EDUC 638 [1/23/14] [Puckett, Rhonda]

"Be a yardstick of quality.  Some people aren't used to an evironment where excellence is expected." ~Steve Jobs

Through my experiences in life, I have come to appreciate a combination of leadership qualities.  Hall (2008) describes three types of leaders in this week's reading and really had to stop and think about what kind of leader I appreciate and what kind of leader I am. As I stated before, I appreciate a combination of the sage and oracle leaderships (Hall, 2008).  I have worked for all three types at different times of my life; however, our assistant principal (who was more of a leader when the "oracle" leader was in place) was a great mix, bringing that "sensei" balance (Hall, 2008, p. 13). 

I currently work for a sage-type leader.  She follows policy by the book and once she makes a decision, the conversation is over.  In the past, I worked for an oracle leader who was extremely wishy-washy in her decisions; EVERYTHING was up for discussion and as soon as you thought the discussion had reached a decision, a whole new round would open up.  It was a VERY frustrating time, professionally.  I appreciate the sensei approach because I want to be coached rather than TOLD how to do something.  I want to be involved in my learning process, but not micro-managed.

In my classroom, I feel as though I am a sensei leader.  I facilitate my students' learning, rather than handing it to them on a silver platter.  Experience is often a better teacher than anything else, so I offer them opportunities within the class to practice hands-on learning and engage in meaningful conversations on given topics.  While I understand that I am ultimately "in charge," my students know that they have a certain level of leadership in our classroom.  As they exert their own leadership skills in various forms and fashions, I enjoy seeing them succeed.

Technological leadership seems to somewhat, dare I say, demand a sage leadership.  There must be clear definitions of what technology integration consists of and what the expectations of its uses are.  Unfortunately, because there has been such a technological "boom" in recent years, many teachers refuse to move forward with time, causing their students to lack the 21st century skills they are expected to learn.  Those of us who strive to be technological leaders within our school, must motivate those who refuse to embrace the adventure so that all students receive equal opportunities, involving instruction on individual needs (Picciano, 2011).   

The Bible says "[d]o nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others" (Philippians 2:3-4, New International Version).  John Quincy Adams said "[i]f your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." This is the kind of leader I want to be!

References:
Hall, D. (2008). The technology director's guide to leadership:
     The power of great questions. Eugene, OR: International Society
     for Technology in Education.

Picciano, A. G. (2011). Educational leadership and planning for
     technology (5th ed). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

EDUC 638 [1/15/14] [Puckett, Rhonda]

Hello, all! This is me...(quite the facial expression, yes? :) It had been a LOOOOOONG day at work!)

I'm looking forward to learning some great things this subterm!
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