Reflections of My Leadership Journey

1. Reflections of My Leadership Journey Where Will the Road to Administration Lead?

2. While completing my internship hours, and the entire Leadership Cohort, I performed all eight leadership roles outlined in the GLISI’s profile. I’ve come to realize that all of these leadership styles are interrelated and one job or activity can fall under more than one category. Also, no matter how dynamic one leader may be, all eight leaders are needed for an exemplary school leadership. Introduction

3. I’ve Learned that Administrators come in all shapes, forms, different walks of life, and bring different experiences, attitudes, and dispositions to the field. • I’ve Learned that once I’ve become an administrator, I need to hire people like me (for sanity) and people unlike myself (for balance). • I’ve learned that teachers are the life blood of the school and if they are happy, the students, the curriculum, the parents, the school, and the society reflects it academically, ethically, and socially. • I’ve learned that administrators are trying to positively impact students in large numbers. • I’ve learned that as an Administrator I’m going to have to sacrifice personal time and energy for the good of the academic society. What Have I learned during this Cohort?

4. I’ve Learned that the community is only as strong as the schools within the community. • I’ve learned that Administrators set the tone for the school and in some cases the community. • I’ve learned to value teachers. • I’ve learned that most teachers are not in the profession for a paycheck but to make a difference. • I’ve learned that change is not necessary at all times but is inevitable. • I’ve learned that even though I will become powerful beyond measure and impact the lives of many as an Administrator, I cannot and will not be able to change everything.

5. The 8 Leadership Roles of Leadership (GLISI’S) are: • The Data Analysis Leader • The Curriculum, Assessment , and Instruction Leader • The Performance Leader • The Operations Leader • Relationship Leader • Process Improvement Leader • Change Leader • Learning & Development Leader My Encounters with the 8 Glisi’s

6. The Data Analysis Leader In Theory This Leader demonstrates the ability to lead teams to analyze multiple sources of data to identify improvement needs, symptoms and root causes. In Practice In my experiences, this leader deals with student achievement and data analysis the most. Since data drives instruction, as an leader, I will be sure to utilize this role effectively to keep my school moving forward. I really did not get a lot of my hours under this description but I am sure I will encounter this leader in the very new future.

7. The Curriculum, Assessment, Instruction Leader In Theory This Leader demonstrates the ability to implement a systems approach to instruction in a standards-based environment prioritizing curriculum standards, developing aligned assessments and planning instruction to improve student achievement. In Practice In my experiences, this leader unquestionably deals with the instructional staff. This leader is very vital to the morale of the school as well as student academic achievement. Since this leader will also have to be a relationship leader, the way this leader responds to the teachers could positively or negatively affect the students. I encountered this leader somewhat during this practicum and realize that this is a very powerful position and impacts everyone.

8. The Performance Leader In Theory This leader demonstrates the ability to strategically plan, organize and manage school systems and processes necessary to improve student achievement. This leader is most important whereas the managing of the school is concerned. In Practice In my experiences, this leader is most important whereas the managing of the school is concerned. I view this leader as a behind the scenes one, but this leaders job is vital to everyone’s success or failure. I encountered this leader a few times and definitely realize that this leader is actually the brains behind the operations.

9. The Operations Leader In Theory This leader demonstrates the ability to effectively and efficiently organize resources, processes and systems to support teaching and learning. In Practice In my experiences, this leader is the leader that gets the ball rolling. This leader handles the paper work as well as the finances. If it was not for this leader, nothing would get done. I encountered this leader numerous times during this practicum but I realize that if this leader was not present, everything would come to a halt and nothing would ever get done.

10. The Relationship Leader In Theory This leader demonstrates the ability to identify and develop relationships among customer and stakeholder groups and communicate school goals and priorities focused on student learning. In Practice This leader is the “personality of the school”. Without this leader the school would not be able to run smoothly. This leader either makes or breaks your school. Almost everything that happens in the school or the disposition that the staff and community take is contingent on this leader’s attitude or lack thereof. If this leader is having a bad day, more than likely everyone from the students to the parents will have a bad day also. This leader definitely has the biggest influence of the “mood” of the school and maybe even the community.

11. The Process Improvement Leader In Theory This leader demonstrates the ability to identify and map core processes and results to create action plans designed to improve student achievement. In Practice This leader in my experience has been the resolver. This leader solves problem efficiently and effectively. This leader appeared quite a few times during this practicum almost instinctively. This leader is one of the most vital components to school advancement.

12. The Change Leader In Theory This leader demonstrates the ability to drive and sustain change in a collegial environment focused on continuous improvement in student achievement. In Practice This is a “bittersweet” type of leader. No one likes change but change is inevitable. This leader can also “rock the boat” with teachers and other staff that have been around for awhile. This leader did not appear as much during my internship and I guess it was for good reason. Due to the nature of this leader personality, this leader would have to appear mostly during chaotic situations.

13. The Learning and Development Leader In Theory This leader demonstrates the ability to guide the development of professional learning communities to develop leaders at all levels of the organization. In Practice This leader also appeared often during my internship. This leader is the more creative and carefree one. I think this leader is also well liked for its quest to obtain additional knowledge.

14. Continue to Pray Daily for myself, my family, and all of those involved in the academic plight. • Value & Listen to Teachers. • Hire Teachers I would want to teach my own children. • Have Curriculums that are research based, incorporates technology, engaging and evident of increased student achievement and performance. • Value and Listen to students. • Value ALL Faculty. • Show appreciation. • Try hard not to appear intimidating. What Will I do Once I become an Administrator?

15. Utilize my staff and use their talents. • Respect everyone in the building at ALL times. • Not waste Teachers’ time. • Have an open door policy. • Be open to change and opinions of others even though I may not agree. • Have a “exemplary” plan in place for new teachers so they are not overwhelmed and do not leave the profession. • Be honest. • Be an Example to my Community.

16. Overall, all of these leaders are needed to run an exemplary school. Without one of the leaders being available, the school can become chaotic. No one leader job is greater than another. However, I do feel some leaders work can be easily visible and can impact the school tremendously. I enjoyed this project and aspire to be a leader where all eight GLISI’s leaders are active at my school. Hopefully as an Administrator all GLISI’s roles and roads will lead to success for myself, my staff, my faculty, but most importantly, my students. Conclusion