CLOSE WINDOW WHEN FINISHED--Reflection 10 in another window.
EVIDENCE C:
An e-mail exchange with the superintent of my district, Dr. Loretta Bellina
JUNE 2009
 From:   Grace Kim  Sent:   Tue 3/24/2009 12:01 PM
 To:   Loretta Bellina
 Cc:   
 Subject:   meetup re: audacity & tech
 Attachments: 

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Hi Dr. Bellina,

If you are free tomorrow around 9:45/10 am (Pd 8), I'd like to swing by and show you some of the things I've learned about using the audacity software in concert with powerpoint slides and windows movie maker--for example, you could make your budget powerpoints into a movie and add a sound track explaining the different slides. 

Copying the idea of Mark Hayden (my classmate at PennSTI), I've introduced the powerpoint movie w/ sound as an extra credit/ alternative to the written formal lab report in my two Honors Chemistry classes.  I'll let you know when I receive some of the movies next week what the quality is (I mentioned to the kids that if any of them are outstanding, that I will try to upload it to teachertube.com).  I think it's a good first trial, in any case.  If they continue to do it, I think the students will get quite good at it.

I also learned a bit about podcasting this weekend--though I haven't tried anything myself just yet--I have an iFlip and am interested in recording lab and demonstration footage, but I've heard that the most labor/ time-intensive step involves producing and editing the footage--and I don't really have that time right now.  I'm no expert by any means, but I'd be happy to share what I do know to a small group of teachers who is interested in trying these tech tools out.

-Grace
 From:   Loretta Bellina  Sent:   Sun 3/29/2009 6:07 PM
 To:   Grace Kim
 Cc:   
 Subject:   RE: Tuesday 3/31, meetup w/ Grace Kim
 Attachments: 

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Hi Grace,
The first session of the day works for me. The sample you sent was amazing. That is exactly what I want the teachers to understand. Teaching in 2010 means engagement through technology. It is critcal for educators to understand that technology is the gamechanger.  I think that this would be a great piece to share with staff at a faculty mtg., possibly opening day in September 2009.
 
Thanks for your help,
Dr. Bellina

The third piece of evidence shows how I have grown to be more comfortable with my leadership role and intend to pursue further opportunities for improving/ sharing pedagogical tools as a result of "practicing leadership" in the receptive environment of the MCEP program.  Directly after having given the PD on March 21, 2009 and having learned about more technology tools through the presentations of and discussion with Mark Hayden and Mike Dappalone (other cohort members) on that same day, I realized that while I may not be an expert, I can certainly share the tools and expertise that I possess, and more importantly, the expertise of others.  While teacher leadership does involve a continual drive and progression toward becoming a better teacher, it does not require that I already be a master of my craft before I can teach or lead others to improve (and surpass me, in many cases).  In fact, I think showing both a desire to improve and the honest humility of still working on my own  teaching skills may be the perfect way to interact with my fellow teaching colleagues authentically.

The highlighted text above shows concrete evidence of how the experience of giving the PD and conversing in professional dialogue with other members of the MCEP program produced the necessary confidence and momentum for pursuing further, future leadership roles within my district.  I hope to keep in touch with other members of the cohort as I've enjoyed learning and working with them, and as they improve their own teaching, they continue to increase their worth as an invaluable resource for continued change and improvement.