Reflect

At which level (emerging, developing, performing, or transforming) do you NOW place yourself for each of your four chosen competencies?  Name each competency and the level at which you started and now place yourself

1. Interpersonal Effectiveness- Developing to Performing

2. Group Processes-Developing to Performing

3. Collaborate Purposefully and Explore and Challenge Inequity-Developing to Performing

4. Association Leadership (Organizing and Advocacy)-Developing to Performing

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

The TLI experience impacted my growth as a teacher leader in a variety of ways.  In terms of interpersonal Effectiveness, over the last year, I have definitely strengthened my ability to serve as support for others and improved my ability to communicate with members both at my school and within my district.  This project has served as a reminder that often, problems can be solved with simple solutions but it is a matter of tackling them one at a time. In the past, I often left it to others to solve issues but more recently I have embraced my role as a problem solver. This also directly relates to the group process competency In which I feel as though I have not only grown In my ability to solve problems, but I have developed greater ability to empower and work with others.  When I started, I was a building representative but recently I was elected to the Board Of Directors for the Billings Education Association.  I have definitely developed more patience, understanding, and can mediate group conflicts in a manner I was not previously able to.  

When it comes to exploring and challenging inequity and collaborating purposefully, I have embraced my role as an educator and my ability to create effective change on a small or large scale.  Whereas I have often struggled with feelings of hopelessness in terms of the field of education, I now recognize that small voices and small steps are the bulwark In protecting free, fair, and quality education for citizens.  After many conversations with board members, other building representatives, and members, I decided to challenge myself to run for a board seat.  So I have dramatically increased my role within Association Leadership. I will continue to to grow as a leader as I take on this new leadership role within the BEA.

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

The most valuable part of the TLI process, for me, was meeting with members of my cohort to discuss our projects, share ideas, discuss problems and solutions, and work collaboratively.  I found I could better organize my thoughts when I had others around who were familiar with the situation and could talk things out with me.  It also improved my ability to communicate and listen. 

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

My next steps are to continue the work on the project as it is still very much a work in progress.  We have a soft goal of having the RRT up and running by September.  Aside from that, I have begun to apply to Doctoral Programs for History Education.  My goal is to expand my knowledge of History and how to teach it, and possibly teach other teachers how to do the same.  I currently lead teachers in history education on a small scale within our district but I would love to pursue more opportunities outside of SD2.

Evidence #7 of Leadership Growth: BEA Board Election Results

Evidence #8 Doctorate School Applications (Leadership Growth)