem that may be out of my reach to be much help.

Finished… Thanks…..more pictures below