Teacher Leadership

>>What do I hope to gain from the Teacher Leadership program?

What I hope to gain is a better understanding of what is required as both a teacher and as a leader. To date, my experience in the classroom has been in one of two roles, neither of which allow for much experience as a leader.

First, I have been an ESL teacher in the Far East. In that role, my purpose is to impart the lessons and meaning of language to people who speak a language other than English. For total immersion purposes, the lessons are always in English; those who have lesser abilities either struggle to keep up or are helped along by their friends. I give aid whenever I can. But the students naturally look to me; I do not lead so much as I shepherd. No one questions my position as head of the class, nor is there much give and take; I must be the fount of all wisdom and experience. Unsurprisingly, teaching ESL overseas is an exhausting venue.

Second, my work in classrooms is as a Substitute Teacher. In that role, I am confined to following the lesson plan of the person whom I am subbing for. The rules and the plans for the day are laid out in black and white, and I cannot deviate from that plan. Both the teacher and the school are counting on me to do what I am told and stick to the course provided. Moreover, the students themselves will correct me right away if I don't do things the way their teacher requests. Since I hope to gain the regular teacher's approval (and hopefully return again at their request), I must follow their guideline.

So, I am hoping to learn how to lead properly. It is something that I haven't had much experience with at all.

Lawrence Burdick
lawrenceburdick@hotmail.com
San Francisco Bay Area