What dispositions do you see Michelle
bringing to leadership?
Michelle was all about high standards
for her site. She wanted teachers that made good impressions during the interview.
She found out later that the turn over rate was too high and needed to change
her tactics. She looked at a more mentoring and coaching disposition to see how
individuals would work with the staff and if they fit into her vision of her
site. She really focused on group development and professional growth.
How are your dispositions similar to
or different from Michelle’s?
My disposition is similar to Michelle’s
when it comes to professional growth. I believe that no matter how experiences a
person maybe they still have something to learn. I like working with my group
at my site and working together and learn from one another. I’m also like her
in mentoring other. I want a site where we all get along and have a great
relationship.
What aspects of her vision appeal to
you?
“Develop teachers as thinkers, not
technicians.” I like this practice because teachers are professionals and I
feel the directors forget that at times. There is so much to learn from the
professionals in your staff. By having group discussions or asking other co –
workers about a problem at the site teachers will learn from each other and
build a relationship and also self – esteem.
What could you imagine yourself doing
that is inspired by this story of Michelle’s work?
I could imagine myself creating “clear
accountability systems.” When I started at my site I was blind – sided with all
the work expected of me. I was thrown into a new classroom with a new teacher
and hadn’t a clue of my responsibilities. My partner is really helpful but I
feel that if I went in knowing what was expected I wouldn’t have felt so
unsecure at my new site. I would put into action a plan to help new hires and
also experiences workers so that they would know exactly what was expected by
having staff meetings and also individual conferences with teachers.
Hi Jasmine,
ReplyDeleteStandards, accountability, and relationships -- are there ways in which these ideas could be connected across the triangle? Both of your blog postings frame a way in which you could envision a vision. I wonder how each might be defined and if these definitions could connect or limit to how a vision develops. In terms of standards and accountability -- these are often defined through federal mandates. Can culture and context redefine these terms where the related actions become empowering rather than limiting? How can the redefining strengthen the triangle?
Jeanne
Hi Jasmine,
ReplyDeleteYou bring up some important ideas. Our learning as professionals, needs to be ever evolving and adapting to the field, and the families we work with. How can teachers be supported by providing ongoing education? And what kind of educational strategies are relevant to teachers? In my experience, I've learned a lot from mentors that I work with. What is the role of the director in building a system of in-program mentoring or education, and in maintaining positive interactions among staff members during this process?