Interviewed By: Mrs. Rachelle R. Ong
Mr. Wayne Pangelinan
LISS School Director/Principal
General Openers:
1. Tell us about yourself.
Well. I believe am a well rounded person. I look at myself to be always providing support and advice to those who need them. I am caring, responsible and very professional in both my personal and professional life. I put myself out there to make a difference in that my actions speak louder than words. I am an independent person who strives to make things better at all cost necessary for myself as well the people around me.
2. Why did you want to be principal/director of this LISS?
This educational institution was established and operated for the past two years by our President Yong Nam Park and Vice President Anne Kim. Prior to this start up, I was consulted by them on how to develop and what was needed to be done as well the market entailed for a school of this caliber. I gave my thoughts and continued to support the endeavors by both the President and Vice President.
It was 2 years later after my constant communication with them that lead for me to come to this wonderful school to head the development of business growth and maintain a high level of professionalism for the school as the director/Principal.
My change in career paths was needed as I looked at the opportunities this school had to offer. Being in the educational field has it many rewards as well its challenges. And besides, I am a people person and where else to enjoy your passion, a school!
3. How would you express your understanding of what LISS stands for and how does this fit with your personal educational philosophy?
“Making every Experience an Educational One”, is what we are using as a pay of words for educating our young minds. The balance between high academic standards, intensive learning and hands on experiences are what we are doing to fulfill children’s knowledge in today’s world.
LISS is marketing itself abroad and locally as an institution with great promise. Because we are rather new, this does not mean we are not competent in what we do and offer. Our philosophy behind all this is to ensure we can provide the various learning opportunities to our students from wherever they come from.
4. What do you think is the most important task of a school principal/director?
At this point, we are ensuring that we maintain the safety of all students and faculty. We are also ensuring we offer the right academic standards and benchmarks as well a strong curriculum program. With my recent 5 month tenure, it has been a great challenge to see how things are coming together from when I first came in. It is quite an exhilarating experience for as the education field is not necessarily my forte’.
Moving Forward:
5. What are your visions for our school right now? Are there any plans that you are working on right now to implement those visions?
The vision that we have is to be the best school Saipan offers. To build recognition for the future of LISS locally and abroad. To have a championship team on various sporting events island wide. To provide the best learning results for our students and to better prepare them for the future.
Currently we have plans for expansion, the building of our Jr. High and High School classrooms, our laboratories for computers and possibly science lab for physics and chemistry courses, a teacher lounge, a canteen and more. This is the esthetic side of the school.
We are constantly reviewing and developing a more competitive academic standard, having enthusiastic and supportive faculty, building friendship amongst teachers, students, parents and/or guardians. A working team relationship for all involved. The creation of opportunities for afternoon studies to enhance personal knowledge for each student and more.
6. What critical issues can you foresee in our school? How will you lead in this area?
Critical issues as of this point are ensuring we get our accreditation with WASC. Our leadership consists of involved teachers and our acting head teacher Dr. Angello with full support from our President and Vice President.
7. Discuss the balance between academics, athletics, the arts, and other extra-curriculars
Striking a balance is important, teaching the children time management skills are imperative to move on with there self study habits. Quantum learning is something we will be looking at implementing for higher grade levels in possible next school year to help students achieve higher academic standards. Athletics and other extra curricular activities are a plus as these activities will help students cope with the intensive learning expectations.
Relations with Students:
8. How do you envision the principal relating to the students?
Open door policy is what I practice for everyone whether student, faculty member, parent and/or guardian. Particular with the students, I want them to know that I am there to support them, hear out any concerns they may have, ideas for improvement and more. I encourage students to partake in helping to develop the school for everyone and themselves. To make this place their second home and appreciate the school with pride.
9. What is your expectation of student conduct, demeanor, or deportment in how they carry themselves in school and at school related functions?
Well, the students conduct, demeanors and how they carry themselves is really a reflection on how things are done at home. Most of our students are live firecrackers, willing to open them selves up and prone to adventure despite the consequences, but that is what growing up is all about. I am fortunate to have such great faculty in that they are guiding our students in the right direction. Mentoring, providing needed support, counseling and more importantly showing how much they care is integrating the student’s behavior patterns as they grow with LISS. My expectations will continue to be just that, a sociable yet safe ambience that portrays LISS leadership from not me alone but from the team that make up LISS.
Relations with the Faculty:
10. What are the most important ways that you will help the teachers? How do you bring out excellence in others? (How do you deal with mediocrity)?
Mediocrity is only hurtful if taken too seriously. In my case, I believe that if there is a will there is a way! That is for the right changes though. Helping teachers in my opinion is giving them the space they need to breathe and run their programs. I have to trust the people who are tasked with teaching our students. I have placed a lot of trust in these professionals, of course we will always have some that stray from the picture, but that is where I come in or the acting head teacher to emphasize their roles as professionals in the field and bring them back on track. Teachers know they are role models, they know they will reach the students and hopefully one day reap the benefit of appreciation.
11. What do you consider to be the characteristics of an excellent teacher?
Someone who walks that extra mile to care for, share knowledge, offer support, and diligently put the child’s education above all before themselves.
12. A teacher does not measure up to expectations…How do you address the situation? What process would you follow?
Expectations can vary. I know what I am capable of producing. I see what teachers are capable of doing. Each one is measured in their own way. That’s how we see the slack. I cannot expect each teacher to be or do as I do. We are all of different calibers and each has specific strengths and weaknesses. What I do is motivate the weaknesses, while enhancing their strengths for the schools needs.
13. Are there any recent professional articles, books, or conferences have you encountered lately that have affected your practice?
None that I can recall, but in the educational industry, there are emerging practices that come frequently and being new in this industry, I have read many articles, pamphlets, brochures, books that relate to he industry. These are basic knowledge that advances my understanding of the educational industry, however, not only with published material, I have built a network with other administrators where we share in detail the dealings of school life as an administrator.
Relations with Parents:
14. What has been your experience with parental involvement in schools?
Since my tenure here at LISS, the PTA has been dormant, necessary changes have to be made in order to accomplish goals for the future of LISS, this is where parent involvement is needed. I plan to re-establish the PTA in next school year so everyone will have a voice to address concerns and other issues affecting student learning, environment and more. Personally, as I mentioned, I am a people person and love to deal with communicating with parents and/or guardians. Having open door policy allows for this to happen.
15. In what ways can the school help fulfill the parents’ role as primary educators?
Well, the first teachers are really the parents. E as the school only facilitate the skills for learning and apply knowledge not commonly used at home or is provided by parents and/or guardians. Teachings from parents and or guardians are imperative for each student. By having they involve with our school’s program and coherently speaking to them about our curriculums, activities and movement, I believe this will help them to realize how they as parents and/or guardians could best steer their child’s interest for learning.
Closers:
16. Given your sense of this school up to this point, what do you think you will need to succeed as the director of our School?
Patience.
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