Standard #10 – Leadership and Collaboration
The teacher candidate seeks appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession.
Summer 2015: My initial studies in graduate school were a dual load in chemistry licensure and educational leadership. As it turns out, I had more interest in the leadership courses than the licensure ones, which resulted in me requiring more credits to actually become a licensed teacher first before I entered into this program. I enjoyed the rigor that the leadership classes offered, and think I would enjoy the challenges that being an administrator would pose. Before I decide if that is the route for me, I hope to take on leadership roles in my department and building, proving my worth and ethic in regards to greater responsibility.
Mr. Smith and I have spoken to each other and we have a plan to call every single student of ours this year to report something positive about them to their parents/guardians. My hope is to be a positive force for students and parents, both inside and outside of school walls. Building trust takes time, but I think that being consistent and present will prove my worth.
Autumn 2015: I had several opportunities to attend professional developmental conferences this semester, including a Marzano training. I was able to implement several techniques learned at this conference in our classroom and plan to use his techniques to become a more reflective instructor. The frequent observations and evaluations offered throughout this program, as well as constructive comments from Mr. Smith, have allowed me to grow my practices as a fledgling instructor. I hope that as I continue on as an educator that I always treat both my students and their parents/guardians with respect and honor differences between us.
Spring 2016: Our department has had a shift in teaching responsibilities this year. Part of our duties this year have been to support a biology teacher who has taken on a chemistry teaching role. We have offered support to him by sharing our lesson plans and labs, and discussing methods. I have assisted with science club activities, including meeting logistics and movie night. The Woodrow Wilson Foundation requested my help in participating in a webinar for incoming Fellows, and I obliged. I felt valued as a teacher candidate when I was asked to assist in the above tasks, as if I was considered a responsible and useful resource to others.