Reflect

At which level do you NOW place yourself each of the four chosen competencies?

Overarching Competency # 1-Interpersonal Effectiveness Performing Stage

Overarching Competency # 2-Continuing Learning & Education Performing Stage

Foundational Competency-Collaborate Purposefully Performing Stage

Leadership Pathway Competency-Instructional Leadership Developing Stage

How did the TLI experience impact your growth as a teacher leader in each of your four chosen competencies?

This process pushed me to collaborate with colleagues that I don't get the opportunity to work with. It was a different leadership role for me. I had opportunities in the past to participate in team projects, but never with an action plan in mind, where I was leading the group without taking control of the project. I grew in this area a ton. I had to be very mindful that the success of my Capstone project was purely based on my ability to let others bring in their own perspectives and viewpoints. I needed to think about how the project would reach as many diverse stakeholders as possible and be a tool that we could get everyone to buy into and utilize.

Throughout the process I shared goals, visions, and perspectives to create a successful group project. I worked hard to involve all colleagues within our building using a diverse team, as well as surveys for colleagues not on the team, to share their perspectives.

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

The TLI experience was impactful to me as a teacher leader in many ways. Coming into the process I had a very one-sided view as a teacher. I truly thought, in many ways, I knew more than the people around me. It was humbling to see how much I didn't know; that I didn't know.

It is easy to sit back as a teacher and form views about how you think things should go, or be done, but it was an eye-opening experience to see how much must be accomplished for positive change to take place. The perspective was eye opening within my own building, district, local Union, and at the state level.

I needed this opportunity in order to grow. It opened my eyes to the natural leaders all around me. I saw the roles that our Union plays and the fine line they must tow in order for anything to be accomplished. I went into the process in a very negative headspace, but after collaborating with colleagues, I see so much positivity throughout my building. The covid pandemic robbed so many of us from our ambition as teachers. It took away a lot of the joy teaching brings to life. Post-Covid, I needed this to rejuvenate my passion for teaching. I feel my leadership role in this project really helped to jump start my colleagues as well. I witnessed other team members naturally take on leadership roles. I really feel that my role was to bring us all together.

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

I would like to continue working with my colleagues collaboratively. I think one important area that I can contribute to, outside of my school, is my local Union. I have formed some new perspectives and built new relationships throughout this process. Part of accomplishing anything of value is networking and bringing together the right team to accomplish your goals. I did this at a very basic level within my own building and I enjoyed it very much.

As a teacher my success is the student success around me. As a teacher leader, I felt success from watching others step into the leadership role with me.

Evidence 1-Emails demonstrating new connections with Local Union

Evidence 2- Whittier Universal Expectations Manual

Evidence 3- Educational Philosophy Reflection tool

Evidence 4- Reflection Journey in TLI