As I read further into this book, I am amazed at how the authors are describing the world of education in such a manner that all readers can relate. Being a great leader is a focus of chapter 5. I wish my principal could read this chapter. This chapter discusses how it is important for a leader to worry about doing great things to improve the world around them, not worry about how great they are. A leader listens to all of those around them and collaborating with others to create a positive, productive working environment. This is a chapter that all principals and aspiring administration should read and take to heart!
As a single mom, I have a hard time following the advice in Chapter 6. Not taking myself seriously all the time is difficult. I still expect to do things correctly right from the beginning. I do not like to make mistakes but I know that we learn from our mistakes and we need to embrace them and turn them into teachable moments. it is funny! I am hard on myself yet i preach this to my students! I tell them it is ok to make mistakes. We learn from them and everybody makes them. It is ironic! I am afraid to let my guard down a little because I have so much responsibility that I can not let myself wander off the beaten path. I know when I do wander I enjoy it but the guilt comes in and I get back on the path quickly.
Eighteen years of teaching and I always think, ok the next year will be better. These fools will figure out what works and let us do our jobs but no year in and year out all we experience is a downward spiral. Negativity from staff, administration, community and the government. All this downward spiral does is frustrate and prohibit awesome educators from doing their job!
Finally, passion!!!!!! I am passionate about my job!!! I LOVE being an educator. I look at each year as a new beginning. I try to learn all the new techniques so I can provide my students with as many tools possible to help them succeed. I have used everything I have learned throughout the EMDT program in my classroom. But not only am I passionate about my job, I am passionate about my daughter! I am a single mom and I strive to provide her with as many experiences that will shape her into the person I hope she will become. Books, museums, trips, and one on one time are just a few of the things that I provide her. A stable loving home and my passion for life in general are those things she gets on a daily basis. Hopefully, the saying Monkey see Monkey do is correct and she puts in as much passion and perseverance into everything she does just like her Mommy!!!!
This book is an awesome read for all educators and administrators. This will aid in the development of a positive and productive work environment with a high level of staff morale!!!!!!!!
great summary and personal connection with the book.
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