reflection june 9, 2014 sp
TRANSCRIPT
Reflection: values, beliefs, and assumptions
as a teacher leader.
Karen CalvilloEDL/515
University of PhoenixJune 9, 2014
Professor, Jonathan Lewis
Reflecting:
The reasons that I became a teacher was quite clear to me the first time I set stepped inside a classroom; it was one of those marvelous moments in my life, besides giving birth to my children. Little did I know that it was more than teaching the “abc’s”
Values Continuing my education
Read and analyze educational research
Update and improve technology skills
"Teachers play a critical role in improving teaching, learning, teacher-student relationships, and school climate, and teacher education programs have a responsibility to prepare teachers to work with every student in their classroom" (Larrabee & Morehead, 2010, pg. 37). Realizing the different cultures of each school where I have worked has had it’s influenced, and then it’s cultivated by the values, beliefs, and assumptions. The tone in which I want to set in each school site, starts by continuing my education, update and improve my technical skills. Read and analyze my educational skills to be an access in the administration site, and some leaders, followed by the custodian to the secretary to help achieve a cordial atmosphere when others enter the school site.
Reflecting on values; First of all, I have knowledge, chosing to be teacher leader, was to learn how to collaborate, and be willing to be a good listener, This does not signify that I will forget where I started, and where it all began, foremost is the responsibility of being a teacher above all, and therefore, improving myself to be the best in this field of education. The focus therefore should be on education. Personally I believe the sum of attitudes, customs and beliefs of a school is developed by its leadership. Both administration and teacher leaders play an important role in the culture of the school. Therefore I do assume that all leaders should take into consideration with each student’s learning culture. The challenges of a teacher leader signifies to be in tune with coworkers students, parents, and form a community partnership
Beliefs Integrity
Honesty
Professional & ethical behavior
Fairness
I have always believed from the beginning of my career to have integrity honesty, professional and ethical behavior, a teacher is more than teaching, it goes further than the four walls of the classroom. Learning how to be a teacher leader, and conduct myself with fairness, is not that different than working in a school setting, and having prior knowledge when working with peers, students and administration, it takes perseverance to continue to learn and grow in this world of education.
I believe that it’s necessary to have visualization for improving, and facilitating the school site, also to help other teachers in improving the location. Being proactive and analyzing all aspects by helping foster ideas that will directly affect the learning process in a positive way. Teacher leaders must be effective communicators, must be flexible, and should be able to accept criticism. They must be aware of the roles of the key players and be able to recognize the people who are allies and the ones who are not. The key to developing and maintaining a positive school culture centered on student learning is to work as a collaborative team not solo individuals. Teacher leaders should model honesty, sincerity and believing that what whatever the circumstances have integrity.
Margaret Juhl, a character in Reframing the Path to School Leadership by Bolman and Deal (2010) embodies many of the characteristics of a teacher leader. Instead of ridiculing Joan, a first year teacher in the book, she gives up her time to encourage Joan. Margaret does not allow Joan to believe that she is the only one who has been through what she's going through. She says things like, "Experience helps you put things in perspective....Your training never really prepares you for it" (Bolman & Deal, 2010, p.42). Often times teacher who have had experiences in the classroom, are motivated to improve in the teaching methods and classroom management techniques by attending workshops outside of school. “Margaret” has also experienced conflict with her colleagues and has learned effective ways to manage it. She is now well-respected by other teachers and parents. She gives Joan ideas based on these experiences.
As a teacher leader, I believe on having integrity, I know that I also need to place aside my own feelings to be a part of that organization, to try and make a positive atmosphere. True honesty and being sincere is simply about representing oneself genuinely. A good leader must always be sincere and believe in what they say and do. Speaking the truth and acting in accordance with their true feelings at all times demonstrates sincerity to team members
Assumption
Collaborate with and support other teachers
Works to improve education
Strong interpersonal communication skills
Assumption, are sometimes taken out of content, for example whenever training occurs, some of us get lost in transition, it is therefore important to collaborate and support other teachers, depending on the training, or who is doing the training. Working to improve the program, and be part of the education world, It is therefore necessary to have a clear picture or programs that are being presented for full understanding.
Focusing to have a clear curriculum, and most importantly and trying not to make assumptions when I am teaching, it helps to have a strong interpersonal communication skills to include everyone in the room, to make my peers feel that they are being part of what I am teaching, also to pause and stop, ask questions for clear understanding.
Communicating with teachers, students and administrators, is part of getting the words across, and not to come off as a “martyr” but as a team player. Therefore I have then learned that being a teacher leader I should always be prepared to make positive changes for the sake of being competent, and to stay focus to better prepare my peers to advance in their teaching and involvement with all, and keep in mind with my interpersonal communication skills.
Conclusion
I have learned and hope to always have an open mind to serve my fellow peers leading them to become a better influence, at what they do, at the same time respecting and not forgetting
how I started, and how far it has taken me to be here. I understand that not everyone will agree with me or be motivated
in collaborating for the success of all. There are relationships that will change drastically as a result of the nature of my job
and my drive.