When it comes to change, resistance is typically the first reaction along with anxiety of the unknown. As we adapt to change, certain aspects of leadership can make the adaptation of change go smoothly. As a special education teacher, adaptation is a word that I encounter quite often. However, it is usually when referring to students and the work that they do. Thinking about leadership, helping adults adapt to change has many similarities and differences than helping students adapt to change.
One of the first steps in adaptation as a leader is to have a strong moral purpose. As a teacher, I believe that the most important purpose to have is to be there for the students and do what is best to make them learn. When I need to make a decision that I am conflicted about, when I ask myself, “what is best for the kids?” it typically narrows down the choices and presents a clear answer. Leadership in education requires a moral purpose that inspires others and makes them feel confident that the leader is making the decisions for the right reasons. Another thing I believe is very important in leading through adaptation is communication. Leaders that have clear modes of communication can make all members feel heard and can clearly convey her message. As a special education teacher, I need to make sure I am in communication with many different different members of a team. We have a common moral purpose of doing what is best for the student and need to be in communication to make sure that the plan is followed. This can be difficult when working with so many students, but the moral purpose that drives us all hold us accountable to collaboration and communication about each student. Through communication, we are also challenged by those who do not agree with us. When we have team members that do not agree, it forces us to dig deeper into our own ideas and back ourselves up with real data or it forces us to take a new perspective and try a new idea. Either way, we are learning and finding the best methods to serve our students. Disruptions such as disagreeing with another member on the team, or a disruption made from a leader, can lead to coherence making. The disruption, or in some cases change, can make all members continue to find the best solutions to problems encountered on a daily basis.
2 Comments
4/22/2017 09:20:26 pm
I like your references to special education, since you are a sped teacher! Use it in your philosophy. It will work out and you have a unique and great perspective. I like you referenced anxiety with change. I never understood this more than I did this school year. Change is scary and stressful. Leadership is important to help overcome this, and communication, like you said. I think you will have a great philosophy at the end of this process. Good luck!
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Natalie
4/23/2017 06:55:10 pm
Hi Andrea,
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AuthorAndrea Colvin Archives
April 2017
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