This week, I was asked to blog about how I currently lead in my job. First, I have been a leader in my grade level. Since I started teaching third grade in my current school six years ago, I have had a different group of teachers in my grade level every single year. This situation has led me to become the leader in my grade level, as I am the only person who has worked in this grade every single year. Therefore, I have the greatest knowledge of the curriculum and procedures for third grade. Next year will be very interesting, as I just found out this week that I will be moving to second grade. Although I am very excited about the move, it will be very interesting being the "newbie" in a grade level again.
I am also a leader in technology in my school. I have always been tech savvy, and I love finding new programs and websites to share with my colleagues. My principal looks to me when she has technology issues, since our district IT person is spread so very thin (she is responsible for K-12 all by herself). I have also done a lot of work with piloting our new online gradebook program and our news standards-based report cards. I am always willing to attend professional development workshops to continue learning all I can to improve in my profession, and to bring the information I learn back to my school.
Andi - I mentioned this in my blog post and I'm wondering what you think about it. The text mentioned that selecting a person for a leadership role sholdn't be determined by seniority. You said in your post that you are the leader of your grade level because you are the one teacher who has consistently been teaching at your grade level over the past few years. Like you also mentioned, because of your seniority in your grade leve, you also have the most knowledge of curriculum, etc for your grade level. Do you see other grade levels have a teacher in the leader position because of seniority that shouldn't necessarily hold that position/title?
ReplyDeleteAndi,
ReplyDeleteI am the K12 Technology Specialist for our district and I really value teachers like you who step up in their own schools and support the teachers not only with the techie problems but also with curriculum resources and tools. Is your role as a leader in technology a transparent role or do you have actual positions like the department or grade level chairs?
I have to ask, Andi, if your school appoints leaders or do you have to step up to the plate on your own? When I read about your accomplishments, I wish we had an elementary teacher that was willing to take on such a leadership role, but everyone is afraid to take the step. You sound like an awesome asset to your school!
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