Power Dynamic At School Sites

The power dynamic at my last school site was one in which the Principal and Assistant Principal valued and recognized the skills and talents of the professional teachers they worked with.   They would encourage us to work in teams, share our expertise, materials, and opinions, and gave us opportunities to lead and facilitate trainings.

I want to use that experience to bring to the school districts in my new area because I think it was a balanced example of leadership.  When teachers are looked to as mentors and coaches and feel like they are valued professional leaders in an effective and efficient learning community, it is exhibited in positive students’ achievement and the feeling of a welcoming school community.  I would like to work to help teachers develop and grow their leadership skills and potential so that more teachers will step into leadership roles as mentors and coaches of integrating best teaching practices so all students will have access to a wonderful, meaningful, and positive learning experience.

I think that PLCs (Professional Learning Communities) have gotten a bad reputation because many teachers feel they are not best uses of their time.  Some administrators are micromanaging PLCs and it defeats their purpose.  I have taught workshops for training in-service time and during them, we shared some specific techniques, brainstormed solutions for areas that were challenging, and then let teachers work together and create materials they needed for their upcoming lessons and units of instruction.  We really practiced what we preached.  Everyone thought this format was fantastic and it was a successful real PLC time in action.  Have you had any positive experiences with PLCs that makes you feel they are a life changing use of your time or do you think your time is better used elsewhere?  

I think as a leader we always need to be mindful of that saying, "If you are leading and nobody is following, you're just someone going for a walk."  Being a leader is a tremendous responsibility that impacts others in an enormous way.  Use it wisely to make a positive difference!

Strength-Based Leadership And A Community Of Practice

Personal Leadership Blog, Part Two

I am learning so much about my personal leadership style and ways I can improve so that I can help others step into leadership roles and grow as future leaders.  Part of my classes have involved watching videos and reading about strength-based leadership and the ways it can support a community of practice.  By developing leaders from existing staff, teachers feel valued and are able to share their expertise.  When we share best teaching practices and techniques to refine instruction, the students are the ultimate benefactors of our learning and progress, which is the ultimate goal.  Better leaders make better instructors which results in stronger schools and communities. When our students see us taking on leadership roles, it inspires them to do the same.  When we give them the opportunity to take on leadership roles and be responsible for their learning, we create lifelong learners.  What a fantastic process we get to be a part of as professionals in a learning community!

After delaying completing my Master's Program for 14 years, I recently enrolled in the University of Phoenix's Program determined to complete a Master of Arts in Education/Teacher Leadership by June of 2015.  My first six week course is EDL/500 and I hope to learn additional skills and resources that I can use to improve my abilities and allow me to be a resource to others as I grow my leadership skills.  Specifically, I hope this course will help me develop additional technology skills, networking resources for communicating with other professionals, and elaborate on other potential careers with this specific advanced degree program. I am thankful for my teaching experiences and the opportunity to use my skills to help others through this program.