CEDO565 Week 2

This week we explored the WINSS site.  In WINSS we are able to look at various types of data, including how each school in the state perform on state assessments.  This is information that all the stakeholders would be interested in.  How does the school I teach at perform?  How does it compare within the district, neighboring schools, the state?  It also shows demographic information and economonic status.  The user is able to compare to previous years as well.  Typically this site might be used by principals and data team members, and then shared with the school.  That's how it's done in my building.  I have used the WINSS site for my PDP. Other stakeholders like parents and the community might find this information interesting as well.  When looking to buy a house, especially if moving to an new unfamiliar area, home buyers might be interested in this information. While it shows if a school has met AYP, as a home buyer I'd be more interested in the trends.  We also read the chapters 2 and 3 of How to Thrive as a Teacher Leader.  Chapter 2 was about assembling the team.  The team  and their roles, interviewing the applicants, and scheduling classes.  Chapter 3 is about communication - oral, verbal, and body language.

CEDO565 Week 1

This week we took several surveys to assess what type of leader we are.  We also started examining what makes a good leader - what skills do they need?  Can everyone lead or is only natural born leaders?  Pat Awuah (TED talk video) says that leaders need to be trained and they need to serve humanity.  Leaders need to have courage, think critically, have the ability to confront complex problems, creative, engaged, ethical, empowering, the ability to challenge, and integrity.  His most powerful statement was every society must be intentional about how it trains its leaders.  This is especially true in today's world.

Am I leader?  Prior to becoming a teacher I have held management positions in the corporate world.   Today, I'm a teacher and I do consider myself a leader in my school and district.  I am engaged in my building and with my students.  I question things and offer different approaches and solutions when I feel there are alternatives.  I use my creativity in my lessons and activities and I share with my colleagues.  I have been instrumental in creating a CDB curriculum and getting the funding approved for it by the school board.  I enjoy being engaged and sharing ideas with my students, peers, and colleagues.  I'm a teacher, case manager, committee member, and a team member.  In these roles I've been and continue to be a leader, even though there's no recognized authority or compensation.  I've been a leader of technology and incorporating in into lessons and activities.  Why then do this?  Because I care about the students, the school, the district, and our community.  This is what a leader does.