I had never planned to be administrator. My Master’s degree isn’t in administration. It’s in Technology and Curriculum Integration, one
of the very few options at the time. (In 2005, technology in the classroom wasn’t at all in demand the way it is today!) I think I’ve always
Mentoring and being mentored is an important process, especially when it comes to leadership and feeling your way through the minefields of working with a large collective group of people. I’ve been fortunate to have have spiritual mentors, professional mentors, even some friends I look up to as a mom & wife mentor.
George emailed me not too long after ISTE with another one of his genius ideas…this time to create a School Administrator Virtual Mentoring program, an opportunity to collaborate and share with administrators arounds around the world. How could I not want to be a part of this?
Our first tasky task (shout out —> @KylePace) was to introduce ourselves to our mentees and also blog about why we lead.
been a step up and step in kinda girl (imagine that…) and while my career path hasn’t intentional landed me where I am today, I do think I am where I am meant to be.
As a teacher, I was REALLY proud of my classroom management skills. I could silence the entire cafeteria by myself and could snap my fingers with the best of them. It wasn’t until I was able to see the proverbial “big” picture that it made sense to me.Β It wasn’t until I became an assistant principal and looked back that I completely cringed. I wish I could go back and tell that girl to calm down. That talent isn’t nearly as important to the “big scheme” of education as I thought it was.
What’s most important? Building relationships. Championing for the underdog. making children LOVE school and LOVE to learn. Challenging the status quo. Ensuring that ALL kids (even the one s that make you groan) get a fresh start every year. That they are able to come to a place where they get hugs, attention, a place to discover WHO they are…and more importantly…who they CAN be.
This is why I am a leader…to help all of us get to where we feel that everyone together is better than anyone alone.
That we can make a difference in the life of a child.
That no one should feel alone. Or unprepared. Or behind.
We have that power. Take advantage everysingleday. We’re all leaders.
I can’t wait to work with my fabulous mentees: Amanda, Chris, and Matt!
SAVMP-ly,
Amber
Hal says
Amber, another great post from you. I so admire your view on leadership, one I hope to emulate.
Jay Morris says
Amber,
Right in line with your fabulous advice for veteran teachers on Edu All-Stars.
Thank you for sharing.
Jay
Darin Johnston says
I have to admit, the idea of a virtual mentoring program is just gold on many levels! Knowing our own little part of Iowa, our administrators don’t have that chance to connect with many people at all for many reason, but a main one just being physical distance! Giving new administrators that chance to have someone to email/tweet/text/call/GHO/Skype would, I think, be a game changer for them. No longer are they tied to simply that person who is 25 miles away who may stop in once a month if they can, the access could be more readily available done when each of you have that time to sit down, take a deep breath, and process. I could see where this would be a great idea for singleton teachers too. While assigning the new 5th grade teacher with someone local, they could have a team of 5th grade teachers online to help out as well with more grade specific questions and issues.
Good luck with this new concept! I’ll be interested to see how it works out! π
Darin
Denise says
I totally agree with your thoughts on the importance of building relationships and making kids love school and love learning.
Celeste Lopez says
Thank you for this post. In attempting to answer the question, Why do I lead? I ended up only writing about one dimension of why I lead. It could be a book. Reading the posts of others is both validating and inspiring. I found am finding myself with watery eyes and an internal shot of “YESS!” when reading these. Relationships. teaching kids to LOVE school and LOVE TO LEARN. And the idea of a fresh start is one of the best parts of teaching and learning.. Championing for the underdog all drivers for me too..I am so thrilled to be participating in SAVMP as a first year administrator after many years as a teacher. Developing a PLN is the best PD!
Tony says
Amber,
Thank you so much for sharing this post with us. I love reading the whole section about what is most important in schools for our kids. I found myself shaking my head yes the whole way through! Our primary goal should always be creating a learning environment that kids love being in; where kids feel supported; where kids feel encouraged; where kids have an advocate no matter what. I love those ideas and try and bring them to our building every day!
Great piece – thank you!
Tony
Ann says
Fantastic idea! How can I get more information or get involved?
adteaman says
Hi Ann! Entries for this year are closed, unfortunately, but you can totally follow with all of us using the #SAVMP hashtag on twitter or following George on the SAVMP blog: http://savmp.edublogs.org/2013/08/09/week-2-your-vision-for-school-savmp/
Definitely come along for the ride! π
Amber