Week 4 Discussion 2 - Franklin D. Roosevelt Junior High School
alondclayola
Unversity_EDU_Student2Post_vignetteaboutFranklinD_Tc07252018.docxThe vingette at the beginning of chapter 7 provided an exemplary model of how school executives can involve teachers and value their input. The principle of this junior high school, Robert, does a tremendous job of listening to his teachers and valuing their feedback. Not only does Robert listen and value the ideas of his teachers, but he empowers their ideas and allows them the opportunity to be a part of team leadership.
As I reflect upon the leadership strategies Robert used to involve teachers, I see three clear steps that indicate his effective leadership. First, Robert dedicated time to sit down with teachers across the entire setting. During this time he listened to them. Next, he used clarifying questions to guide what they are sharing to a point of empowerment. What Robert does next is possibly the most impactful part of the process. He used shared leadership to empower the ideas of teachers, such as Louise, to powerfully implement their ideas by them. He provided encouragement, praise, and validation as he gave them ownership of their ideas.
When tasked with a similar situation, I agree with the steps and strategies Robert used. I would want to dedicate time during the beginning of my leadership to get feedback and input from all stakeholders. Just as Robert used the feedback and input, I would do the same. I support team leadership and the sharing of all leadership ideas. Regardless of my actions in the beginning, I know I would still continue to face the challenge of getting all teachers on board. By allowing teachers to take ownership of their ideas and play a key role in the implementation of those ideas, I think teachers would begin to see that I not only want to use their input, but I want them to be an active part of implementing their ideas. I also think that cultivating areas of strength in everyone and allowing them to lead some sort of professional development would also enable teachers to see that I value their skills and I see strengths in them.
