Patience is a virtue.

At our last meeting, we explored how to lead well to ensure effective teaching and learning. We also discussed some of the barriers to these diffrent leadership styles and how in an ideal world, every leader has a little bit of all six .  As I read through the characteristics, I identifed myself as being a visionary, a coach and a democratic leader. However, Matt was insistant that we limit our choices to two so I went with democratic and coach. We then self assessed to see if we had navigated ourselves in the right direction. I was pleased to see that I came out considerably high in the coaching category, followed closely by being a visionary leader. This was pleasing because I think everyone hopes that they come out as a coach. As it is seen to be the most effective.  I must alo be quite confident in self evaluation, understanding my strengths and thus my areas of development. So as stated in my first ever post on this blog, when I mentioned that I consider myself to be impatient. This is likely to be true. With that in mind, I must work on ensuring that I approach others carefully, timely and with caution,

The impact of poverty on our children.

A very interesting read from the National Education Union around children living in poverty and the level of education that they recieve. This hits the nail on the head and links to the discussions had in our last meeting.

https://www.atl.org.uk/advice-and-resources/publications/report-january-2018

Effective Leadership

Here is my brainstorm at the last leadership meeting around effective leadership. This seminar made me really start to think about how others portray me. I entered a difficult environment in September 2016 when I replaced a highly thought of, long serving member of the team. She was my mentor and English lead in my NQT year but a year later we were swapping roles. It was very strange and for some. Wrong! I was too young and lacked experience. In their eyes I couldn't possibly be apart of the Senior Leadership Team. This made my first year as the English Lead tough. Yet, I am still the English Lead and (i think and hope) a valued member of the team.

It was also interesting because I realised that it is the teachers and teaching assistants opinions which I care most about. This might be because I believe that I am valued at the top but it is those below that keep their cards close to their chest. Do they think I work hard? Do they appreciate what I do? Do they know that I appreciate what they do? Am I inpatient? ( I know i'm inpatient) but do I show this through my actions? I'm not too sure just yet. What I do know is that I have the children's education at the top of my agenda and I do all that I do for them. Maybe I care about this beause I want to ensure that we are working together, to produce an outstanding environment for our little learners. We all need the same ethos for it to work well. 

My viewpoint on the systems we use in school and their overall effectiveness. As a practitioner I always struggle with the homework debarkle. I think this is because in my setting it is the children who desperately need to do homework who don't. Usually my DA children. I find this frustrating as I am powerless to help. Yes I can send another nagging text out or grab parents at the school gates but is that helping? Am I being supportive? Or am I pushing away parents who I really need to stay close by? Can they read or write themselves? Or do they really just not care? I spend many a time pondering on these questions.... I guess that's being in leadership. Trying to find an answer, a solution.

Characteristics of an Effective Leader.

Here is my brainstorm of an effective leader and even since the seminar I know that there are others which could be added. One of these is 'patience'. Showing that we are learning every day.

The phase of the learning cycle which I associate with is a mix of 'doing' and 'experiencing'.

• showing the ability to get things done
• taking risks
• influencing others and events through action
• learning from specific experiences
• relating to people
• being sensitive to feelings and people

The learning style grid showed that I was a mix of diverging and accommodating which I agree with. For instance, I enjoy carrying out plans and involving myself in new and challenging experiences. I can relate to this greatly as I get bored if I sit still for too long and often find myself trying new ideas/concepts in class.
I also tend to act on intutition rather than being logical. This is certainly true of my nature, though I sometimes worry this is a weakness in leadership. I guess that time and learning will tell!
I brainstorm my ideas. This is a definite truth!
I enjoy learning through a 'hands on' experience. This is true but as a child I loved working from books on my own.

However the tips for 'strengthening the accommodating style' did not reflect areas that need to improve which was interesting.

If I was to look at the 4 learing styles, I would say I need to improve my 'abstract conceptualization' such as planning systematically, creating models, developing theory but most of all...........................
being patient!! :-)

My chosen postcard. The first thing I did when I came across it was to smile. It reminds me of reading when I was little and it is also a reminder that reading in the classroom is one of my favourite past times and should never be forgotton. 

On the board you can see that I am practising my pre-crusive handwriting. It's on this years School Development Plan so I best get mastering.

The start of the Leadership Journey

The first day on an exciting but challenging journey.