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.

Overarching Competency #1 - Continuing Learning and Education

Started: Developing

Ended: Performing

Overarching Competency #2 - Technological Facility

Started: Developing 

Ended: Performing

Foundational Competency - Explore and Challenge Inequity

Started: Emerging

Ended: Developing

Leadership Pathway Competency- Instructional - Coaching and Mentoring

Started: Developing

Ended: Performing

How did the TLI experience impact your growth as a teacher leader in each of your four chosen competencies?  Include in your TLI assessment the module curriculum portfolio assignments, and the Capstone Project. Cite evidence to support each of your assessments.

Overarching Competency #1 - Continuing Learning and Education - 

When I first began my TLI journey I was developing in my leadership ability regarding continuing learning and education. I participated in different learning options that allowed for further leadership growth. As I worked through my TLI Capstone project, I noticed a shift from developing to performing. I have the skill set to now design learning opportunities for others. While I was working on my TLI Capstone I was part of a math grant for Billings Public Schools. As a small group (5 people - 4 teachers and 1 coach), planned, designed, and presented professional development training for third-grade teachers on multiplication. My TLI experience allowed me to feel confident in completing and presenting this training to other teachers in the district. 

Overarching Competency #2 - Technological Facility - 

Throughout my TLI experience, I utilized technology. I would utilize technology in my everyday life, like texting or talking on my phone. That said, when I first started my Capstone project, I was in the developing phase. I could explore technology and use different methods while building connections and networks with others. Through my Capstone project, I realized just how important technology is when it comes to learning. It creates a whole new avenue for teachers to explore and challenge students. When designing my project I tried to keep the idea of that at the forefront of my mind. I wanted my project to allow for both synchronous and asynchronous collaboration within learning. I also provided technology as a method to utilize in the classroom for others, thus I have shifted to the performing phase.

Foundational Competency - Explore and Challenge Inequity - 

When I first started TLI I would place myself in the emerging category of exploring and challenging inequity. I have forever been interested in society and the way that society functions. I have a bachelor's in Sociology and spent quite a bit of time studying society-specific genders, norms, morals, races, and so forth. My internal struggle always was what held me in my comfort zone. I was someone who was not having those hard conversations honestly out of fear. Through TLI, I realized I could step out of my comfort zone, be that teacher leader, and challenge inequitable things. I found that the more I worked through each module the stronger I felt with this concept and idea. I attribute it to the fact that our coursework aligned with this foundational competency in a very poetic way. These activities are why I now feel I am developing within this competency.

Leadership Pathway Competency - Instructional - Coaching and Mentoring - 

For my leadership pathway competency, I decided to focus on instructional with coaching and mentoring at the forefront. At the start of my project, I would have considered myself developing. I could promote and foster the development of others through everyday interactions and varying perspectives. Throughout my TLI journey, I have found myself greatly expanding within this competency. I can now say that I am nearing performing within this competency as I have through my project sought out other teacher leaders and coaches when needed, provided communication in continuing learning and education, and I am currently continually working on ways in which I can grow as a teacher leader to provide coaching and mentoring to others. 

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

The TLI process brought to the forefront the concept of leadership. Since starting the TLI process, I have found myself finding ways to continue to grow in my leadership abilities. This was something that was sparked by working on my TLI Capstone and through my pathway of becoming a teacher leader. TLI forced me to look outside of my classroom walls and realize that a good teacher leader doesn't just lead students, but also leads teachers, staff, and community members. Recently, I put on a professional development course for third-grade teachers in which I was a leader in the presenter role. I also completed Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) training in which I received training on how to accelerate the learning of language for non-English language learners. This next year I will be an SIOP leader in my school and district.

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

I plan to continue to grow as a teacher leader by becoming more involved with leading opportunities. As of now, I foresee these taking place still within my leadership pathway - instructional - coaching and mentoring, however, I hope to expand to other leadership pathways. Currently, I am signed up to attend dyslexia training through Lindamood-Bell in August. I am also fortunate and was asked to participate in a math grant as a teacher leader that focuses on making the most of a 90-minute math block. I look forward to continuing what I have started within my TLI journey.