Dr. Arterbury and Dr. Jenkins are the essence of Leadership as they lead by example and have inspired me in my professional journey through action research. Dr. Arterbury and Dr. Jenkins both share charming and sincere personalities. I always felt motivated and in a positive mood after listening to their videos. They both were very knowledgeable in their field and convey their passion of leadership. Congratulations on your Presentation at the National Council of Professors of Educational Administration in Washington, D.C.!
Thank you for your continued support and inspiration!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Leaders: Are They Made or Born?
As I reflect on my journey in pursuit of my M.Ed. in Educational Technology Leadership, I can see how it has changed my ideas of Leadership. I naively thought all Principals and Assistant Principals were Leaders. After all they too received their M.Ed. in Educational Administration, “a program designed to develop leaders.” My first Principal was a great Leader; unfortunately the three Principals that followed her did not share in her Leadership skills. I now realize that Administration does not equate Leadership. Yes, they are a leader in the role of Administration but not Leadership. A true Leader motivates, leads by example, inspire their people. I have also learned we are all potential leaders who can be groomed to lead; but few lead with passion. But the “Aha” moment was realizing that Leaders are at all levels, in any level and that my boss was correct. I do have the potential to be a leader. In developing my Action Research Project I felt empowered by initiating the inquiry research on an issue our campus has had for four years. By taking the Leadership role, I feel I am making a difference in our campus.
(http://stateu.com/lamar/programInfo_edu_ea.asp)
(http://stateu.com/lamar/programInfo_edu_ea.asp)
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Is it a Yes or is it a No? Consensus says ....?
Lauri hit the nail on the head when she said, “I am not sure where you start but I think that you have to try to gain some allies early on in your project.” Since the beginning of the class, I have kept in close contact with several teachers on my campus. They have been instrumental in providing ideas and support of my action research project. But these few teachers who are interested in the project, will they be the consensus? The fact that I’m willing to design and lead the project has been very favorable to many. Everyone wants a solution, not everyone wants to do the leg work.
Another key comment Lauri made was, “…try to convince the principal that your ideas would have a positive impact on the campus. If you start with anyone else you might risk alienating him …” Our campus has been riding on a roller coaster for the past five years with a different Principal each year. The exception being that this year, a former Principal will be returning from a sabbatical to stay! Today was the first opportunity to visit with him for a total of10 minutes. I felt like a pitcher, pitching a fast ball. Basically I told him about my EDLD 5301 Research class and the project I was working on. When collaborating with my coworkers and site supervisors for ideas for my action plan project, I would “CC” the emails to my Principal. Though we have not had a chance to visit, I have kept him in the loop each step of the way. He seemed receptive and promised that it would be discussed at the Lead Team meeting. He did mention that one of my coworkers has been talking about the issues of homework and would like something done this year. I offered to speak to the Lead Team to share my ideas and that I would head up the project. He did say that he would work with me if the project did not pan out. Since being away for a year, he wanted to hear concerns the Lead Teacher's had and plan accordingly. If homework issues were loudly voiced, then I could proceed with my action plan.
What I admire about my Principal is his eagerness to support his teachers, students, and parents. He listens to our concerns and tries his best to come up with a solution. He is young and has a passion for education. We like to say he has "heart!"
Arnold, L. (2010, August 8). I can foresee three challenges in implementing my action plan research.
Message posted to https://lamar.epiclms.net/Learn/Player.aspx?enrollmentid=1300294
Another key comment Lauri made was, “…try to convince the principal that your ideas would have a positive impact on the campus. If you start with anyone else you might risk alienating him …” Our campus has been riding on a roller coaster for the past five years with a different Principal each year. The exception being that this year, a former Principal will be returning from a sabbatical to stay! Today was the first opportunity to visit with him for a total of10 minutes. I felt like a pitcher, pitching a fast ball. Basically I told him about my EDLD 5301 Research class and the project I was working on. When collaborating with my coworkers and site supervisors for ideas for my action plan project, I would “CC” the emails to my Principal. Though we have not had a chance to visit, I have kept him in the loop each step of the way. He seemed receptive and promised that it would be discussed at the Lead Team meeting. He did mention that one of my coworkers has been talking about the issues of homework and would like something done this year. I offered to speak to the Lead Team to share my ideas and that I would head up the project. He did say that he would work with me if the project did not pan out. Since being away for a year, he wanted to hear concerns the Lead Teacher's had and plan accordingly. If homework issues were loudly voiced, then I could proceed with my action plan.
What I admire about my Principal is his eagerness to support his teachers, students, and parents. He listens to our concerns and tries his best to come up with a solution. He is young and has a passion for education. We like to say he has "heart!"
Arnold, L. (2010, August 8). I can foresee three challenges in implementing my action plan research.
Message posted to https://lamar.epiclms.net/Learn/Player.aspx?enrollmentid=1300294
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