Reflect

• Name each competency and the level at which you started and now place yourself. How did the TLI experience impact your growth as a teacher leader in each of your four chosen competencies?

~ Overarching Competency #1: Personal Effectiveness

Started: Pre-Emerging Now: Developing

I learned about the importance of involving and communicating with stakeholders. Kate and I created opportunities for teacher leadership with orientation sessions and mentoring, for which a number of staff have expressed interest (Artifact 9). I investigated possible teacher leader roles for future involvement (Artifact 10), and used my strengths to build trust with colleagues during the survey and empathy interviews (Artifact 11). I responded well when faced with adversity (Artifact 8).

~ Overarching Competency #2: Adult Learning

Started: Pre-Emerging Now: Developing

I researched principles of adult learning (Artifacts 12 & 13), which showed how it varies from learning in a K-12 setting. We developed professional learning opportunities for colleagues targeted to their specific needs; these opportunities empowered and enabled colleagues to present learning experiences to others (Artifact 14).

~ Foundational Competency: Explore & Challenge Inequity

Started: Developing Now: Performing

The project addressed the inequities and gaps that teachers have starting at a new school. Involving a range of stakeholders gave us more holistic data and a better understanding of roles in the district (Artifact 15). The articles and discussions throughout the modules (Artifacts 16 & 17), as well as my professional development this summer (Artifact 18), provided opportunity to continue self-education and reflection. I attended trainings and rallies with Bozeman United for Racial Justice (Artifact 19) to advocate for change and new policies within the city of Bozeman. I also hosted a film discussion at my church and participated in the church's Anti-Racism Coalition to raise awareness and promote self-reflection and action (Artifacts 20 & 21). I had students reflect on their own cultural identities (Artifact 22) as well as present solutions for global and social issues (Artifact 23).

~ Specific Leadership Pathway Competency: Instructional Leadership, Coaching & Mentoring

Started: Emerging Now: Developing

I completed a number of professional development opportunities this year (Artifact 18).The mentorship component provides Kate and I the opportunity to lead by providing formal coaching to mentors throughout the year (Artifact 24). It allows other staff leadership opportunities and helps everyone involved build collegial communities and stronger relationships (Artifact 14).

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

I liked going through this process with a partner. We met weekly to refine ideas, work to our strengths, and help keep each other on task with the shared work (survey writing and analysis, empathy interviews, communicating with stakeholders, etc.). I was able to build my relationship with Kate alongside other teachers and administrators. Relationships and collaboration are important to me.

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

~ Meet with administration in August to confirm orientation schedule and discuss the vision for the mentorship program

~ Collect data from the orientation sessions and mentor/mentee pairs to gauge effectiveness and make changes for next school year

~ Continue to develop the mentorship program

~ Keep educating myself about social justice and equity while reflecting about how I can infuse them in my curriculum and classroom environment