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When I think about my definition of leadership, it has never been a definitive one. However, throughout this program and this particular course, I have a better understanding of what leaders do. Leaders have the ability to lead others in a way that helps them find their own leadership potential. Leaders are not threatened by sharing their vision with others and asking for input, or even allowing those under their leadership to have a vision of their own. As a teacher this is what I do on everyday in my classroom and in the building.
In our building I carry a great number of responsibilities along with colleagues in my assigned building, but I never really thought of myself as a leader or even a teacher leader. What I have learned is that I am a leader and that I have been acting in this capacity for quite some time. I thought that if I didn’t accept the title, it would help shape how I was viewed by my peers. I wanted to continue to be viewed as helpful, approachable, reliable and as a confidant.
As I reflected on the tasks I have had to manage and the interactions between my co-workers and myself, I realized that how they viewed me didn’t change. We worked together without them feeling uncomfortable. We continued to have open and honest conversations about issues. We continued to respect each other and share our input about solutions. Recently, I had the opportunity to have one of those conversations with some colleagues about what must be done to change education as it stands today.
We all agreed that we must bring more people into the discussion about education and be honest about what takes place in the classroom. With all that we are expected to teach our students, and all of the hats that we have to wear, we agreed that we could not continue trying to do it alone. We all agreed that although we were the agents of change, we need parents and district and government leaders to listen to us. We need the people outside of the classroom to be honest with themselves and admit that as long as they want to blame educators for all of the problems and ills of society they handicap us from moving our students forward. Educational system changes can come from within, but I believe that our society must learn to value it more, so that necessary change happens without throwing the baby, bath water and tub out together. Just throw out the dirty bath water and keep what is good.
When our leaders of today stop feeling intimidated by the voices of educators and join us in our mission, they can help create the 21st century learners that will tomorrows leaders.
Tracey, like yourself, I never thought of myself as a Teacher Leader. I always equated Leadership with Management, but I now find that they are tasked more with the day-to-day minutiae. Real leadership happens when teachers like yourself step-up and seek change or address issues that would otherwise fly under the radar of administration.
ReplyDeleteThe course was good for me as I now see myself as a Teacher Leader. In past positions I often sought change or tried to improve things by leading through example. Instead of saying, 'this is how it should be done', I tried to try it myself and share with others what was working and what wasn't.
In my latest blog I mention that one of my favorite movies is 'To Sir, With Love'. Sidney Poitier's character is not an administrator nor does the staff have any reason to follow his lead. Yet, through the course of a school year he helps change the attitude of his fellow teachers, students and parents through his own actions.
Tracey, keep fighting the good fight and being a Teacher Leader at your school. I always enjoy reading your posts as they have such unique insights. Thanks for sharing them with us.