My Leadership Platform
I believe the purpose of a student’s education is to create opportunities, lanes and possibilities for a brighter future regardless of where they come from. Creating opportunities is about getting out of their comfort zones and allowing students to showcase their unique gifts. Creating lanes is developing an awareness of the possibilities that exist in this world if they work hard and believe in themselves. I believe all students are equipped with unique skills and talents and it's my job to create an awareness of this potential and the mindset that they can succeed in anything they attempt. To not only succeed for themselves but to be of service to others as well. My belief in the purpose of education was developed over the years based on my childhood and adulthood experiences that molded and guided me toward education.
I Believe This Because...
I believe this because I was a student that struggled in school so I understand the importance of a good start to an academic career. I was always a “C” student growing up, from elementary to high school. This is why I chose the elementary level and currently teach 2nd grade. I want kids to have a better start to their education than the start I had. My elementary school experiences consisted of traveling and bouncing from one country to another. I was born in Chula Vista, California and lived in Tijuana, Mexico. As a child I would wake up at 5am every weekday, to leave our house in Mexico by 6am in hopes to get to school by 8am. I was that student that was constantly tardy because the border wait to cross was always unpredictable. I remember being questioned by my principal asking me why I was tardy everyday, I was always told by my parents to not say that we lived in Mexico because it was not legal to do so as we needed to live within school boundaries. Out of fear, I once admitted to the principal that I lived in Mexico, my dad came in the next day extremely upset and had a verbal exchange with the principal about not questioning his son without his parents. I remained at this school for another year and then transferred.
During my elementary school experience, I attended 3 different schools. I later attended the same middle school for 2 years and during my high school tenure I attended 3 different high schools so I moved quite a bit throughout my academic career. I believe this molded me to become independent and the survival skills I needed later in life. It can be very tough to constantly start over at a new school on a consistent basis. This is one of the reasons I am passionate about teaching elementary school students and feel I can relate and support students that have similar stories. All of this moving around made me a pretty shy kid because I was always the “new kid.” Whenever I see a student that appears to be shy, I do my best to break them out of it by the end of the year as it took me all the way into my adulthood to break out of my shyness.
Both of my parents were born and raised in Mexico but they knew that in order for us to have more opportunities and a better life, they wanted us educated in the United States. I didn’t like moving around from school to school but I understand their reasoning and am truly grateful. My dad dropped out of school in the sixth grade and my mom graduated from high school and attended community college for a year. Therefore, I was the first in my family to attend a 4 year university and graduate.
I used to work as a social worker prior to teaching and within that company I was later promoted to a program specialist where I taught new employees how to do a job I worked in for about 8 years. This was the first spark that I experienced and envisioned about teaching. I enjoyed it. I had already earned my bachelor’s in business management but I began the pursuit of a Master’s degree and teaching credential simultaneously because I made the decision that I wanted to teach children. My student teaching experience definitely broke me out of my “stiff” posture and molded me into an elementary school teacher. My master teachers were angels sent from above as they taught everything they know took care of me as a mother takes care of their son. Both of these teachers were teachers of the year at some point and modeled a great deal of passion to serve. I completed my student teaching in June 2010 and then hired later that year at King Chavez Prep as a temporary 6th, 7th & 8th grade PE teacher. A couple months later, I was called for an interview at Lindo Park Elementary and was hired as a temporary contract 1st grade teacher starting in October 2010. In March 2011, I was offered a permanent contract to become a full-time teacher. My leap of faith and career change had finally reached it’s conclusion, or at least the end of that chapter. This leap of faith gave me a deep sense that everything works for the greater good for those that live according to their purpose and I try my best to teach my students that great things happen when they work hard and make good choices.
My experience at Lindo Park has given me the awareness of how much male role models are needed in the lives of children and the necessity to have bilingual teachers has given me great opportunities to serve this community. I believe I came into education at a great time with great changes such as the implementation of technology, common core standards and new curriculum across the board. I don’t really feel all of these changes as I wasn’t really stuck on the “old way” of teaching. I only know the new and current practices and I love the constant change because we’re always looking to improve.
This is my story and some of the experiences that shaped my vision as a teacher and future leader.
My Professional Experience
I have been teaching for 5 years. I am credentialed in multiple subject teaching and hold a California bilingual authorization - Bilingual, Cross-cultural, Language and Academic Development (BCLAD). I have taught grades 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 and 8. I have had a number of different teaching assignments including physical education and dual immersion summer camps. I have accepted teacher leadership responsibilities in the school including Professional Learning Community (PLC) leadership, English Language Development, Student Site Council, and IDEAS 2.0 (Next Generation Science Standards Curriculum Development.)
My Path
I believe my professional experience prior to teaching molded and prepared me for the moment I became a teacher. I can still recall many responsibilities and experiences of the past that I currently use on a day to day basis as a teacher.
Arc San Diego
I began my professional career as an employee for the Arc of San Diego, which is a service provider for children and adults with special needs. My duties were to manage adults with special needs and help "teach" them skills they will need and use in the workforce. Many of our special needs adult transitioned into the workforce and worked for McDonald's, Target, etc. This job truly humbled me and made me appreciate how blessed I was to be healthy and in a position to help others.
Retail
After the Arc of San Diego, I was employed at several department stores such as Macy's, Blockbuster Video and several clothing stores. These experiences molded my skills of customer service that I currently use today as a teacher with parents and colleagues. Customer service is every interaction I have every single day with my students, parents, colleagues and the community. The customer service experience taught me to do my best to serve others, to make them feel appreciated, be approachable and communicate with them in a positive/helpful tone and do my best to listen as well.
Child Development Associates
After my retail experience, I entered the field of social work where I remained for 8 years. This is where I truly learned the art of patience, listening and serving others. Social work is not easy. I had the responsibility of maintaining a caseload of over 100 families where we were the eligibility specialists that enrolled low income families into free to reduced cost child care. During this experience, I had clients that took out their frustrations on me, they were basically shooting the messenger whenever they didn't qualify, terminated or were asked to pay a larger sum of the child care. I understood their anger and did my best to serve them anyway, extremely difficult but there were many moments of joy when families would thank me for what our company did for their family. I also moved up the ranks during this time and began training (teaching) new employees how to do a job I previously held. I was a trainer for about 2 years and this is where I developed a love for teaching and my first vision that I can possibly do the same but in a different venue, elementary schools.
Student Teaching
I consider student teaching a professional experience because I was surrounded by of the best professionals in the business of teaching, my master teachers. These two wonderful women molded me and treated me like their son. They taught me everything they knew and did the best they can to keep me away from any negativity that surrounded the district at that time. I wanted to attend staff meetings to gain experience but they would say no because they felt a lot of the teachers and the news were negative. I appreciated them for that because somehow my naivete allowed me to pursue teaching as if there were no obstacles. During my student teaching, I was always the first one to the school, I even beat all of the custodians and people noticed that. This was my first epiphany, people do notice when you do good things so even to this day, I'm always the first one at our school. Sometimes, not all the time, I get there before the custodian.
Teaching
As I enter my sixth year of teaching, it all began in 2010 at a school called King Chavez Prep where I was hired as a PE coach for 6th-8th grade students. This experience truly taught me a great deal. I worked with another coach that was also one of the football coaches for San Diego State, he like my master teachers treated me like a son and allowed me learn everything he knew. About 2 months later I receive a call from an elementary school asking if I was available to interview for a long term substitute position as a Kindergarten and 1st grade combo class. I interviewed and then hired. Five months later, I was hired permanently as a first grade teacher at a school at which I remain today. I later taught 2nd grade, 2nd and 3rd grade combo and now in my second straight year as a straight second grade teacher.
All of these experiences molded and prepared me into the professional I am today and I wouldn't trade any single moment.
Leadership Style
After reading Greens, The Art of Leadership, and analyzing all of the different styles of leadership I came to the conclusion that my leadership style is democratic and distributive. I'd like to think that I would be able to adapt to any situation and switch styles when needed (situational leadership) but at my core I would consider myself distributive. Going on my sixth year of teaching and my 4th year implementing the Professional Learning Community process, I noticed that I would be comfortable distributing and sharing the instructional responsibilities with the entire staff. I believe in empowering people to serve and make decisions that will greatly and positively affect their students. Teachers are in the trenches and understand their students more than leadership and there has to be a great level of trust in that process. However, the process starts with me. My expectations, beliefs and purpose needs to be clear to ensure everyone is on board. All stakeholders must go to work with the “belief that, collectively, they have the capacity to produce desired results”. (Green,R.L, p.65)
Non-Negotiables
Safety - My first non-negotiable is to ensure my staff and all other stakeholders feel safe walking into our school. To take every measure and ensure our school is a safe, positive and a welcoming environment. Safety measures ensures that attendance is high and parents feel they can be involved in their child's education.
Respect - My second non-negotiable is to treat each other with respect. That goes for teachers, parents and leadership. To respect each others differences and to work as a team to ensure we're all aligned toward the same purpose and that's to ensure our students are getting the best education possible that will prepare them for life.
Preparedness - My third non-negotiable is that our staff is prepared. I want passionate teachers that will go above and beyond to serve their students and community. To not only prepare their lesson plans but to prepare themselves as well. This profession has a great deal of responsibility and parents are entrusting the well being of their children to us so as teachers we need to ensure that we have a heart to serve and the work ethic to match.
Subsections
Subject: Curriculum and Instruction - I believe that all students should have access to research based curriculum and teachers that are engaged and passionate about their craft. Teachers should also deliver instruction based on the 21st century skills that students will need today, tomorrow and in the future.
I believe this because I’ve observed the positive effect when students are instructed by teachers that are passionate about their craft. It’s not simply about equipping teachers the newest and the latest strategy and/or curriculum, it’s about having the passion to follow through with the curriculum, doing your own research, collaborate with others, analyze data, meet the needs of our particular students, empower students to track their own progress and truly care about their students success. Students will see and feel this authenticity and will want to perform at a high level for us and themselves.
Lots of issues/aspect of common core standards and technology. For example many teachers have shown frustration with the curriculum aligned with the common core standards. Many of standards are scattered or teachers are required to create their own curriculum. This has been very stressful and time consuming as teachers are not given much time to prepare these lessons. Teachers are required to join multiple committees, after school programs, continuous professional developments during school hours which requires sub plans, and of course-teaching.
I’d like to talk about the pedagogy behind teaching with technology.
Explain your example: Teaching with technology sounds like a great headline but it represents some challenges. There has to be a shift in the mindset of teachers and there has to be a deep level of understanding of the methods and practice of teaching with technology. Technology cannot be rolled out and expect teachers to utilize it effectively. There has to be a support team that consistently assists with the day to day obstacles such as connectivity, bugs, plugs, software, privacy, digital citizenship, syncing and many other areas that teachers will need support. There also has to be continuous professional developments and observations of how to utilize the technology effectively. There are many teachers that have mastered the art of teaching with technology and they set a great example for the rest of us that we can observe.
Subject: Parent and Community Involvement
I believe that: parents are an essential piece to the success of the student. There has to be support from all stakeholders, teachers, parents, school leaders and the community surrounding them. I’ve seen it first hand, when there is parent involvement, students tend to produce great and continuous improvement in all academic areas. At the elementary school level, students depend on their parents to ensure they eat balanced meals, completion of homework, teacher/parent communication and coming to school prepared. When these essential responsibilities are taken care of, the results are continuous improvement.
I believe this because: I’ve witnessed the negative effects it has on a student when there is a lack of support at home. Students come in hungry, unprepared and academics and behavior decline because there’s no follow up at home.
Lots of issues/aspect of: parent involvement. For example our school is a title 1 school, 100% of our students qualify for free reduced cost lunches and a high percentage of single parent households.
I’d like to talk about: improving our communication as a school and additional effort to assist the families that need additional support and resources.
Explain your example: I believe our school has done a great job in assisting students with high needs, we have hired a school psychologist that is consistently working with students that need to share or voice their difficulties at home. This has helped tremendously and it would be great to take it a step further and assist the families as well with additional support from our community churches, agencies and any other resource that can meet their needs to ensure we are doing all we can to assist in the success of every student.
Subject: Discipline and School Climate/Culture
I believe that: school discipline and school climate and culture are essential to the academic success of each and every student.
I believe this because: a strong and consistent discipline policy also supports the teachers in the classroom. Teachers do not have to worry about how they should handle a certain student or situation, the school discipline policy will be consistent and fair so every student that decides to break the rules will be disciplined accordingly. However, the discipline policy should also ensure that students are not only disciplined but there is room for restoration and the learning from mistakes. I have observed that students respond to praise, instead of constantly hammering their mistakes. It’s all about mutual respect and showing authenticity and we truly care about their success in the classroom.
Lots of issues/aspect of: using choice words. For example, I think that we can do a better job using choice words throughout our teaching day. To ensure students are constantly listening to positivity and that their efforts are noticed. We never know how students are disciplined at home or if they’re disciplined at all, the classroom should be a place where students come to build their self esteem and learn habits that they can utilize today, tomorrow and future.
I’d like to talk about: implementing the 7 habits in my classroom.
Explain your example: We currently have positive expectations as a school where we teach a certain rule or expectation every week such “hallway behavior” or “playground behavior” but I like the idea of mastering 1 principle at a time. We can implement 1 principle and track our progress until we get to the final habit, sharpening the saw.
Subject: Technology
I believe that: technology is an essential tool needed to ensure our students are prepared for the future and that technology is not a replacement of teaching but a way to extend and enrich the learning experience.
I believe this because: technology is all around us and the biggest form of communication. People and businesses are communicating via text, video, email and/or social media. Students must be prepared for this world. Technology will constantly change as there is continuous improvement however the skills to adapt to this continuum is what students need to be equipped with in the classroom.
Lots of issues/aspect of: continuous change and the addition of strategies and programs. For example technology is not constant so there is always something brand new out there. Schools need to be careful of not implementing too much that teachers feel the heaviness of these changes. Teachers need to be supported with what we currently have and allow them to gradually incorporate new strategies and programs at a steady pace.
I’d like to talk about: tracking student progress.
Explain your example: Currently we have several reading programs through scholastic that students utilize on their desktops and coming to the iPads soon. We have had this technology for 2 years but I have never been able to track student progress but this year we will have access. I believe technology is an awesome tool but it serves no purpose when we can’t measure how effective the tool is, shared amongst grade level colleagues to utilize for intervention, next steps and share this data with students as well to keep them motivated. It’s extremely important to not only roll out tons of software and technology but to ensure there are ways to track student progress as well.
References
Green, R. L. (2005). Practicing the art of leadership: A problem-based approach to implementing the ISLLC standards. Pearson.
I believe the purpose of a student’s education is to create opportunities, lanes and possibilities for a brighter future regardless of where they come from. Creating opportunities is about getting out of their comfort zones and allowing students to showcase their unique gifts. Creating lanes is developing an awareness of the possibilities that exist in this world if they work hard and believe in themselves. I believe all students are equipped with unique skills and talents and it's my job to create an awareness of this potential and the mindset that they can succeed in anything they attempt. To not only succeed for themselves but to be of service to others as well. My belief in the purpose of education was developed over the years based on my childhood and adulthood experiences that molded and guided me toward education.
I Believe This Because...
I believe this because I was a student that struggled in school so I understand the importance of a good start to an academic career. I was always a “C” student growing up, from elementary to high school. This is why I chose the elementary level and currently teach 2nd grade. I want kids to have a better start to their education than the start I had. My elementary school experiences consisted of traveling and bouncing from one country to another. I was born in Chula Vista, California and lived in Tijuana, Mexico. As a child I would wake up at 5am every weekday, to leave our house in Mexico by 6am in hopes to get to school by 8am. I was that student that was constantly tardy because the border wait to cross was always unpredictable. I remember being questioned by my principal asking me why I was tardy everyday, I was always told by my parents to not say that we lived in Mexico because it was not legal to do so as we needed to live within school boundaries. Out of fear, I once admitted to the principal that I lived in Mexico, my dad came in the next day extremely upset and had a verbal exchange with the principal about not questioning his son without his parents. I remained at this school for another year and then transferred.
During my elementary school experience, I attended 3 different schools. I later attended the same middle school for 2 years and during my high school tenure I attended 3 different high schools so I moved quite a bit throughout my academic career. I believe this molded me to become independent and the survival skills I needed later in life. It can be very tough to constantly start over at a new school on a consistent basis. This is one of the reasons I am passionate about teaching elementary school students and feel I can relate and support students that have similar stories. All of this moving around made me a pretty shy kid because I was always the “new kid.” Whenever I see a student that appears to be shy, I do my best to break them out of it by the end of the year as it took me all the way into my adulthood to break out of my shyness.
Both of my parents were born and raised in Mexico but they knew that in order for us to have more opportunities and a better life, they wanted us educated in the United States. I didn’t like moving around from school to school but I understand their reasoning and am truly grateful. My dad dropped out of school in the sixth grade and my mom graduated from high school and attended community college for a year. Therefore, I was the first in my family to attend a 4 year university and graduate.
I used to work as a social worker prior to teaching and within that company I was later promoted to a program specialist where I taught new employees how to do a job I worked in for about 8 years. This was the first spark that I experienced and envisioned about teaching. I enjoyed it. I had already earned my bachelor’s in business management but I began the pursuit of a Master’s degree and teaching credential simultaneously because I made the decision that I wanted to teach children. My student teaching experience definitely broke me out of my “stiff” posture and molded me into an elementary school teacher. My master teachers were angels sent from above as they taught everything they know took care of me as a mother takes care of their son. Both of these teachers were teachers of the year at some point and modeled a great deal of passion to serve. I completed my student teaching in June 2010 and then hired later that year at King Chavez Prep as a temporary 6th, 7th & 8th grade PE teacher. A couple months later, I was called for an interview at Lindo Park Elementary and was hired as a temporary contract 1st grade teacher starting in October 2010. In March 2011, I was offered a permanent contract to become a full-time teacher. My leap of faith and career change had finally reached it’s conclusion, or at least the end of that chapter. This leap of faith gave me a deep sense that everything works for the greater good for those that live according to their purpose and I try my best to teach my students that great things happen when they work hard and make good choices.
My experience at Lindo Park has given me the awareness of how much male role models are needed in the lives of children and the necessity to have bilingual teachers has given me great opportunities to serve this community. I believe I came into education at a great time with great changes such as the implementation of technology, common core standards and new curriculum across the board. I don’t really feel all of these changes as I wasn’t really stuck on the “old way” of teaching. I only know the new and current practices and I love the constant change because we’re always looking to improve.
This is my story and some of the experiences that shaped my vision as a teacher and future leader.
My Professional Experience
I have been teaching for 5 years. I am credentialed in multiple subject teaching and hold a California bilingual authorization - Bilingual, Cross-cultural, Language and Academic Development (BCLAD). I have taught grades 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 and 8. I have had a number of different teaching assignments including physical education and dual immersion summer camps. I have accepted teacher leadership responsibilities in the school including Professional Learning Community (PLC) leadership, English Language Development, Student Site Council, and IDEAS 2.0 (Next Generation Science Standards Curriculum Development.)
My Path
I believe my professional experience prior to teaching molded and prepared me for the moment I became a teacher. I can still recall many responsibilities and experiences of the past that I currently use on a day to day basis as a teacher.
Arc San Diego
I began my professional career as an employee for the Arc of San Diego, which is a service provider for children and adults with special needs. My duties were to manage adults with special needs and help "teach" them skills they will need and use in the workforce. Many of our special needs adult transitioned into the workforce and worked for McDonald's, Target, etc. This job truly humbled me and made me appreciate how blessed I was to be healthy and in a position to help others.
Retail
After the Arc of San Diego, I was employed at several department stores such as Macy's, Blockbuster Video and several clothing stores. These experiences molded my skills of customer service that I currently use today as a teacher with parents and colleagues. Customer service is every interaction I have every single day with my students, parents, colleagues and the community. The customer service experience taught me to do my best to serve others, to make them feel appreciated, be approachable and communicate with them in a positive/helpful tone and do my best to listen as well.
Child Development Associates
After my retail experience, I entered the field of social work where I remained for 8 years. This is where I truly learned the art of patience, listening and serving others. Social work is not easy. I had the responsibility of maintaining a caseload of over 100 families where we were the eligibility specialists that enrolled low income families into free to reduced cost child care. During this experience, I had clients that took out their frustrations on me, they were basically shooting the messenger whenever they didn't qualify, terminated or were asked to pay a larger sum of the child care. I understood their anger and did my best to serve them anyway, extremely difficult but there were many moments of joy when families would thank me for what our company did for their family. I also moved up the ranks during this time and began training (teaching) new employees how to do a job I previously held. I was a trainer for about 2 years and this is where I developed a love for teaching and my first vision that I can possibly do the same but in a different venue, elementary schools.
Student Teaching
I consider student teaching a professional experience because I was surrounded by of the best professionals in the business of teaching, my master teachers. These two wonderful women molded me and treated me like their son. They taught me everything they knew and did the best they can to keep me away from any negativity that surrounded the district at that time. I wanted to attend staff meetings to gain experience but they would say no because they felt a lot of the teachers and the news were negative. I appreciated them for that because somehow my naivete allowed me to pursue teaching as if there were no obstacles. During my student teaching, I was always the first one to the school, I even beat all of the custodians and people noticed that. This was my first epiphany, people do notice when you do good things so even to this day, I'm always the first one at our school. Sometimes, not all the time, I get there before the custodian.
Teaching
As I enter my sixth year of teaching, it all began in 2010 at a school called King Chavez Prep where I was hired as a PE coach for 6th-8th grade students. This experience truly taught me a great deal. I worked with another coach that was also one of the football coaches for San Diego State, he like my master teachers treated me like a son and allowed me learn everything he knew. About 2 months later I receive a call from an elementary school asking if I was available to interview for a long term substitute position as a Kindergarten and 1st grade combo class. I interviewed and then hired. Five months later, I was hired permanently as a first grade teacher at a school at which I remain today. I later taught 2nd grade, 2nd and 3rd grade combo and now in my second straight year as a straight second grade teacher.
All of these experiences molded and prepared me into the professional I am today and I wouldn't trade any single moment.
Leadership Style
After reading Greens, The Art of Leadership, and analyzing all of the different styles of leadership I came to the conclusion that my leadership style is democratic and distributive. I'd like to think that I would be able to adapt to any situation and switch styles when needed (situational leadership) but at my core I would consider myself distributive. Going on my sixth year of teaching and my 4th year implementing the Professional Learning Community process, I noticed that I would be comfortable distributing and sharing the instructional responsibilities with the entire staff. I believe in empowering people to serve and make decisions that will greatly and positively affect their students. Teachers are in the trenches and understand their students more than leadership and there has to be a great level of trust in that process. However, the process starts with me. My expectations, beliefs and purpose needs to be clear to ensure everyone is on board. All stakeholders must go to work with the “belief that, collectively, they have the capacity to produce desired results”. (Green,R.L, p.65)
Non-Negotiables
Safety - My first non-negotiable is to ensure my staff and all other stakeholders feel safe walking into our school. To take every measure and ensure our school is a safe, positive and a welcoming environment. Safety measures ensures that attendance is high and parents feel they can be involved in their child's education.
Respect - My second non-negotiable is to treat each other with respect. That goes for teachers, parents and leadership. To respect each others differences and to work as a team to ensure we're all aligned toward the same purpose and that's to ensure our students are getting the best education possible that will prepare them for life.
Preparedness - My third non-negotiable is that our staff is prepared. I want passionate teachers that will go above and beyond to serve their students and community. To not only prepare their lesson plans but to prepare themselves as well. This profession has a great deal of responsibility and parents are entrusting the well being of their children to us so as teachers we need to ensure that we have a heart to serve and the work ethic to match.
Subsections
Subject: Curriculum and Instruction - I believe that all students should have access to research based curriculum and teachers that are engaged and passionate about their craft. Teachers should also deliver instruction based on the 21st century skills that students will need today, tomorrow and in the future.
I believe this because I’ve observed the positive effect when students are instructed by teachers that are passionate about their craft. It’s not simply about equipping teachers the newest and the latest strategy and/or curriculum, it’s about having the passion to follow through with the curriculum, doing your own research, collaborate with others, analyze data, meet the needs of our particular students, empower students to track their own progress and truly care about their students success. Students will see and feel this authenticity and will want to perform at a high level for us and themselves.
Lots of issues/aspect of common core standards and technology. For example many teachers have shown frustration with the curriculum aligned with the common core standards. Many of standards are scattered or teachers are required to create their own curriculum. This has been very stressful and time consuming as teachers are not given much time to prepare these lessons. Teachers are required to join multiple committees, after school programs, continuous professional developments during school hours which requires sub plans, and of course-teaching.
I’d like to talk about the pedagogy behind teaching with technology.
Explain your example: Teaching with technology sounds like a great headline but it represents some challenges. There has to be a shift in the mindset of teachers and there has to be a deep level of understanding of the methods and practice of teaching with technology. Technology cannot be rolled out and expect teachers to utilize it effectively. There has to be a support team that consistently assists with the day to day obstacles such as connectivity, bugs, plugs, software, privacy, digital citizenship, syncing and many other areas that teachers will need support. There also has to be continuous professional developments and observations of how to utilize the technology effectively. There are many teachers that have mastered the art of teaching with technology and they set a great example for the rest of us that we can observe.
Subject: Parent and Community Involvement
I believe that: parents are an essential piece to the success of the student. There has to be support from all stakeholders, teachers, parents, school leaders and the community surrounding them. I’ve seen it first hand, when there is parent involvement, students tend to produce great and continuous improvement in all academic areas. At the elementary school level, students depend on their parents to ensure they eat balanced meals, completion of homework, teacher/parent communication and coming to school prepared. When these essential responsibilities are taken care of, the results are continuous improvement.
I believe this because: I’ve witnessed the negative effects it has on a student when there is a lack of support at home. Students come in hungry, unprepared and academics and behavior decline because there’s no follow up at home.
Lots of issues/aspect of: parent involvement. For example our school is a title 1 school, 100% of our students qualify for free reduced cost lunches and a high percentage of single parent households.
I’d like to talk about: improving our communication as a school and additional effort to assist the families that need additional support and resources.
Explain your example: I believe our school has done a great job in assisting students with high needs, we have hired a school psychologist that is consistently working with students that need to share or voice their difficulties at home. This has helped tremendously and it would be great to take it a step further and assist the families as well with additional support from our community churches, agencies and any other resource that can meet their needs to ensure we are doing all we can to assist in the success of every student.
Subject: Discipline and School Climate/Culture
I believe that: school discipline and school climate and culture are essential to the academic success of each and every student.
I believe this because: a strong and consistent discipline policy also supports the teachers in the classroom. Teachers do not have to worry about how they should handle a certain student or situation, the school discipline policy will be consistent and fair so every student that decides to break the rules will be disciplined accordingly. However, the discipline policy should also ensure that students are not only disciplined but there is room for restoration and the learning from mistakes. I have observed that students respond to praise, instead of constantly hammering their mistakes. It’s all about mutual respect and showing authenticity and we truly care about their success in the classroom.
Lots of issues/aspect of: using choice words. For example, I think that we can do a better job using choice words throughout our teaching day. To ensure students are constantly listening to positivity and that their efforts are noticed. We never know how students are disciplined at home or if they’re disciplined at all, the classroom should be a place where students come to build their self esteem and learn habits that they can utilize today, tomorrow and future.
I’d like to talk about: implementing the 7 habits in my classroom.
Explain your example: We currently have positive expectations as a school where we teach a certain rule or expectation every week such “hallway behavior” or “playground behavior” but I like the idea of mastering 1 principle at a time. We can implement 1 principle and track our progress until we get to the final habit, sharpening the saw.
Subject: Technology
I believe that: technology is an essential tool needed to ensure our students are prepared for the future and that technology is not a replacement of teaching but a way to extend and enrich the learning experience.
I believe this because: technology is all around us and the biggest form of communication. People and businesses are communicating via text, video, email and/or social media. Students must be prepared for this world. Technology will constantly change as there is continuous improvement however the skills to adapt to this continuum is what students need to be equipped with in the classroom.
Lots of issues/aspect of: continuous change and the addition of strategies and programs. For example technology is not constant so there is always something brand new out there. Schools need to be careful of not implementing too much that teachers feel the heaviness of these changes. Teachers need to be supported with what we currently have and allow them to gradually incorporate new strategies and programs at a steady pace.
I’d like to talk about: tracking student progress.
Explain your example: Currently we have several reading programs through scholastic that students utilize on their desktops and coming to the iPads soon. We have had this technology for 2 years but I have never been able to track student progress but this year we will have access. I believe technology is an awesome tool but it serves no purpose when we can’t measure how effective the tool is, shared amongst grade level colleagues to utilize for intervention, next steps and share this data with students as well to keep them motivated. It’s extremely important to not only roll out tons of software and technology but to ensure there are ways to track student progress as well.
References
Green, R. L. (2005). Practicing the art of leadership: A problem-based approach to implementing the ISLLC standards. Pearson.