Explore the Web by Ryan Grejdus

Leading with Laughter

ryangrejdus — 2024-12-31 18:06:26 UTC

This Ted Talk video shows conflict resolution specialist Paul Osincup discussing the importance of laughter when leading. He elaborates on the benefits of humor, such as increasing morale, productivity, creativity, and trust. These qualities are crucial in sustaining a thriving work environment for teacher leaders. One way of leading is by showing that nobody is perfect, especially for education leaders. Humor helps leaders seem more approachable to others, and provide less stressful interactions. I chose this resource since it is so relatable to me. I laugh or find humor in the most stressful situations. The work environment, in general, is already stressful, so why not try to relieve that stress with laughter?

NCSM: Leadership in Mathematics

ryangrejdus — 2024-12-31 18:06:30 UTC

The National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics, or NCSM, is an organization dedicated to leaders in mathematics. The group's ultimate goal is preparing math teachers and leaders enough to provide effective instruction to all students. One of the most significant benefits of being a part of the NCSM is the professional learning opportunities. Examples of these learning opportunities include an annual conference, mini-conferences, virtual coaching labs, and its Fellows Program. Also included are various resources tailored specifically towards its leaders, such as research position papers, podcasts, and curriculum analysis tools. I selected this resource due to its simplistic and welcoming approach regarding involvement. The website clearly and concisely lays out everything necessary for those interested in becoming a volunteer or a sponsor.

NSTA: Leaders for Science

ryangrejdus — 2024-12-31 18:06:34 UTC

The National Science Teaching Association, or NSTA, is a coalition of science teachers and leaders that help promote quality, creativity, and innovation in its educators. The NSTA brings science education to the forefront while encouraging a respectful and equitable experience for all parties involved. After exploring their website, leadership tools that stood out to me were the extensive webinars and courses available to its members. A teacher leader is never satisfied with their learning. They will always look for improvement opportunities for their craft. These learning opportunities are perfect for just that. I chose this resource because of its plentiful resources for current leaders, but it is just as important for future leaders. A pre-service teacher chapter program helps future teachers network with science leaders while opening up opportunities before they enter the field.

NCSS: Social Studies Leadership

ryangrejdus — 2024-12-31 18:06:38 UTC

The National Council for the Social Studies, or NCSS, is a non-profit association that supports and advocates for high-quality Social Studies education. The organization provides vast digital resources, professional learning opportunities, and teaching materials for its teacher leaders. One part of the NCSS that stood out in terms of leadership is its focus on advocacy. The NCSS strongly represents and supports the profession, the Social Studies discipline, and its members. I selected this resource because the organization’s objective matches my own. Their goal is ensuring that students make well-informed decisions as they become quality, productive members of society. In teaching interviews, I always made sure that I expressed that my ultimate goal as an educator is to prepare my students for life, and turn them into productive members of society.

Listen, learn... then lead

ryangrejdus — 2024-12-31 18:06:42 UTC

This Ted Talk video shows four-star general Stanley McChrystal sharing his experience with leadership, creating a shared sense of purpose with others, the importance of listening and learning, and leading with the possibility of failing. Upon failing a mission, General McChrystal quoted one of his battalion commanders saying, “Leaders can let you fail, but cannot let you be a failure.” In one short sentence, he went from feeling wholly defeated to feeling like he could overcome this setback. That is authentic leadership. I think it is important for teacher leaders to allow their students or co-workers to fail but ensure they do not feel like a failure. Sometimes, failures create the best lessons. I selected this video because General McChrystal discussed one leadership quality that tends to fall on deaf ears today: it is okay for leaders to ask others for help. It is not a sign of weakness. Instead, it is a sign of strength.