The Authentic Leader...3 questions

How do I define my role as a leader?

I strongly believe that my role as a leader is to support my followers toward our common vision and goals. Teachers need to know that they are supported especially when they are embarking on new territory. They need to feel that they are not there alone and that it will take time to make the change. I strongly believe that schools should feel like a family. Research shows that classrooms that have strong senses of community have increased student achievement. This is true in schools too with regard to faculty and staff. Although there is a time and place for authoritian leadership, I believe that should be rare and used with caution. When children and adults alike do not feel threatened, they are able to have greater performance and are willing to take risks.

What inspires the best in staff?

I believe that staff are inspired by their ability to try new things and to take risks without the fear of being reprimanded. Although there is always thay sense of pressure with today's accountability system, teachers have the knowledge needed to educate and mold our children into productive citizens. They are inspired by their ability to make the decisions that are best their children. Of course, we all are inspired by praise. Staff need to be praised for their hard work, from the custodians, secretaries, teacher, to the assistant principal. When the hard work of people is recognized they are inspired and motivated to continue the hard work and make it even better.

What are my strengths?

• Ability to recognize my areas of weakness
• Compassion for working with children
• Good listener
• Willingness to change a plan based on others input
• Team player
• Hardworker