Relationships

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While reviewing the learning theories I realized that the the theory that best suits me is the relationship or transform theory.  Subsequently, the main focus of this theory is building relations between leader and follower. Transform leaders  inspire and motivate the entire group by helping the group aspire to work to their full potential.  It is easier to succeed when there is trust and respect with-in a group, in both directions from leader to follower and  follower to leader.


My school can benefit this type of leadership, because  it allows everyone to become empowered, students, teachers, and administrators.  Consequently, I believe that more can be accomplished if there is a shared vision, a stake in the vision and ownership of that vision.  Transform leaders allow  for collaboration among others and as the name implies to effect changes that are hopefully for the better.  

Change from within

Change from within

As a Teacher we face many political challenges.  As a teacher leader the challenges increase.  Most departments of education, Federal, State, or City are filled with bureaucrats.  As a matter of fact, The whole education system is a bureaucratic one.  A teacher must maintain state, and city standards, However we must control the delivery of that information.  We are not just educating the students in reading, writing and rithmatic, we educate for life; teaching appropriate behaviors, social skills, and life skills.  

A teacher is not limited to the classroom to make changes, they can effect changes outside the classroom as well.  One way to be an effective changer is to get involved in the students extra curriculum activities. Go see a ball game, they will notice you there.  Run an after school club, eat your lunch with students who may need some extra help in your class.  Go the extra mile.  As a result you start to become a key player in your school dynamics. Some one the students and other faculty members trust. 

Taking these small first steps, will also help you become a school leader, However, there are other ways to increase your influence on policies and  decision making.  Get involved.  Join the School Leadership team,  Run the student government, be an active voice at town hall meetings, become a union delegate; you may not be able to change the whole bureaucratic system  but you can certainly change your classroom and help others change the school.  

Small changes from within can effect large changes.  

Finding out about me as a leader

 

In Part A of the personal Strengths Evaluation I had to ask two of my colleagues how they saw my strengths.  The first one saw my strengths as Activator, Empathy, Harmony, Learner, and Positivity.  The second colleague saw my strengths as Adaptability, Consistency, Empathy, Positivity, and Significance.  Looking at their responses I noticed that they both saw me as Positive and Empathetic.  It is interesting to see how other people see me.
In part B we were to self evaluate our own strengths.  I said I was Analytical, Consistent, Discipline, Empathetic, and Positive.  So the only thing we all agreed upon was that my strengths were Empathy and Positivity. 
The results, drum roll please,  My number one strength is Positivity , which my colleagues and myself saw.  The second strength is Belief, which should be of no surprise to me, as I am a minister in my church and my beliefs are very strong.  However, we missed that as a group.  Third strength is Adaptability, again both myself and colleague 2 saw.  Number four is Relator.  I did not even conciser this one.  However upon reading the summary I can understand why Gallup said this is one of my strengths.  I am the person that most people: Students, teachers, administrators, family members, church members etc. come to for advice. Finally, my last strength is a learner.  Colleague number one joking put that down saying"I am only putting this down because you are now in college."  I guess no surprise here either, as I do enjoy learning.