Reflection on Leadership
I have been able to utilize all that I have learned throughout this course to become a better leader in science education. About two years ago I wrote the following:
I am considered the science leader in my school. I am the point person for the school that is contacted from the state. I am sent information relating to current science studies and courses that are available to teachers which I share with the teachers in my school. I am also the person responsible for the maintenance of the science room. I organize all of the science material that comes into the school and disperse it to teachers that need it for their science lessons. At this time I am the only one certified to teach science and this causes many people to come to me with questions about curriculum and ideas on how to implement inquiry based lessons. I have participated in Leadership classes offered by Penn Merck and have helped facilitate classes on inquiry based learning. In addition I was sent to the Grand Canyon for a study on earth history and did some turn around training on what I learned during this trip.
Currently my position is quite different. I have changed districts and am now working for Tredyffrin Easttown Middle School as the gifted support teacher. I know I was offered this position because of my experience in science and my enrollment in the Penn MISEP program. They specifically wanted someone with a strong science background to be a resource for their teachers and students. I feel that I am respected because of my strong background and often have an opportunity to work with students to provide them with extended opportunities in science and also to work collaboratively with teachers in designing differentiated units for the classroom that provide rigorous student centered instruction. Since I am working with grade levels 5 through 8 the versatile science content I received through the MISEP program has been extremely helpful.
How this shows growth:
I have changed roles from one where I was working in a classroom to one where I am working with teachers to help differentiate their instruction in all fields. I have had to rely on my years of experience but also the valuable knowledge I have gained through the MISEP program. This program has given me the opportunity to get to know a large number of teachers that are dedicated to excellence in their field. I have been able to rely on them often for support and lessons in areas that I have not taught. I have gained valuable inquiry based, hands on lessons as a result of forming a bond with my cohort members.
Several times I was introduced to the process of grant writing but I felt intimidated by the process and didn't want to venture it. However when it was offered as an assignment for our Educ 545 class, I decided to try it. As a result of this successful attempt I will seek out other opportunities for grants that will could bring valuable supplies to my school that would enhance the students learning of science.
Evidence
Below I have offered two piece of evidence, a letter of recommendation written by my curriculum supervisor and one written by my assistant principle that reflect how others see me as a leader. The first letter below specifically states how I have been able to work in classroom environments with other teachers in a co-teaching setting and also how I have provided extenions and alternate assignments for teachers so they can differentiate instruction for their students. The second letter also reiterates my role in helping teachers differentiate instruction. In addition I have a link to the minigrant proposal I wrote for the 6th grade science teachers.
Patty McCarrin - September 30 Back to e-portfolio