Continuous Renewal #6

This chapter couldn't have come at a better time.  At this point in my life I am trying to incorporate balance in my life.  I know many of us have our plates very full with finishing up our master's, credential, teaching, coaching, being a mom/dad, wife/husband, etc.  As I read this chapter I started to reflect on what I should change about myself to help find this balance.  I remember a service I went to that talked about two people. The first person always took on everything that people would ask of him.  He was doing so much that he ended up not finishing all the things that was asked of him and had not done some of the things to his best ability.  The second guy did not take on everything and knew how and when to say "no".  However, he was able to finish what he had agreed to do and had time to go ahead and help out with what he first had said no to.  I think that finding balance in your life also has to do with learning how to only take on what you can physically and emotionally handle.  

Competence #5

If a leader frames "I don't know that" as a catalyst for action rather than an excuse, people will join him in the quest at hand.

This section was very interesting for me as I aspire to be an administrator one day.  I think that will be scary and intimidating to be in a new position.  However, this section helped me see that it is fine to not know all the answers, but to not use it as an excuse and try to find the answer.  I think you can still be respected even though you don't know all the answers.  It stuck out to me when the book said to "listen, observe, reflect, analyse, find mentors, make mistakes, spend the time it took to learn from the mistakes, and make the necessary changes".  It is comforting to know that these are things you can do when you are starting something new and do not know all the answers.  I think it is easier to admit you don't know and figure it out, rather than try to fake it.

Safety #4

As educators we constantly learn the importance of safety for all of our students.  This is something that we make as a number one priority.  However, this chapter was eye opening for me when it began to talk about adult bullying.  I rarely see that being address, yet it happens in schools.  I thought it was interesting to read about the different types of bullying.  I never thought of teachers who get away with more than others, or the one who receives more than others could be considered as a bully.  It is important as an administrator to be consistent with everyone on staff and to not be afraid or timid to address these issues.

If students do not feel safety at school, then it is impossible to focus on their learning.  I believe this is the same for teachers.  If they do feel safe, whether it is emotional, physical, or psychological, it can way heavy on them and then their focus is no longer on teaching students.  It is important to develop a culture of safety for everyone on a school campus.

Support #3

Support can make or break the way you feel when you go to work everyday.  Although it is important to be supportive with materials and making sure that your teachers have what they need for the school year, it really stuck out to me about the importance of emotional support.  It was very eye opening to read "Teachers First".  We do constantly say that children need to come first, which is true to a certain extent.  If teachers are not being supported and are barely keeping their head above water, then how is that good for kids?  When teachers are supported, recognized, valued and respected then they will feel great about doing their job and coming to work everyday, which will positively affect children. I really liked when the book stated, "The best way to increase student achievement is through the teachers". 

Communication

Communication is the key to leadership.  We consistently hear that relationships and communication are very important aspects of leadership.  However, non-verbal communcation is very important.  In the section "Why Are They Meeting In The Parking Lot", it reminded me that it is also important to also learn to use and understand the nonverbal communication that you may be sending out or recieving.  Usually if you have a hunch that something is not right, than most likely it isn't. I think it is very easy for teachers to speak their minds after the staff meeting. Unfortunately, it doesn't solve the issue at hand, instead teachers can become very emotional all the while the principal may not even know there was a problem.  I thought it was a good idea and important to have a teacher that you can trust that can help you understand the issues that teachers may have and are not being spoken.  Bottom line it is important to have great communication no matter what method is used (email, newsletter, meeting).  It also important to find proactive ways to help with issues and being able to listen activily to all sides.

1st class reflection

After watching the Daniel Pink Drive Video it gave me a few motivational techniques that can be helpful as a leader.  People are motivated when they have buy in to what they are doing.  This gives them a purpose and passion that naturally keeps them motivated. It was interesting to hear that people will give more and expect less as long as they are doing something that they are passionate for.  It was also interesting to hear that merit pay doesn't work in situations were the task that is being asked of someone is very complex and not straight forward.  I feel that as an educator our job is very complex and after seeing this video, I do not think merit pay will make teachers better teachers.

OMG I am finally here!!

Ok peeps...I had another blog but for some reason I could not figure it out for the life of me.  So, hopefully second blog is a charm!  I am finally here...woo hoo!