Teacher Mentoring Teacher: Leadership Skills by Jessica Williams https://padlet.com/jessicaaprilwilliams/htrfycjggc5y Please respond in this Padlet by Wednesday. By Friday, please respond to at least two others' comments. en-us 2019-08-26 21:46:55 UTC 2025-01-25 15:06:21 UTC hello@padlet.com Leadership Style - Jill Ritchie jaritc17 https://padlet.com/jessicaaprilwilliams/htrfycjggc5y/wish/380107913      I believe that I typically utilize transformational leadership.  I am consistently trying to motivate my students by helping them see what their futures can be like.  In order to accomplish this, I frequently incorporate pertinent stories, personal tidbits, and scenarios into my teaching and/or mentoring.  I find this to be quite easy considering that I LOVE to talk!   Another benefit to this approach is that my enthusiasm for what can be, spreads to my students and/or colleagues. Finally, I feel that by modeling the behaviors that I expect others to display and setting my expectations high, I am demonstrating transformational leadership.  

Here is a screenshot of my leadership survey results.]]> 2019-09-04 19:08:24 UTC https://padlet.com/jessicaaprilwilliams/htrfycjggc5y/wish/380107913 Compare/Contrast - Jill Ritchie jaritc17 https://padlet.com/jessicaaprilwilliams/htrfycjggc5y/wish/380122995     As I research different leadership styles, I find myself drawn to constructivist leadership and invitational leadership.  Constructivist leaders recognize that all interactions between people are opportunities to learn something new and increase knowledge.  This type of leader doesn't act as just a teacher, he/she becomes a facilitator of learning.  The objective is for students and/or colleagues to find answers and be able to explain how they did so.  
     Invitational leaders also promote the development of relationships and  put emphasis on ensuring that students and/or colleagues are connected, cooperative, and able to communicate.  Similar to the constructivist style of leadership, invitational leadership does not focus on dominance and/or control. However, It does stress the importance of making sure that all members feel valuable, needed, and worthy.
Both of these types of leadership focus on relationships and the ability of students and colleagues to learn from each other, not just from a teacher. I believe that both of these would be beneficial in almost any classroom/educational setting.]]> 2019-09-04 19:46:18 UTC https://padlet.com/jessicaaprilwilliams/htrfycjggc5y/wish/380122995 Leadership Style-Brianna Rider bxkrau17 https://padlet.com/jessicaaprilwilliams/htrfycjggc5y/wish/380152863 I believe that I typically use the democratic leadership style. I am big on gathering everyone's thoughts and opinions before making a decision. I would also consider myself a people-pleaser. I want everyone to be happy, therefore I am more apt to gather feedback from everyone before making a final call.]]> 2019-09-04 21:11:18 UTC https://padlet.com/jessicaaprilwilliams/htrfycjggc5y/wish/380152863 Compare & Contrast-Brianna Rider bxkrau17 https://padlet.com/jessicaaprilwilliams/htrfycjggc5y/wish/380154050 Visionary Leadership and Servant Leadership are two leadership styles that I want to learn more about and use. Visionary leaders inspire their employees and earn their trust. Servant leaders focus on employee satisfaction. As I read more on servant leadership, I almost think this fits my personality more than I thought. Both of these leadership styles are similar in that they focus on creating a strong bond between the employees. Servant leadership seems to focus more on the group as a whole, where visionary leaders are the driving force behind any sort of progress.]]> 2019-09-04 21:14:40 UTC https://padlet.com/jessicaaprilwilliams/htrfycjggc5y/wish/380154050 Situations-Brianna Rider bxkrau17 https://padlet.com/jessicaaprilwilliams/htrfycjggc5y/wish/380156189 I teach kindergarten in a Catholic elementary school.  Visionary leadership would be most effective if there was a group of students at school that needed more assistance to help better themselves.  For example, if I noticed that there was a group of girls who struggle with including others in their play groups at recess, I could take on a visionary leadership role and create a group for the teachers of those students.  Together we could brainstorm ideas on how to help the girls include others at recess and play nicely with one another.
Along with teaching kindergarten, I am also teaching first grade CCD. At our most recent meeting, it was discussed that the catechists rarely meet after CCD classes because they are anxious to get home to their families. I could take on a servant leadership role and organize a monthly dinner night where all of the catechists agree to meet once a month over supper and discuss any topics or issues that pertain to CCD.]]> 2019-09-04 21:21:58 UTC https://padlet.com/jessicaaprilwilliams/htrfycjggc5y/wish/380156189 Situations - Jill Ritchie jaritc17 https://padlet.com/jessicaaprilwilliams/htrfycjggc5y/wish/380183263      As a middle school teacher, I believe that the invitational style of leadership would be very beneficial and easily incorporated into my classroom.  My students are in a stage of their lives where they are leaving childhood and entering adulthood.  They tend to be confused, stressed, worried, self-conscious, and sometimes awkward.  By ensuring that all of my students feel worthy, useful, needed, and a member of our classroom community, I will hopefully be able to boost their confidence a little and help them develop a more positive self-image as they navigate puberty.
I also feel that I will be able to incorporate constructivist leadership in my classroom, especially when my students are participating in Socratic Seminars. These seminars encourage and promote students learning from each other. As a teacher, I just facilitate the discussion, I do not lead the discussion or control (within reason) the conversation.]]> 2019-09-04 23:52:39 UTC https://padlet.com/jessicaaprilwilliams/htrfycjggc5y/wish/380183263 Leadership Style b_canfield https://padlet.com/jessicaaprilwilliams/htrfycjggc5y/wish/380729996 2019-09-06 02:35:00 UTC https://padlet.com/jessicaaprilwilliams/htrfycjggc5y/wish/380729996 Leadership Style-Brittany Canfield b_canfield https://padlet.com/jessicaaprilwilliams/htrfycjggc5y/wish/380729997 I think that I typically use transformational leadership. I am always trying to get my students to see what they can do and how it can affect their future. When doing assignments, I try to explain why we are doing it and how it can help them in their future. It is important for students to drive themselves to be the best version of themselves and the teacher to help facilitate that. ]]> 2019-09-06 02:35:01 UTC https://padlet.com/jessicaaprilwilliams/htrfycjggc5y/wish/380729997 Compare/Contrast-Brittany Canfield b_canfield https://padlet.com/jessicaaprilwilliams/htrfycjggc5y/wish/380731180 As I started some research, I came across democratic leadership. I found this interesting because I use the idea of input and opinion in my classroom with my students. I think it would be easy for me to make a transition into mentoring another teacher using this same technique. I want the best for new teachers so if they let me know what they need, I can help them better. At the same time, I could see myself using a mix of this and laissez-faire leadership. I do not want to be completely hands off, but I also want the mentee to feel that they are in charge of what they get out of the mentorship. Personally, I do not like when someone tells me things I already know so I would not want to do that to another person.]]> 2019-09-06 02:40:42 UTC https://padlet.com/jessicaaprilwilliams/htrfycjggc5y/wish/380731180 Situations-Brittany Canfield b_canfield https://padlet.com/jessicaaprilwilliams/htrfycjggc5y/wish/380731891 With experience with both middle school ages and now high school ages, I would say that the leadership style you use is completely dependent on the group of people and their unique situations. As I made a transition into a new age group, I found that I cannot talk to high school students the same way that I talk to middle school students. High school students need less supervision when doing certain tasks. They can handle being responsible for their own learning which goes along with laissez-faire leadership. ]]> 2019-09-06 02:44:42 UTC https://padlet.com/jessicaaprilwilliams/htrfycjggc5y/wish/380731891 Bekka Beaufeaux r_beaufeaux https://padlet.com/jessicaaprilwilliams/htrfycjggc5y/wish/381041343 I was interested to see the results of my survey, but then again not totally surprised. I felt that my leadership styles extensively incldued transformational leadership. Through my experience with building relationships (as shown by my personal characteristics of Positive Attitude and Outlook and "Soft Skills") I am able to reach others in a way of building an 'inspiring vision of the future.' Before really digging into this I just thought I was a good talker, but now I understand that through these relational skills I can better lead others by reading what they need, providing a clearer 'big picture,' and offering suggestions on how to get there. I've always been one to be cautious of being overly-pushy, however, and do have worries about forcing my version of a great end onto someone else.]]> 2019-09-06 17:55:31 UTC https://padlet.com/jessicaaprilwilliams/htrfycjggc5y/wish/381041343 Bekka Beaufeaux https://padlet.com/jessicaaprilwilliams/htrfycjggc5y/wish/381125782 The three types of styles I decided to look into were Servant Leadership, Transformational Leadership, and Transactional Leadership.]]> 2019-09-06 21:44:26 UTC https://padlet.com/jessicaaprilwilliams/htrfycjggc5y/wish/381125782 Bekka Beaufeaux https://padlet.com/jessicaaprilwilliams/htrfycjggc5y/wish/381138345 This is difficult for me to address simply because every teacher in every teaching environment is different. The style that I choose to use varies depending on the day, the grade, even the section. Different learning types require a different touch to ensure the safety of students, the effectiveness of content dissemination, and the overall development of positive classroom culture. This being said, let me take a crack at it. 

Servant Leadership: This is a staple in our school system. By teaching in the way of student-centered relational based lessons we can emulate Christ best. Putting the needs of students at the forefront of our time with them will not only see how we care but care for others in turn. It is important to note that all students need to feel an important connection and fulfillment in their education.

Transformational Leadership lends itself to an older classroom environment, in my personal opinion. I start with this style in third grade art. Because our elementary schools are divided between two buildings (primary= Kindergarten through 2, elementary 3 through 5) the students in third grade are entering a new stage in their educational journey. By providing them with a ‘big picture’ as a goal, students are then encouraged to get their in a way that is unique to them. Through art this style lends itself to creative growth. The teacher becomes more a facilitator than a direct instructor.

The use of Transactional Leadership structure is afforded to many situations. I find that certain students crave and thrive under defined outcomes. Within my specialist classrooms this can be interesting, and at times difficult, as I only see students for an average of 1.5 hours a week. By providing clear terms, rewards, and consequences these structure-craving students are able to not only survive, but thrive. This is important, especially in students who “just don’t get art/music,” or “hate this” subject.
]]> 2019-09-06 23:29:55 UTC https://padlet.com/jessicaaprilwilliams/htrfycjggc5y/wish/381138345 Leadership st j_rubenzer https://padlet.com/jessicaaprilwilliams/htrfycjggc5y/wish/381210094 2019-09-07 16:05:34 UTC https://padlet.com/jessicaaprilwilliams/htrfycjggc5y/wish/381210094 Leadership style- Jennifer Rubenzer j_rubenzer https://padlet.com/jessicaaprilwilliams/htrfycjggc5y/wish/381210097 My leadership style starts with being prepared.  When I lead a staff meeting, I always send out an agenda ahead of time.  I also ask teachers if they would like to add to the agenda so that we can get through all agenda items in the time allotted.  We have working lunch staff meetings every Tuesday, so we only have 20-25 minutes to discuss what we need for the week. Over the last few years, my co-workers have put in place their meeting roles without my having to assign them.  I know that one of them will help me keep the others on task, one will restate what we have decided and it is amazing how we are able to get through all the agenda items and more every week. They all know that they have an equal say in what we decide.  We as a returning staff all have found our niche, and the new staff will be able to find theirs. If there is a task that needs to be completed our principal knows who to go to.  This is very productive as he is principal of both high school and middle school.
In the classroom, I am a facilitator. I like to give the students chances for discovery on their own and let them help each other to learn.  
I also make sure that all of my co-workers and students know that I care about them and that their learning is important to me. I let them know when they have done a good job and when they need to work to improve.]]> 2019-09-07 16:05:35 UTC https://padlet.com/jessicaaprilwilliams/htrfycjggc5y/wish/381210097 Jennifer Rubenzer j_rubenzer https://padlet.com/jessicaaprilwilliams/htrfycjggc5y/wish/381212504 My personality works well with a combination of servant leadership and coaching leadership.  I coached volleyball for many years and my faith has steered me toward the lead by example of servant leader. Coaching gave me the opportunity to show students how to use all of their strengths together to form a successful team. This didn't mean that a player would necessarily get to play at their greatest strength.  It meant discovering which players did they play well with, and how would they have to improve if they were chosen to take on a role that they had never done before. As a coach, I had to decide who would encourage a positive attitude and who would make sure all got along well with each other.
Servant leadership means to lead by example. I follow all of the same rules as my students. If they can't wear certain clothing because of the dress code, I do not wear that type of clothing either. I am polite and respectful, so they can see how to be polite and respectful. If I am going to encourage them to go to Mass before school, then I am at Mass before school starts. I keep my desk and shelves orderly to encourage them to do the same. ]]> 2019-09-07 16:32:10 UTC https://padlet.com/jessicaaprilwilliams/htrfycjggc5y/wish/381212504 Jennifer Rubenzer j_rubenzer https://padlet.com/jessicaaprilwilliams/htrfycjggc5y/wish/381213716 I spend time getting to know my co-workers and students and I enjoy every minute of it! I love all of the ir different personalities.  It is amazing to see each student find a teacher they can relate to and use that relationship to be successful in learning.  Each of our leadership and teaching styles benefits student learning.  For example, we have students who participate in sports. I like to go to their games and activities to see how they interact with others in a team or a competitive situation. In this way, I can get to know them better. I can use these interests and incorporate them in my classroom lesson plans. If there is a student that looks up to me, my lead by example, can encourage them to do the same. In our school system we have "The Mack Way." This is a way of living that expresses the vision of our school. We have to follow "The Mack Way" in order to get others to do the same. We also need to do all things with a joyful heart. As St. Teresa of Calcutta said, " Each one of them is Jesus in disguise."]]> 2019-09-07 16:45:40 UTC https://padlet.com/jessicaaprilwilliams/htrfycjggc5y/wish/381213716 Cindy L. Yohnk c_yohnk https://padlet.com/jessicaaprilwilliams/htrfycjggc5y/wish/381233563 I do not consider myself a good leader but if I had to choose a style, I believe that my leadership style would be Servant Leadership.  It is one of the main reasons I spend so much time at school after school hours.  I am busy helping others or doing things for others first and then I take care of my own things.  ]]> 2019-09-07 20:27:04 UTC https://padlet.com/jessicaaprilwilliams/htrfycjggc5y/wish/381233563 Cindy L. Yohnk c_yohnk https://padlet.com/jessicaaprilwilliams/htrfycjggc5y/wish/381252150 The three leadership styles I would like to learn more about are visionary leadership, coaching leadership, and visionary leadership. From the brief research that I have done, they all sound like they would fit me in that I do not like to be totally in charge, but like to have input from others. I also am a planner. The coaching and the transformational styles are similar in that there is communication and that team members are motivated by utilizing their strengths and weaknesses. Visionary style is important to help see the importance in the future - always looking ahead.]]> 2019-09-08 01:09:19 UTC https://padlet.com/jessicaaprilwilliams/htrfycjggc5y/wish/381252150 Cindy L. Yohnk c_yohnk https://padlet.com/jessicaaprilwilliams/htrfycjggc5y/wish/381253671 The visionary leadership would be most effective in communicating with the families of my students. One of my strengths has been great parent communication and letting them know where we are headed throughout the year. This style is also effective when teaching my students - letting them know the importance of WHY we are working on a particular skill or activity. I am constantly coaching my students - looking for their strengths and their weakness and helping them to improve.]]> 2019-09-08 01:31:25 UTC https://padlet.com/jessicaaprilwilliams/htrfycjggc5y/wish/381253671