Educational Leadership, blog #2

What does it mean to be a teacher-leader?

            

I believe that a teacher-leader is one that sees beyond the job description and goes beyond the call of duty to give service to their fellow peers.  I have often adapted the philosophies of a great Eastern Sage named Yogananda.

Whatever you do, you must do cheerfully for the service of all, and be very ambitious in well-doing.—Yogananda

Your entire motive must be service. The main purpose of any business should be service; it should not be merely moneymaking. The store that gives the best service and handles the best products is the one we like. – Yogananda

All material work is service to your fellow being, if done in the right spirit, and is therefore worthwhile. – Yogananda

           

A teacher leader is one who has gained a set of skills or knowledge on a certain subject, like technology.  This teacher takes initiative to teach and share what they have learned with other teachers.  To withhold is to be like a wealthy miser.  Selfishly, the money just rots away in banks until the miser passes away, doing no good to others.  Knowledge is wealth and in the right hands, that wealth can positively affect both teachers and students.  Thus, my philosophy of a teacher-leader is one who gives without expectation and steps up to serve.  Knowing, that the work they do is good in itself and is part of playing a good role in the career they have. 

Why is teacher-leadership so important with regard to educational technology?

           

In today's world, most of technology for teachers is taught horizontally.  Therefore, it’s vital that someone takes the initiative to teach their peers.  I believe the generational gaps of technology often slow the progress of technology in education.  I feel that this is possibly because no one is making profit off it.  Businesses thrive off of new technologies, education has had no immediate benefits and lack the funding for it.  Thus, someone must take a stance of being motivated to teach others as the research is showing that academic gains are tied with advanced technology integration. 

           

In my experience, as soon as you are known for having technology skills, you become needed by your peers.  While technology is slow to integrate into education, it is the trend I see districts moving towards.  I offered to co-run the school website this year.  I also asked my principal if I could store my green screen at school for my school goal this year.  Once word got out of my technology skills, my principal began to ask me to do a number of technological tasks for her.  Peers were being sent to me by my principal for help.  I’ll be teaching my peers how to access important district assessments and will teach a green screen class.  There is this lack of resources and availability, which is unfortunate.  It’s up to the motivated to be a team player to benefit others.