January 12th, 2020

I suppose I am a little late to the game, as I begin my very first blog. A member of the general masses. Not early adopter or innovator type behavior. However, I'd like to think that as I begin this important work of including technology into my learning and own pedagogy, I am the kind of leader who is not afraid to be new.

Although I am only in my sixth year as an educator, I have been a learner all my life. I am not afraid to try something new or to be the new person on the block. In my short career, I have worked at three different schools, moved to a new state, and learned many lessons from each position I've held. I suppose if I were to describe myself as a leader, I'd describe myself as new. I am humble in my interactions with my colleagues. Listening more than speaking has been my modus operandi. However, recently what I've found is that when I do contribute, things happen. People listen. They ask me questions about my thinking and want to see how I've done something. While this is obviously flattering, it is humbling too. I am humbled by the educator who has taught 16 years and wants to watch my Workshop lesson. I am humbled by the department leader who came to see me teach, and left asking if I could visit him to provide feedback. I am finding as a new leader within my learning and teaching communities, I communicate best by listening first.

Being a relatively new "leader" means my focus is on our students. Framing every contribution and interaction with my colleagues with the idea that we all have their best interests and success in mind helps me empathize and work to help my colleagues. My goal is to build a team of people who have similar goals for our students and seek to build a culture of trust and respect between staff members and students. I hope to someday be the kind of leader who helps new become comfortable for more of my colleagues. I hope to have the tools to provide support and resources, but also allow members of my team to experience and thrive in the new opportunities and risks our field affords.