Transfer Theory

            I began to think about Transfer Theory after watching Dr. Arterbury’s presentation and not only is this theory used in education, but I found it used in nature as well.  Transfer Theory is defined by me as the use of knowledge that is acquired through a certain practice and the use of those same rules and principles in other practices.  The shoe laces example spells it out pretty clear.  This theory is valuable to us in that a lot of what we learn as administrators can be transferred into the superintendent position.  You have a different view as a teacher than your perspective as an administrator.  Using the knowledge you learn in your current administration position will affect your decision making processes as a superintendent.

            I found other examples of Transfer Theory in business and in nature.  The business example uses the framework of HEB Grocery Company.  Most managerial positions in the main office of San Antonio go through a certain process before performing the duties of their applied position.  All employees hired must start out as a grocery sacker, then checker, then assistant manager(store level) and so on until the learn the ins and outs of the entire business.  This way, everyone in the board room at headquarters is fully aware of how the business is run.  In nature, a young predator is taught by its elder how to hunt and different practices used there in.  This predator is started out at a lower prey level.  For instance, a baby cheetah does not start off hunting for a full grown gazelle.  The younger cheetah watches its elder, then when it is ready will focus on a weaker or younger prey animal.  Then, when it is old enough, it applies those same hunting principles toward catching larger game.

            Not only will having leadership experience help you in your decision making as a superintendent, it will also help you with your staff.  Having credibility and the experience of making good decisions shows your staff and stakeholders that you are qualified for the job.  No matter how many years you have been in education or what positions you have held, once you attain your first superintendent position, you must prove yourself to your staff and stakeholders every day.  Every decision that you make will be looked at by the community and the more you can experience those decisions and processes before they really count, the better.