Leadership and Planning (565) - Week 6

I don’t know if I had a concrete definition of leadership but my view of leadership was reinforced. I found the four frames of leadership very enlightening as I tried to define my own leadership style.  It also helped me understand the leaders in our district and explained how they make their decisions and work with others.  Not all leaders are the same but there are several factors that make a good leader.  I believe that a good leader communicates well and respects the people they work with.  They also need to be confident and not afraid to make difficult choices and changes if necessary.  These same traits apply to teacher leadership as well.   In addition teacher leaders need to demonstrate expertise in their curricular area and have credibility with their colleagues.

I think this class as well as the last few months at work has reinforced my belief that I can be a leader.  I am more aware of my strengths and I know the areas that I need to work on.  I always felt that I would not be good at supervising staff but I think that I have earned the respect of the staff I work with and with more confidence and experience I could organize and supervise the people in my department.  I have never been real comfortable with conflict but I have been put into many situations recently that required me to stand up to difficult people and I’ve survived!

 

Our schools are full of great educators and teacher leaders.  If we empower them to lead and make positive changes we can improve education within.  In my role as technology specialist I will continue to encourage teachers through professional development.  A favorite part of my job is sharing resources and strategies with teachers and I love to watch teachers transform their instruction.  These changes can improve education and in turn make a difference for students.