Distributive Leadership

I can see distributive leadership in our building. I think it is used in many areas.  One example of distributive leadership in our building is the Teaching Learning Cycle team. This team is made up of a few teachers in the building that go to district trainings for the Teach Learning Cycle.  This team then comes back to the staff to present the information and often acts as trainers to the staff.  The administration is on the team, however they have delegated the task of bringing this information back to the staff to the members of the team.  This is a great example of one way the leadership(administration) is sharing leadership among the staff in the building. 

Transformational Leadership

Based on the reading for this week, I would say that I identify more with the transformational leadership theory.  This theory seems to be more focused on the leader using empowerment rather than giving or withholding rewards.  In the article" Transformational Leadership in the Classroom: Fostering Student Learning, Student Participation, and Teacher Credibility"  by Bolkan and Goodboy, they mentioned that a Transormational leader would use things such as charisma and individual consideration to transform the staff for desired results.  I think I can identify more with this theory because I am very person oriented rather than focusing on rewarding members of the team.  I think this style of leadership would greatly benefit our school.  This would allow for teachers to motivate each other by supporting each other and taking a personal interest in each persons goal.  I think with transactional leadership, it puts a large empasis on the reward, rather than the path to the reward.

Power Dynamics

The power dynamic at my school is well balanced and easy to see.  Our prinicipal is very involved with many aspects of the school.  She is a great leader for teachers as she has taught in the classroom and always offers great feedback.  She is involved in our PTO, leads staff meetings, participates in RtI, and many other areas. 
Our assistant principal is also very involved with staff. She is a great support to the principal.  She is currently taking over as principal next year. I think she will be a great leader for our school. I find it really easy to talk to her and get feedback on anything I am dealing with. 
We also have a literacy coach to help with leadership in the building. Her role is a bit different as she focuses more on helping staff with literacy issues.  She is very helpful and has a wide variety of resources for any question. 

I think all three have been great examples for future teacher leaders. They are involved with staff, which makes it easier for staff to relate to them and interact with them as well. 

Personal Leadership

Personal Leadership
 During the course of this class I am hoping to find out more about my strengths as a leader.  I want to be able to build upon these strengths and continue to learn as much as I can to become a great leader and a great teacher.