Module 2 Post - Laura Funk

While reviewing these materials you should reflect on leaders you have worked with or observed who were in a position to implement a major change (a technology integration initiative if possible) - how did they lead that change?

My former Principal was instrumental with implementing a new initiative started at my school called “second chance.”  This program is dedicated to students who require more individual help and reinforcement when completing assignments.  These students attend 2^nd chance at lunchtime or during specified periods with work in hand to get help with or to be given extra time to complete.  This program has been imperative to the success of many of our student population.  I suppose it could be compared to a study hall period in high school, but this program is the first of its kind at South Middle. 

My Principal lead the change by jumping in with both feet and being 100 % supportive to the selected teachers responsible for implementing it.  The teachers took a trial and error approach until they got it right because it was new to everyone.  Those teachers figured out the best options and the program flourished.  It is something we are all very proud of and the students see substantial benefit from attending.  The Principal was very positive and knew the program would be great, so it was.  A self-fulfilling prophesy that has improved our staff and student culture drastically. 

With regard to technology, none of my administrators have been overly influential with implementation at my school.  They are all in support of technology integration, but I feel that they are all behind the times of how important it is and how much technology can achieve in the classroom.  When I went about requesting my ipad set last year, I wrote letters and sought approval.  My Principal was on board as long as I had my own resource for funding, which I did, so they signed off on my orders and approved my ideas, so I made it happen. 

And with regard to my post earlier, I stated in a previous blog post that my county technology director was banning the purchase of ipads.  I have since sent her an imploring email fighting my case on the relevance and daily use of the ipads for my art class.  She has since changed her mind about it and is giving me permission to order 17 more devices to complete my classroom set of 30 ipads.  A win for me!  Yes!   

What leadership style did they exhibit?

My Principal exhibited a mixed style of nurturing and authoritative styles.  She knew when to ask for something or to diplomatically lead you in the desired direction.  I feel that she had the perfect balance of “boss-lady” gusto versus there for you when you need her chum. 

She got things done and was efficient and well-liked.  She balanced the power well and never made you feel small when she was giving direction.  She retired at the end of last school year.  I miss her.  My new Principal moved up from Assistant, so she is still getting used to everything.  We will see what she brings to the table this year as far as authority. 

What about their leadership efforts was successful?

I mentioned above that I felt my Principal for the last two years balanced authority with kindness and sensitivity.  She knew when to press hard or to give way.  She was well respected, kind and never made you feel small or “beneath her” when she spoke.  She had been in the classroom and could reflect back on those days when giving advice and she had family, so was sensitive to needs as they arose in peoples’ lives.  She had an excellent way of balancing what is required to be an exceptional leader.  I hope to follow in her footsteps some day and to lead a school in a similar fashion. 

Why do you believe this/these aspects of their leadership was/were successful?

I believe these aspects of her leadership were successful because the school staff felt very uniform and united.  We had similar goals and all worked on ways of improving things and contributing in our own subjects.  If we felt good, and were happy the chain of smiles grew and made the school a great environment to work in where we felt supported and valued.  If teachers don’t feel they are valued they often don’t invest as much time and effort into their jobs.  They get burnt out quicker in the school year and they often do not take on additional tasks voluntarily for the betterment of the school.  Teachers that feel valued and supported want to give back in any way they can so the school as a whole is more dynamic and successful. 

Complete the leadership skills assessment included in this module and reflect on your results. What are your skills?

I received an 84 on the Leadership Skills Assessment. 

“53-90 Excellent!  You’re well on your way to becoming a good leader.  However you can never be too good at leadership or too experienced.” 

I scored high on self-confidence, positive attitude and outlook, providing a compelling vision for the future and emotional intelligence.

I need to work on being a good role model and managing performance effectively. 

What skills do you need to develop?

To be a good leader I need to keep current on relevant news, topics, concerns and developments within the school, county, state and country.  I need to inspire people and show that I am worthy of the power and authority I have every day.  Administrators need to be on their A game always and demonstrating they can multi-task, handle stress, juggle duties and assign duties accordingly. 

Also I need to be sure I manage performance by setting expectations clearly and concisely in order to achieve high performance.  I have to apply rules that are fair and consistent. 

What leadership style is your strength?

I have good self-confidence and a positive and proactive outlook.  I am firm and know my own mind.  I am not easily swayed by others when I know my own goals and how to best attain them.  I am fair and reasonable and empathetic. 

What kind of leader do you aspire to be?

I aspire to be the kind of leader people look up to.  I aspire to be the kind of leader my former Principal was.  I hope to find the perfect balance between authority and empathy.

Digital Leadership:  Changing Paradigms and Changing Times (Chapters 3-4) 

Chapter 3 Keys to Leading Sustainable Change

Summarize two of the Six Secrets of Change.

1 – Love Your Employees = basically creating a school-wide environment that is supportive and enthusiastic.  Making sure your teachers are nurtured academically and emotionally.  Helping teachers be independent, creative and allowing them to be innovative.  Also bringing the community in and getting them involved in school-wide activities. 

2 – Transparency Rules =  The more teachers share and collaborate with regards to technology, resources, websites, classroom management, behavior plans, grading tools - the more efficiently and productive the school becomes.  Transparency involves active and cooperative communication for the improvement and dynamism of the school, the staff, the community and students alike.   

Chapter 4 Leading with Technology

What is your philosophy of how schools can/should use social media?

I agree with Sean that social media can be a great tool if utilized the right way and with the right parameters set for the assignment.  Instagram is good for picture referencing and when discussing images and using comparisons of styles, filters, meanings and the like.  Instagram is also very effective when discussing timelines, and story development. 

Facebook is too overloaded with content to be effective in my opinion.  I can’t seem to take to twitter.  I understand that it filters related content, but I can’t get past the endless hashtags. 

I have used Edmodo with students in the past.  It is set up similar to facebook, but it is for a more controlled interaction experience between teachers and students.  I have used it for my sign language classes.  I uploaded video clips for them to study from and attach assignments to.  It was very effective as a resource for homework and review.  I would recommend it.  Our school is using Engrade now, which has similar features within the grading platform, so it negates my need for edmodo.  I have created a class website on engrade, which provides the same options as edmodo did for me. 

I will end by repeating that I think social media resources can be very useful in educational settings, but again, be sure you have thought of all your requirements and limitations and that you have covered those thoroughly with your students prior to beginning the assignment.  I think social media is very useful in moderation.