Reflect

• At which level (emerging, developing, performing, or transforming) in the progressions do you NOW place yourself for each of your four chosen competencies? Name each competency.

• Overarching Competency # 1 (name and level): Reflective Practice, Developing

• Overarching Competency # 2 (name and level) : Personal Effectiveness, Developing

• Diversity-Equity-Cultural Competence (name and level): Explore and Challenge Inequity, Performing

• Instructional Competency selection (name and level): Coaching and Mentoring, I feel like I am between Developing and Performing

• How did the TLI experience--both curriculum and Capstone project—impact your growth as a teacher leader in each of your four chosen competencies?

1. Reflective Practice: I have always been willing to serve on committees at work to help make system changes that serve both students and staff. I am seeing how vitally important it is to stay connected with administrators and volunteer to help and assist. I do want to be part of the solution and not just bring up issues. I emailed my administrator last week and volunteered my time to help plan what is necessary to reopen our school in three weeks. He was very appreciative and we are meeting the week of the 27th. I have gained confidence and know my worth. I would like to develop a plan that would fill the needs of new teachers to our building. I would like to address new staff's academic, professional and social needs.

2. Personal Effectiveness: I do not feel that I have made much growth in this area. I did not have the confidence nor did I have the opportunity to make changes at my school. However, I do feel that I have gained so much confidence with being part of the IEFA Teacher Leader team and TLI. Because of these experiences, I was able to provide professional development to 28 teachers. This has given me the confidence to pursue more learning, research, data collections and training in the future.

3. Explore and Challenge Inequity: I have recognized the limitations I had put on myself by holding biases. I can not believe I would ever describe myself that way, but after the information gained in TLI, that is what I was. Now, I am willing to fight for equity, equity and dignity of all. As we looked deeply at various forms of inequity, I noticed that I interact more with students who do well in school. I quickly began monitoring myself and being certain I was being fair and equal with all of my students. I want to further develop a plan to fight inequities. My mind has been opened and there is so much I want to change in this world. I desire to move from reflecting on myself, to moving to making changes in the system.

4. Coaching and Mentoring: Through TLI and IEFA Teacher Leadership Team I was able to develop and present professional development in the IEFA Symposium for other teachers. I would like to stay engaged with this and plan for more in the future.

What evidence supports each of your claims?

• What are your next steps to continue your growth as a teacher leader?

I have actually thought quite a bit about this question. There are two things I would like to focus on. Number one, I want to keep working with the IEFA Leadership Team. If they are able to get another grant, I would like to write more lessons. If there is not a grant, perhaps I could even write one through Teaching Tolerance. Second, I want to focus on becoming the best BEA representative I can be. I tried to be part of several committees for this year, but was not chosen. My plan is to let our BEA president know to put me on a waiting list if anyone choses to not serve on a few particular committees.

• What was the most valuable part of the TLI process for you?

I enjoyed creating the Clovis Child lesson and being able to share it with so many other educators. It is an engaging and interesting lesson that students enjoy. However, I feel the most valuable part of being involved in TLI is the feeling of comradery and support from the TLI coaches. Since I moved to Billings I have not felt a part of a true cohesive group except for the TILT program. Just being asked to be part of TLI was a compliment and made me believe in myself. I feel like the side benefit of TLI for me personally is that of feeling worthiness and that I am capable. I am reminded how important it is to be part of the system, part of the solution. Since I am unable to do that in my building, I will focus on the BEA and I will focus on IEFA. I am excited to see what the future holds for me. I only have five years to go until retirement, and I have a feeling they will be the best five years of my career.