Personal Vision Statement of Educational Leadership
Jacquelyn Ewart
Brandman University, EDAU 710
June 12, 2015
“You haven’t taught until they have learned.” – John Wooden
Sitting in a classroom during the first course for my Administrative Credential, I still clearly recall the moment when I first heard that quote. I had been a classroom teacher for over ten years and yet I had not necessarily thought of or articulated teaching and learning through this lens. This quote and the ensuing discussion I engaged in with my colleagues that evening, resonated with me so strongly that it forever changed and guided my vision of education.
When I first began teaching over twenty years ago, I do not believe I had a clear idea of what my vision of education was. I was hungry for knowledge myself and took every opportunity I could to attend professional development and implement new curriculum and instructional strategies. During the early part of my career as a teacher, I developed a
…show more content…
During this middle portion of my career, I continued focusing on data-based decision making and a strong instructional program, but I also began to value the importance of collaboration, building relationships, and effective communication. I still led by example, but my leadership style began to become more collaborative. As my quest for knowledge continued, and my desire to increase my sphere of influence grew, I decided to pursue a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and Leadership. As I think back to that first evening, I realize that the John Wooden quote resonated so strongly with me because those words clearly articulated the vision that I carried within myself as I continuously sought to improve my practice in order to meet the needs of all of my
As a teacher-leader, I have been assigned a number of wide-ranging and important informal roles in my career thus far that have enabled me to support and contribute towards the success of not only my students, but also my department and my school as a whole. By assuming these diverse leadership roles, I have been able to develop professionally, improve student attainment, positively influence the teaching and learning practice of my peers and contribute towards the culture and ethos of the schools I have worked in.
As a future educator one of my visions is to continue to learn and develop both professionally and personally. Throughout my course I have realised education does not finish after primary school, secondary school or university but is an ongoing journey.
As a student of education, I have been able to gather many ideas and opinions about practices and ideals I want to implement in my future classroom. My philosophies about education are still being formed and continually change with every class I visit and with every educator I encounter. My ideas, admittedly, come from random experiences and intangible texts, but as I gain more experience in the field through my courses, my philosophies about teaching will become more clearly defined. These few ideas I have now will undoubtedly be added upon as I enter student teaching and my professional career, nevertheless, they are concepts of which I hope to never lose sight.
When I was gaining my Bachelor’s Degree, the key statement throughout my journey through the education program was “I will continue to be a lifelong learner.” As I finalized this program I have reached this goal, and this will continue throughout my journey as a teacher as I become involved with more and more school and district based county activities through which I can use the theories, methods, and strategies I have learned throughout this program. In general, it is best, as Goldhammer (69) stresses, to avoid critical dissection of teaching. Too much criticism and
I did not always know I wanted to be a teacher. For me, the profession that I would ultimately choose to spend the rest of my life doing did not come as easily to me as it did to some of my peers. I did, however, know from a very young age that I have always wanted to help others. I also knew that I really enjoyed being around two types of people: the elderly and the young. It was not until my senior year of high school when I became a teaching assistant to a kindergarten class that I realized I wanted to become a teacher and help the lives of many. I have experienced and witnessed many different kinds of teaching philosophies, some that have worked increasingly better than others. The unstated philosophies of teaching I have encountered through kindergarten to this point thus far have shaped my personal philosophy on teaching. As a teacher, I will strive to spark enthusiasm for positive learning, acknowledge and support learning differences and needs, provide students with a strong foundation for lifelong learning, and make a difference in the lives of my students.
Throughout this last semester, I have been student teaching at Shawswick Middle School where I was able to take a critical look at myself as an educator. Though the teacher and I did not see eye to eye, this disagreement helped me to better form my own pedagogical beliefs and establish confidence in myself as an educator.
Leadership is a privilege that carries with it many responsibilities to inspire others, and to direct individuals to attain the vision and goals of an organization. As an effective leader it is my job to be flexible, be an excellent communicator, be a person who leads by example, and is an individual who is committed, resourceful, and reflective. Achieving the characteristics above, I have developed a definite purpose in mind; one that is shared and modeled in and outside of my school environment. With such growth mindset, I teach, present workshops and empowers others to make decisions that will develop future leaders. To lead by example, I became a mentor for first-year teachers. Furthermore, I orchestrate educational committees, encouraging
“To hell with your career, what is your calling?” It was this quote that led me to the classroom just five years ago. I was convinced that teaching was indeed my calling. I was compelled to make a difference in the world, and felt that there was no better way to do it than by educating young children, that in many ways, whether through life experiences or appearance, resembled me. I knew that this was no easy feat. In fact, it’s no secret that teachers do not make significant amounts of money, and the profession of teaching does not always receive the respect and dignity it is due. But it was that day, in the spring of 2009, after hearing Dr. Joseph E Lowery speak these words, I promised myself to never chase a career, but instead, to always
I have taught students ranging from five years old to nineteen years of age. Hence, being an educator, I have learned that learning is always shifting, therefore I must keep improving with the incessant changes. As a little girl, I have always dreamt of being a teacher and I have carried out that dream. My career journey started as a substitute teacher, a floater between classrooms, an assistant teacher, a teacher, a center supervisor, and an educational supervisor. I presently work as an Educational consultant for Danya International LLC. As an Educational Consultant, I able to review and aid with the learning environment of teachers and educational management in a school
My decision to be a teacher did not come easily to me. This choice was dependent on a reflection about what I was passionate about and how I could make a difference. I have chosen to become a teacher, as I believe teachers have the ability to provide future generations the stimulation for one of the most significant roles in life; to become a lifelong learner. Many teachers that I have had during my education have had a positive impact on my decision to grow and develop the skills that are fundamental to pursue a successful teaching career. My aim is to be a part of an honorable profession with the optimism that one day I will become an efficacious teacher who can provide future teachers with inspiration, as my teachers have provided for me. Through personal educational experiences and peer-reviewed academic literature, I am able to shape my approach to my pre-service teaching, as it will influence my future practice. As a teacher, there is not just one singular approach to educating students; there is a need for flexibility, diversity, adaptation and reflection.
A personal mission statement is a philosophy or creed that one plans to follow in daily life. It is usually designed with positivity, purpose, and with personal goals for every aspect of life such as career, finances, etc. It also focuses on personality traits that one would like to possess and the accomplishments that one wants to achieve, both short-term and long term. It also houses the individuality of the person writing it. Every person writing a personal mission statement is will produce a different statement. This is primarily because people value different things, characteristics and have different goals. The purpose of this paper is to explore my mission statement (Covey, 2013, pp.113).
I believe that education; preparation and planning are keys to success. My vision is to apply those principles to my work ethic and applies my knowledge and skills to my professional performance. Therefore, better my workplace delivering excellence in results and stand out as a leader. I strongly believe that the most important part of a business is its people, and example is the best way to express an effective organizational culture.
On a personal level I would like to get better at basketball as well as baseball. In three years i see myself being a little bit more involved in technology and graphic design. Sooner or later like every kid I will turn 18 wich mean time for a job i'm going to go into it strong I think i am going to work at Old Navy. I hopefully will be able to stay in this job as long as possible to make as much money as I can. These goals are important to me because it will make me feel good as a person. It is a good start as a teen to make money. School has prepared me because I will pick the right classes to assist me in my career.
My mission is to reach my full potential, help guide others to reach their full potential, and to live life to the fullest. My vision is to find a career that I love doing most likely in business and technology and working with people that have the same ambitions as I do to help reach my full potential and to get the most out of life through finishing school, starting my own family, and living without stresses.
I am writing this statement as a declaration of my personal vision. It will serve as a guide to help ensure that my actions are corresponding to what I envision. This personal vision statement is designed to help facilitate my purpose, unforeseen obstacles, and how to manage theses obstacles. A great deal of thought has gone into constructing this vision statement and I hope that within time these endeavors fill me with a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.