Please note, I am going to be completely transparent in this post. At some points, I will be stepping outside of my comfort zone and revealing some issues I struggle with.
My principal called me in her office back in March and asked what I was doing this summer. I told her was unsure at that particular moment. She mentioned she had an opportunity for me. The next day, we spoke more about the opportunity. It was a chance to be part of the Aspiring Leaders Program with Fulton County Schools. The goal of the program is to help future leaders develop the leadership essentials embodied by the district. I thought about it and said this would be a great opportunity. If you look back in my October 2015 archives, you will see what made me decide to think about pursuing Educational Leadership.
I remember when I receive the application, I was very nervous. I had to be concise about who I was, my passion, and what was my long term goals in about 250 words or less. The part of the application I spent so much time onwas analyzing the student data. Those who know me know that student data has never been the most exciting aspect of teaching because I feel we look at it from a quantitative perspective instead of from a balance of both quantitative and qualitative. I was truly being intentional with a plan and a focus for it. I remember submitting the application along with my resume and then the waiting to hear back. I was so excited, yet somewhat nervous when I selected for an interview. I typically do not share this with people, but since middle school (in particular 7th grade), I am very self-conscious. I remember thinking to myself at the end of the interview that my nerves showed and that I was not answering the questions fully. To my surprise (which I have been told I am my own worse critic), I was selected as 1 of 15 for the Aspiring Leaders Program. I had to remind myself that my passion must have shown especially when I was asked why I wanted to do the program.
The first day, was awesome. Being able to go to the Chick-fil-a Headquarters for the kickoff event was...inspirational and motivational. Being able to discuss the mission of Chick-fil-a helped me understand that importance of staying true to your values and more importantly, who you are. Something that stood out was when one of the Area Executive Directors did an activity in regards to Vision, Structure, Strategy, and Duties and Responsibility. Since that day, I have been examining many situations in those terms. I've also had a revelation that as long as you give me a clear vision, I can do the work even when there is no structure. I can develop my own.
This is only the start of the great things happening. I haven't detailed what the first week was like...very powerful or even this week. That's coming soon. I am going to end with this... Leadership is the ability to influence others! What are you doing to develop leadership within yourself and others?
My principal called me in her office back in March and asked what I was doing this summer. I told her was unsure at that particular moment. She mentioned she had an opportunity for me. The next day, we spoke more about the opportunity. It was a chance to be part of the Aspiring Leaders Program with Fulton County Schools. The goal of the program is to help future leaders develop the leadership essentials embodied by the district. I thought about it and said this would be a great opportunity. If you look back in my October 2015 archives, you will see what made me decide to think about pursuing Educational Leadership.
I remember when I receive the application, I was very nervous. I had to be concise about who I was, my passion, and what was my long term goals in about 250 words or less. The part of the application I spent so much time onwas analyzing the student data. Those who know me know that student data has never been the most exciting aspect of teaching because I feel we look at it from a quantitative perspective instead of from a balance of both quantitative and qualitative. I was truly being intentional with a plan and a focus for it. I remember submitting the application along with my resume and then the waiting to hear back. I was so excited, yet somewhat nervous when I selected for an interview. I typically do not share this with people, but since middle school (in particular 7th grade), I am very self-conscious. I remember thinking to myself at the end of the interview that my nerves showed and that I was not answering the questions fully. To my surprise (which I have been told I am my own worse critic), I was selected as 1 of 15 for the Aspiring Leaders Program. I had to remind myself that my passion must have shown especially when I was asked why I wanted to do the program.
The first day, was awesome. Being able to go to the Chick-fil-a Headquarters for the kickoff event was...inspirational and motivational. Being able to discuss the mission of Chick-fil-a helped me understand that importance of staying true to your values and more importantly, who you are. Something that stood out was when one of the Area Executive Directors did an activity in regards to Vision, Structure, Strategy, and Duties and Responsibility. Since that day, I have been examining many situations in those terms. I've also had a revelation that as long as you give me a clear vision, I can do the work even when there is no structure. I can develop my own.
This is only the start of the great things happening. I haven't detailed what the first week was like...very powerful or even this week. That's coming soon. I am going to end with this... Leadership is the ability to influence others! What are you doing to develop leadership within yourself and others?