ESSENTIAL QUESTION: As a school leader, how do I advocate for equitable instruction, culturally relevant communities of learning, and foster a mission that envelopes every member of our body in acceptance and understanding?
Personal ReflectionLesson #1: I was asked to use my school site as inspiration for a Back to School presentation, and I did. I put together a slide show that I was proud of and studied it frequently before presenting and felt ready. As I began, I realized I was speeding through the information I had gathered. I was not making a personal connection or seeing those before me; I was telling them what they needed to know. After, I was so relieved to be done. I later spoke with Steve Piltch, and he asked me what went wrong. I repeated what I previously shared. Then in a very paternal voice, he shared how much he and the other mentors liked me and how genuine and caring they had found me to be. This was quickly followed up with, "and that was not the person who just gave that presentation." He was right. If I were a parent sitting through that same presentation, I would want to see care, concern, and love for our community, not just hear the safety protocols. This reflective practice began my walk toward a different kind of leadership. A leadership led by an authentic voice and transparency shows commitment and care to students and families.
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And if culture is to change, the first thing that must be addressed is how people lead.
- McKee - |
Reflection in Partnership
Reflection as a Team
The teaching world is ever-evolving and shifting as society transforms and grows towards new understandings. Therefore, school leaders must follow suit. The role presented to all who lead within education is, first and foremost, to become reflective and humble practitioners. As Barth (2001) states, “We cannot take others where we are not willing to go ourselves” (p. 27). As a result, connecting and communicating to those who follow effectively requires leaders to become the people they are asking others to be. One must inspire and guide others toward positive and transformative change, but one must first reflect and open themselves to their transformation. It is then that the work begins of nurturing and leading others to grow and develop in reflective and transformative practice. This work is complex and exacerbating, but if established, it creates a community of learners who are beautifully and honestly led towards becoming lifelong learners; who will transform the world and communities they grow in towards creativity and truth (Schaaf).
The key to great leaders is self-reflection, commitment to leadership, commitment to
a culture of change, and embracing personal power.
McKee, Boyatzis & Johnston
a culture of change, and embracing personal power.
McKee, Boyatzis & Johnston