Compiled Messages
Topic: Are you a leader? Date: Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Subject: Are you a leader? Author: Desiree Glover
Professionally, I am a Spanish high school teacher, but my duties and responsibilities go beyond that of a World Language teacher. My perspective is that my duties do not end on the annual contract I sign, but merely begin there. For example, during the first week of school this year, we administered diagnostic subjects test in order to better meet students’ academic needs. During testing, I walked by a classroom and noticed 3 students sleeping, then walked by another room and noticed many more students sleeping. I could not continue walking by without taking action, so I went into those classrooms and spoke with the students. Not only did I walk with them to the bathroom to throw water on their faces, but I used the time talk to them about why they were sleeping during such an important test. I used the information they gave me to make changes to the diagnostic testing process, and presented it to the faculty that afternoon in our meeting. My colleagues agreed with me and we have since modified testing procedures.
Am I a leader? Absolutely! I do not wait to be called upon to take action – I see a need and I act. I see myself as a leader in all aspects of my life. I display leadership skills in my professional life, in my personal life, and in everyday social settings. I recognize that leadership is a discipline that must be learned and cultivated; however, I also know that I possess some innate leadership qualities that have been bestowed upon me by my Creator.
Topic: Are you a leader? Date: Sunday, September 20, 2009
Subject: Re:Are you a leader? Author: Noran Moffett
Among the experiences that you described to elucidate your leadership actions, cite an example the student that had the greatest need for external support?
Did you try to improve the life of the child who was sleeping?
Topic: Are you a leader? Date: Thursday, September 24, 2009 Subject: Re:Are you a leader? Author: Desiree Glover From that experience with diagnostic testing the student that required the greatest level of external support was S.N. After speaking with the students, I realized that most were boys, and most played football that were sleeping. S.N. told me he was at football practice until 9pm, and didn't get to bed until late. I spoke with S.N.'s male advisor and asked him to teach S.N. some time management strategies. Also, I spoke with the football coach and shared my concerns, and he said he would begin study hall immediately, rather than wait until the following week.