Snapshots of Technology

Getting excited for 2008-2009 School Year

July 29, 2008

Last week I was fortunate to attend the Richland One Leadership Institute. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I was very interested in hearing our new superintendent, Dr. Percy Mack, speak. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by him. I think he has the personality for Richland One. He was very personable. I was also happy to hear his goals for our district. A few of the things he talked about were:

1. Data-Driven decision making (which really is a natural for all district’s or should be)
2. Customer Service – I like this goal/focus. We need to treat all stakeholders in our district the same. It doesn’t matter who has money or who doesn’t. Everyone should be treated as you would want to be treated. This may sound simple but it’s one of the “golden rules” and at times we forget, we as educators are providing a service.
3. Relationship Building – Internally we as a district need to build relationship between departments. My district is so spread out and district offices are in different locations. Sometimes we may not know the department/people in the department.

While talking about the goals he discussed the characteristics of being a leader… and we need to be leaders daily in every aspect of our job. We need to lead with a positive attitude and be the change. It may sound a little like sound bites from a leadership marketing company but I have to say it is good to hear. I want to work for someone who knows what a good leader is and hopefully he will live up to the expectation he has set.

During the second day of the leadership institute, I was able to sit in on an afternoon session with David Cottrell.  He is a great motivational speaker who helps you look at what you can do to be a better leader as well as how you can grow more leaders. After sitting in his session, I plan on picking up a copy of his book Monday Morning Leadership. My favorite quote of his is, “You can never not lead.” That statement hit me hard. What ever you are projecting as a leader will trickle down to everyone. Whether you are projecting a positive attitude, passion for what you do OR you are unhappy and disgusted with your job… people feel it and will start projecting what you project. Recently, I have been feeling a little disgusted about small things at work and you know the exact things he was saying was happening. Negativity was creeping up on me and those around me. This got me thinking… I don’t want to be negative. I want to be someone that anyone I work with can 1. work with me and  2. call on me to be “that leader” who does her best.

So over the weekend, I thought a lot about my own goals and objectives for the 2008-2009 school year.

1. I want to be a part of the team. I don’t want to be the team. I have a tendency to take control of my projects and do most of the work myself because I know I can/will do a good job. I need to learn to loosen the reigns even if that means things don’t turn out the way I think they should. EVERYONE deserves a chance and the experience.
2. Figure out innovative ways I can meet the needs of my schools. I really don’t think I did a good job with that second semester last year. I need to look at each school as if I were looking at each student when I was in the classroom. What do they need to succeed?
3. I need to MAKE the time to continue to grow and develop professionally. Even though my department is very good about allowing me to go to professional development. I need to make sure I am keeping up with journals, blogs, etc. in my field. Scheduling time on my calendar to do so is the only way I can make it happen.
4. I need to remember… not everyone is skilled at the same level. I need to be patient … and do what I do best… teach AND learn.

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Entry Filed under: Reflections. .