I have recently completed six hours (the first six hours of about 30 required in all) of study in my training for a principal’s license. In a short word: very interesting, very challenging, and very definitely the beginning of a process that will enable me to grow and learn in ways I otherwise could not. What is especially surprising is the group of people that I am doing this with — the fantastic members of the “Cohort V” community.
I describe the first set of classes as interesting and challenging. I’ve just finished three courses: (I’m not using quite the actual titles of the courses, here, the titles are slightly changes). (1) Leadership and Values for Education; (2) Leaders Building Collaboration; and (3) Communication for School Leaders. These three courses were all offered in week long segments. Assignments overlapped a little as the final project was to be turned in after each class. I worked hard to finish one and turn in the final project before another started. In another class, I ignored the final project until I had finished all three. Shortly after all were done, though I had it all done. Three quick weeks of class and another week working on projects while doing some work around the house. It’s a great way to spend a summer. I’ll still have the rest of the summer free — so it’s mostly still like being a teacher (Fall and Spring will be tougher, though, as I give up almost all Saturdays and will have projects to do while teaching). All three courses were different with different emphases, yet they seemed to harmonize. Part of this was our groups’ growing together and becoming a cohesive unit. Some of this was a shared growing time — and a very large part was the amazing Leadership professor who helped us engage ourselves, get in touch with our emotions and motivations, and bought us together as a group. The courses seemed to blend.
The opportunity for growth set before me is profound. Just from these courses. The Leadership course encouraged self-awareness and self-understanding. Nothing really “new” here, except it brings much heard in various contexts and places it before you as a challenge. Know yourself. Use your self-knowledge to prioritize and lead others through authenticity. Again nothing new — I’ve heard it and to some extent I’ve lived it. But do I really own it in a way that means I will be an authentic leader and have a genuine and lasting impact on those whose life I touch. It was a challenge. Another class was taught by a leader in our district who teaches many continuing ed courses. I’ve had her for any number of trainings and classes. I always learn a ton. I generally know how she teaches, where she is coming from and what she is going to emphasize (not that I know everything — but I’ve become familiar with this instructor/leader, and I know the kind of beliefs and practices that she will stress (again, though I feel going in to her classes that I know where it’s going, I still always learn a ton). Yet this time the context was just a little different. It made the learning even more enlightening.
Finally, the group I’ve joined is an amazing and diverse group. I’ve done a cohort once before and grew quite fond of all the people in that group. We had two years of learning together while we earned certification in School Library. I started out doing it for the degree, and ended up happy to know those I worked together with. I’m quite happy with the cohort system from my previous experience, Yet, I’m not one of the real joiners. The library cohort has had at least two get-together’s, and I haven’t been to either. I’ll admit it — I’m a loner. I’ve always been one to some extent. I’m comfortable with that. I’m a part of the group and thoroughly enjoy it — but my real close relationship won’t be made there. I’ve really only had about two or three “real close relationships” in my entire life. I consider myself lucky. Still, I’m in a new such group, and already I’ve grown fond of being a part. I know it will be a learning experience. Talk about diversity — this group has it. Yet for many differences, everyone seems to relate and know one another — surprisingly quickly. I went in knowing that I’m usually very bad about names, so I has a list of all the people and made notes about each one on the first day — just to know names. It made me be more observant. It was a very good exercise for me. And, I knew all first names by the second day. I went away from the first two days knowing of myself that I am usually “bad” with names because I don’t listen and observe. So, by determining to know the names of my colleagues quickly, I made myself observe. It is a practice I must continue. I’m usually all about a task. Let’s see what needs doing and get it done. Yet, relationships are not what I think about in the middle such a task. It’s a weakness. I’ve known and admired leaders — and thinking about now I realize that all the leaders I’ve admired are about building relationships. It doesn’t mean I have to change who I am. I’ll always be introverted and somewhat of a loner cherishing the few relationships I’ve got. But, at work relationships must and will become more important to my goal setting and contemplation of the ends of it all. Leadership is about relationships. I will learn much more about this as I grow.
I’m looking forward to a little more time off and then the teacher’s new year (i.e. fall — for teachers, the beginning of the fall semester is the real new year’s celebration). I’ve also had a lead about an interesting position that has more than intrigued me. I’m going to find out more and I could be seeing big changes. The future is interesting. Whatever happens, I’m looking forward to it. Teaching is the world’s greatest profession — for me.
