Hello all,
To those of you that have stumbled upon this blog, WELCOME, and thank you for taking the time to read my considerations for our educational institutions in the year 2020. As a classroom teacher of 14 years, I have found myself often in the position of leadership. I am not quiet or shy and speak up for the voice that isn't always heard. I have persevered in instances where others have given up and have remained optimistic, even in times where others have not.
It is important to me to transform curriculum and instruction in our school districts to be equitable for all learners. I have been known to collaborate effectively with faculty both in and out of our district as well as create meaningful experiences for some of our most fragile students. I often do this through work on smaller committees that strive to meet a common goal but also look beyond the work of committees to extend to long term goals and solutions.
My communication style is open and honest and I love to collaborate, try new things, and admit my faults (to a fault). I will admit I am a people pleaser and have a hard time saying no so sometimes, I can pile too much onto my plate. I am more clearly spoken in person than online (ironically) and connect well with others by understanding diverse backgrounds. I often lead by example and try hard not to ask my students to do something I'm not willing to try myself and the obstacle course photo above is evidence to support this claim. I think leadership was once viewed as someone in charge, but evoking "silent leadership" in my classroom and school community has been a passion of mine. Leading by example is crucial to institutional success.
I have experience with Google Forms, Socrative, and more, as well as Critical Friends Protocols when running meetings or soliciting feedback, however, I am always looking for other strategies to soliciting feedback from all members of my school family.
Looking forward to learning and growing from online blogs this year!
~Mrs. Levine (aka Ashley)
It is important to me to transform curriculum and instruction in our school districts to be equitable for all learners. I have been known to collaborate effectively with faculty both in and out of our district as well as create meaningful experiences for some of our most fragile students. I often do this through work on smaller committees that strive to meet a common goal but also look beyond the work of committees to extend to long term goals and solutions.My communication style is open and honest and I love to collaborate, try new things, and admit my faults (to a fault). I will admit I am a people pleaser and have a hard time saying no so sometimes, I can pile too much onto my plate. I am more clearly spoken in person than online (ironically) and connect well with others by understanding diverse backgrounds. I often lead by example and try hard not to ask my students to do something I'm not willing to try myself and the obstacle course photo above is evidence to support this claim. I think leadership was once viewed as someone in charge, but evoking "silent leadership" in my classroom and school community has been a passion of mine. Leading by example is crucial to institutional success.
I have experience with Google Forms, Socrative, and more, as well as Critical Friends Protocols when running meetings or soliciting feedback, however, I am always looking for other strategies to soliciting feedback from all members of my school family.
Looking forward to learning and growing from online blogs this year!
~Mrs. Levine (aka Ashley)
I love hearing success stories - would you be willing to share more about a time or two when you persevered when others didn't? This can be so hard to do when going solo!
ReplyDeleteYou sound like you have strong leadership skills and your students are lucky to have you!
A time I persevered when others didn't would be getting my bachelor's degree. I was the first in my family to attend college and many people doubted my ability to finish, but I think that doubt actually motivated me to try harder. I consider this leading by example too because two of my younger cousins followed in my foot steps so now three of us have graduated....and more to come!
DeleteHi Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI love what you said about leading by example. I feel as though that is the charge of a new leader such as us (please forgive the assumption, perhaps you have been in many leadership roles; I have not yet in my career). I love that you added a photo, high interest! Looks fun! Best of luck, I'm glad to know you online. :)
Glad to add your knowledge to my own understandings! And no apologies needed as you were right, I have not been in many “official” leadership roles. I have however stepped up in more informal ways as a leader because of the passion I carry for what I teach. Excited to begin that journey now!
DeleteI admire you ability to speak up when others don't. I also don't ask my students to do things I wouldn't do, as well as trying to explain the purpose as best I can. I am looking forward to working together through our coursework!
ReplyDeleteSame, Jennifer!
DeleteMany many many moons ago, I was a crew supervisor at a snackbar. It was my job to make sure we closed up at night and assign everyone jobs so we closed up on time. Four people were assigned to wash floors (it was a get down on your knees type job) I remember thinking that I should never expect others to do what I was not willing to do. I usually picked 3 new people each night and got down on my knees to help get the job done. I so agree with you that a leaders needs to be willing to be seen in the trenches along with the people they are leading.
ReplyDeleteEmpathetic & fair, now that’s a leader I can get behind, even in a snack bar! 🍟🍔🌭
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