Revised 5-2016
Currently, I instruct grades 6-12 with an emphasis in Broadfield Sciences and Biology at the Gresham School District. When I first started teaching, I was always focused on getting through content and making sure all information in the required text was covered. Over the years, my philosophy has changed from direct instruction to student-centered learning. Currently, I introduce main topics for instruction (standard based) and allow my students drive discussion, conversation, and learning through inquiry.
I have always felt and continue to feel that learning is most meaningful when people feel that it is that it is relevant to them. I now guide and lead my students in class, rather than lecture. By doing this, we both are cooperatively reaching our outcomes of learning and understanding. An example of this is when I have my students reflect on or compare what we have learned or discussed with how it is relevant to their lives. Also, I encourage my students to watch the local and world news daily, so we can discuss and/or clarify anything what was viewed. I feel that by working together, students feel like their questions and concerns are important, and thus relevant. My students are very engaged in class. Therefore, learning, understanding, and application of their knowledge is occurring.
I plan to use this same philosophy as a principal. I value the importance of stakeholders’ opinions, ideas, and concerns. I will be a very approachable leader who will work cooperatively with each member of my staff. I clearly understand that principals must be accountable and organized to increase student learning within their school. Because of this, I will be a principal who is visible, communicative, and gives his staff what is necessary to accomplish their goals. My staff will understand that I care and show concern for individuals and their success. I will always be willing to help guide each person in order to improve him- or herself or the whole organization.
As technology director and teacher at the Gresham School District, I have used this same philosophy in order to create and implement the Gresham one-to-one technology Initiative. The administration and I introduced a plan to the teaching staff on how we would like to better incorporate technology within the district. This brief informative meeting was followed by many personal and individual interviews with each staff member. Here I focused on their needs, wants, and wishes for technology. I then took this information back to a technology committee. We discussed, developed, and presented a new official plan. By taking this approach, each person’s voice was heard, and each person in the district felt that he or she had an impact on the technology initiative.
Through my current leadership roles within the school district and community, I envision myself as a strong leader who easily manages ideas and opinions. I will strive for overall improvement, and just like a teacher, I will incorporate specific values which I feel important to the structure and culture of the school/district. I will incorporate major aspects of organization, respect, trust, and caring in my leadership position. By modeling these behaviors, stakeholders will feel that they can approach me with concerns or ideas and work with me towards common goals. This will be important in problem solving, guidance, suggestion making, or overall conversation and collaboration within the district. Stakeholders will feel like they are important members of their district, and that their voices are heard and respected. Not only will this will keep morale high, but people will care, trust, and work with each other. This will create a district/school that will function efficiently and effectively.