Distributive Leadership

To ensure capacity building, distributive leadership is used at my school.  There are various teams and committees in place to ensure the academic growth of our students.   The math committee gathers information and strategies that will help the faculty and students accomplish our SMART goal concerning an improvement in math.  The reading committee researches, analyzes, and shares information that will help our school accomplish our SMART goal pertaining to improvement in reading.  The technology committee recommends hardware, software, and online resources that will benefit our students.  

Leadership Theory

I find that the High Performance Theory closely matches my leadership style.  I enjoy finding new, creative, and effective strategies or activities to implement.  I would not like direct instruction being that it is a scripted curriculum where you do not have the ability to deviate.  With the High Performance Theory, you still have your expectations, but you have flexibility with the methods and activities that you incorporate to meet those expectations.    Mostly, I have a transformational leadership style.  I enjoy working with teams to gather and suggest ideas to improve our school, community, and students’ academics.  I am responsible, helpful, and friendly.  My leadership style will be beneficial in discovering effective strategies to use in our classrooms, gathering additional resources, and mentoring new teachers. 

Power Dynamics

Ultimately, the administrators made the decisions at my previous school.  Many issues are brought to the School Leadership Team and School Improvement Team for discussion.  The grade-level rep on these teams often brings school issues up during our grade level meetings.  The teachers are then able to debate or offer suggestions that will be brought back to the Leadership Team or SIT meetings.  Some issues are discussed during faculty meetings.  Ultimately, the administrators have the final say, but they offer many opportunities for classroom teachers to discuss the issues and offer suggestions before a decision is made.  To influence change in your school, if you are not on Leadership Team or SIT, it is best to discuss new ideas with your grade- level representative so that your ideas can be brought up during their meetings.