I learned that it is important for leadership to be anchored in core values such as teamwork, integrity, and accountability, as these principles serve as the foundation for building trust and consistency throughout a school community. Effective leaders set clear, strategic goals that align the efforts of staff, students, and stakeholders toward a shared vision of success. I also learned that strong leadership involves a continuous improvement mindset—one that embraces reflection, data analysis, and adaptability to meet the evolving needs of the school. Leadership must prioritize meaningful collaboration by fostering strong relationships with teachers, families, and community partners. Lastly, I learned that true instructional leadership requires balancing the pursuit of academic excellence with sound operational practices to ensure that all systems work together in support of student achievement. 

I use random flexible grouping in my classroom to collaboration in my classroom.  As students enter, they choose a numbered popsicle stick from a bucket of sand.  This builds students fortitude with working with a variety of personalities, skill levels, and characters.  I am fostering the core value of teamwork in my classroom everyday.

Westlake High School’s strategic plan aligns closely with Fulton County Schools’ vision by emphasizing student achievement, teacher development, community engagement, and operational excellence. Our focus on literacy, numeracy, and data-driven instruction directly supports the district’s goal of preparing all students for success. Professional learning communities and leadership development at Westlake reflect FCS’s commitment to cultivating high-quality staff. Through tools like Infinite Campus and consistent stakeholder communication, we mirror the district’s emphasis on community collaboration. This alignment ensures that our school’s efforts are part of a cohesive, district-wide strategy to drive meaningful and lasting improvement. 

During the fall semester, I served at the Geometry PLC chair to a team that consisted of four teachers that were new to the building and three teachers that had been at our school for a while.  I was able to help the new teachers acclimate to the Westlake Way as well as model how the learning plans could be used to deliver content in creative ways. 

The administration at Westlake High School reiterate the alignment of the school's mission and vision wih that of the district at every Faculty meeting.  This ensures that we are all working toward the same goals even though the approach may be different.

I used my Cricut to make vinyl representations of the school's mission and vision to be placed above my bulletin board.  Students are reminded daily of our goal as a school because the visual representation at the front of the room.

The principal of Westlake High School is strategically focused and invested in the lives of students, faculty, and staff of Westlake High School. His dedication and commitment can be seen daily through his interactions with his constituents. The strategic plan exemplifies his commitment to the organization. His goals for the students are specifically outlined in the strategic plan. Those same ideals should also be included for faculty and staff. 

When I returned to Westlake, I requested a meeting with the Principal to discuss his vision for the school.  During our meeting, we discussed the strategic plan and how I could help achieve the goals outlined in it.