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It was much easier to explain to people what I did before I
moved from teaching to administration. Then it was simple. I could say,
“I teach English to international students” and everyone understood what
I meant. Now, when I divulge that I’m an administrator in an intensive
English program, hardly anyone knows what I mean. What does it mean to
be an administrator in a language program? Some days it seems that all I
do is reply to emails and attend meetings. But it entails so much
more.
One of the responsibilities of an administrator is setting
policies and procedures for the program, which afford teachers and
students both freedom and accountability. Mary Ritter and Abby Mack
explore such challenges and a policy that is successful in their program
in their article, “Making Field Trips Work for All.”
Another substantial part of our jobs for many of us
administrators is obtaining and maintaining accreditation for our
programs. Melissa Williamson Hawkins shares tips and suggestions gleaned
through her own experience undergoing the accreditation process several
times.
There is so much more that we do as administrators, from
managing staff to setting schedules to exploring new initiatives. What
does being a program administrator involve in your context? What have
you learned that has enabled you to become a better administrator?
Please consider sharing your thoughts and ideas in an upcoming issue of
this newsletter.
Amy Cook
PAIS Newsletter Editor | 
