Semper Fi

What does Educational Leadership and the Marines have in common? Interestingly enough, more than you might think!

Today was the first class of Instructional Leadership 2. This course focuses on developing effective schools and effective teachers. We considered characteristics of an instructional leader in relation to the changing educational expectations that will accompany our transition into Common Core standards.

OK, great,  so what does this have to do with the Marines, you ask? Well it has more to do with the PROPEL Program and the people in my Cohort. Here is an excerpt from my reflection from class, perhaps after reading it you will see the connection.

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        The PROPEL training is much akin to boot camp; we are, in essence, being trained to be the Marines of Education. A Marine’s core values center on honor, courage and commitment; they are elite, noble warriors, specially trained and committed to serve and protect our country. Our PROPEL Cohort share a similar commitment and the same type of bond, a brotherhood of sorts, equally dedicated to serving the youth in our community. “Marine Corps officers embrace the phrase Ductos Exemplo, to lead by example” (Marines.Com). Our PROPEL Cohort also recognize that in order to create change we need to lead by example. Like the Marines Corp, we recognize that desire and motivation is key to our success. In fact, our list of characteristics of an instructional leader included many of these qualities. “Marines are held to a higher standard and are expected to act responsibly in a manner befitting the title they’ve earned.” We too will be held to a higher standard.

            This comparison to the Marines was prompted by my reflection on the most meaningful aspect of today’s learning, which was and has for many classes focused on the “IT Factor.” What is “IT” that I will need in order to be the type of turn around leader I want to be, the kind that can truly make a difference for students, the kind of change agent that everyone in this district and those involved in this program are hoping we will become? What is “IT” that is going to make me good enough to do this job? Today’s discussion of the characteristics of effective leaders and effective schools did not just focus on test scores, because assessments are only a small piece of the total picture. To lead change in our schools it is going to take more than just improving scores. When I started in the PROPEL program I knew what I wanted to do, I just had no clue how to go about doing it. The farther I get, the more I learn, and the more tools I add to the box, the more I realize that the “IT Factor” is not just about having tools and knowing what to do with them, it is going to take more than that. To become a change agent, it will require all those other things that did not fall into Domain 2, those “soft skills,” the ability to relate to others, commitment, desire, steadfast determination, and courage. I believe that the Marines have a good idea of what the “IT Factor” may be,  “When other principles are tested, it’s courage that prevents them from crumbling. It isn’t ignoring fear, but being stronger than fear. Courage is the guardian of all other values. It is there when times are toughest, when difficult decisions have to be made. It takes the form of mental, physical and ethical strength, and it is found in the backbone of every Marine” (Marines.com). After today, I truly believe that PROPEL is training us to be the Marines of Education, Semper Fi and lead on sergeant I have much to learn!

Dedicated to the men and woman of the Marines and PROPEL Cohort 2

Can women make good leaders?

Can women make good leaders? The very question can spur heated debates from both men and woman: arguing various issues related to the strengths and weakness of each gender. Despite the validity of the arguments, the reality is that the statistics related to woman in high ranking leadership positions highlights how women are woefully underrepresented .

The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in 2009 that women constituted 51% of all workers in the workplace. Despite improvements in education attainment, professional development, and political participation, this has not translated into significant increases in female leadership in politics and business. While some women have risen to the pinnacle of political power, less than 19% of legislators in the world today are women. In the corporate sphere, female representation falls to a mere 9.9%. The limited female presence in leadership positions leads to a consideration of whether and how public policy should respond. To answer these questions, we must identify the constraints on female leadership and aim to accurately understand the benefits of enabling more women to become leaders. WORLD DEVELOPMENT REPORT 2012-Pande, Rohini, and Deanna Ford

Many studies have been done by researchers on the issue of gender discrepancies in high level leadership positions. I do not claim to be one of those researchers, however, I have made some related observations of the other students in my program, men and woman training to become our district's future leaders. Like them, I share a sense of internal conflict as we strive to seek balance between our career ambitions and our family responsibilities. While many of the males in our program, especially the two whose wives have recently had babies, feel the challenge to manage that balance, it appears that the woman have more internal conflict and a greater sense of sacrifice. Moreover, the woman that exhibit strong leadership tendencies, often see that as being pushy, opinionated, and a weakness whereas the males see that as a strength. When we discuss what we would change about ourselves, the men talk about being even more assertive, whereas the women discuss the need to be more inclusive.


This entire reflection was prompted when I viewed the following video featuring Sheryl Sandberg, the C.O.O. of Facebook. In the the video she talks about things women need to do in order to counter this trend. Most notably was the notion of "Sitting at the table." She explains that women often underestimate their contributions and worthiness. For me, this topic was particularly profound, as I often find myself downplaying my abilities, questioning my worthiness, and wondering if I have the "IT" factor that would make me a great leader. I recognize this doubt may be in part the result of living a very different life then I find myself living right now. As a mother, I raised two young women to be strong leaders, but never believed myself to be one... until now... now I am starting to see what others have seen in me, the leader within.

Dr. Smith, from the Center for Leadership and Learning lead a training for my group early in our program. During that training he showed us a video clip from the movie "Surf's Up" in which the one character was told that a surf board can be found within a piece of wood if only you have the patience to find it. The analogy was made to us as future leaders... that a leader was within each of us, that it is up to us to discover it.

So my initial question, can women make good leaders, is not nearly as relevant as what does it take to be a good leader and what do we, as a society, need to do to support developing leaders. I am not completely comfortable with calling  myself a leader yet, but I know I am well on my way. Perhaps that uncertainty, that desire to learn and grow, and my ability to reflect upon the process will ultimately make me a good leader. Eventually I think I will feel more comfortable with the title, but as John Maxwell said, “He that thinketh he leadeth, and hath no one following, is only taking a walk." Hopefully, I will not just be out for a walk!

Start a Movement

Some leaders are born into their position, some rise to a position of leadership, and some assume the position out of necessity. For some leadership is based on positional power- I am in charge, pay your salary, am responsible for your evaluation, so therefore you need to do what I say. Others just seem to be natural leaders... people trust them and follow.

As I learn more about leadership, the one truth is... If you are leading and look behind you and no one is following you, then you are just a fool out for a walk. Leaders can only be leaders when people are willing to follow. BUT it takes a brave soul to be that first person to follow the leader.

TED had a great video on leadership... and starting a movement. Take an few minutes to check out this fun video:

As we round out the year, and prepare to spend some time with family and friends over the holiday, ask yourself this question...

Do you have the courage to be the first to dance in a field? And who would you be willing to follow as they danced alone?

Start a movement- do something unexpected, challenge the status quo- the norm, and when you see some incredibly brave soul willing to do that, have the courage to be the first to follow them.

Start a revolution... And Become the Leader You are Meant to Be!

I am winding down for the semester. One more week and one more 12-page paper to write before Winter break... before I finally get a little down time in what has been a crazy 7 months.

 It was May when I sat in that first PROPEL meeting. Little did I know the challenges and frustrations that awaited me. I have missed funerals and weddings, births and birthdays. I have mourned and celebrated with other members of my Cohort. We have become a family, often spending more time with each other then we have with our own real families... AND we still have another 8 months before we need to decide whether we will continue on for phase 2 of the program. Phase 1 will have provided us with our degree in Educational Leadership and our credentials to be an Assistant Principal.

But if we decide to continue... to stay in the program and go on to Phase 2....We will have received specialized training to become "Change Agents" ready to Turn Around some us of our district's neediest schools. We are being trained to make wide scale, systemic change to schools and a system that is broken, that is failing to meet the needs of many of this district's children. We are the one's being trained to take over schools and lead our district into 21st century learning.

When I first started this journey, I was really a little uncomfortable with the idea of being a Change Agent. Me? A Change Agent... I am the one that has always gone to great lengths to avoid confrontation and change, so to find myself in the position where I am responsible for leading the change. It is still so strange to think about it... but here I am... on my way... A Change Agent in Training!

Umair Haque, from the Harvard Business Review often writes about changing society. In many of his recent writings he proposes that such a change needs to begin with us.

"I don't want a revolution. I want a million tiny revolutions. Awakenings to the heart-stopping commandment life gives to the living: to believe in life. Weary and directionless in the desert we may be — yet, the future, a sunlit ocean, never ceases singing. Sometimes, all we have to do is listen.
Each and every one of us is a leader. Some of us just don't know it yet."
Umair Haque

For many, change is seen as something huge- like being a Change Agent. But in the previous quote, Haque talks about making change by starting a million tiny revolutions. Perhaps Haque has the right idea, it doesn't require grand acts to create a change. Sometimes it takes just a lot of little things... a kind word, a friendly gesture, a call or hug when someone is in need. We can all be change agents if we choose to be, we can make the change we want to see, just by starting with the little things. So...

Start a revolution, believe in life, listen to the sea, becoming the leader that you are meant to be... the leader that is within each of us. 

Count Your Blessings

Thanksgiving is a time to spend with family and loved ones, but too often those we love are far from us. For some it is miles that separate us, for some it is circumstances, and sadly for others Thanksgiving is a time where we remember those we've lost.

This Thanksgiving I spent with many of my family and yet those I love most were far away. While miles may have separated us this year, they do not break the bonds and the love I feel for them transcends the distance.

However, this Thanksgiving some of my family and my extended Propel family have experienced some sadness. There are those that spent this holiday time together with family grieving those they have lost. For them, this holiday was filled with sadness. My heart is heavy for them as they mourn for those that past.

And yet... just as each new day gives way to a promise of a better tomorrow, so too does life renew itself. This holiday also brings the latest member of our Propel family. Little M, a wonderful bundle of joy, whose smile reassures us that life continues.

So as we give thanks this year, remember all we are thankful for, those people that bring meaning, joy, and love into our lives. Remember those whose presence makes our life easier and filled with purpose. Count your blessings for the time you have with your loved ones, and for the memories they have helped you create.

May your holiday season be filled with joy and blessings.

Forget the Turkey- We are all just plain NUTS!!!

My Propel Pals and I are ALL NUTS!!!

While many of you are buying turkeys and cranberries and planning your Thanksgiving menus... My fellow Cohort Members and I are delving deep into data, searching archives for strategies, and developing instructional plans to raise student achievement for students considered at-risk.

"What are worthy endeavor" you say...

I would agree except for one small detail, it is a paper plan. And when I say paper... I mean 12 pages, A.P.A., research and write it in a week and a half, shoot me now because I'm hating my life, paper! AND... if working full time trying to do two jobs (my curriculum specialist job and teaching 3 blocks of 6th grade science) isn't enough, lets add... mentoring two teachers, serving on several committees, organizing our CC Implementation Plan... AND...

Oh Yeah... FULL TIME GRAD SCHOOL... and by full I mean... are you ready... 14 GRADUATE Credits in 1 semester!!! Remember 9 Grad credits is considered full time, and I am currently taking 14!!!

Yup... It is great training for the craziness that awaits me as a turn around leader, if I survive the training process that is!

Uhh Huh... We're nuts!  But a very talented group of nuts, in case you are in need of an Assistant Principal in August... If we are alive, we will be ready!!!

 Go Cohort 2!!

Time to Move Forward America... We have work to do!

It has been a long time since my last blog. During that time I have completed my course on Governance, and I am getting ready to wrap up two more courses by the end of November. There has been a hurricane... not in my state of Florida but in an area of the country that had no idea of what to expect AND we have had an election during which BILLIONS of dollars was spent by various parties and organizations trying to buy influence in Washington.

Ordinarily I would consider myself to be "ANTI-Political." In fact, I was brought up in a house that believed that politics, religion, and a woman's age and weight were things better left as conversations in the privacy of your own home. However, after reflecting on the last comment that my Governance teacher gave me on my final reflection... she told me, "I am not sure how politically involved you are, but when you get your own school, and I know you will soon, I hope yours will be a voice for change" and the fact that the media kept touting the obscene amounts of money being spent on the various campaigns across the country... I could not help but speak up!

Now I have no intention of bashing either candidate. You see, I believe that both candidates truly believe that the vision they were sharing with the American people COULD work, that their policies would benefit THE people, and that CHANGE was needed. My major objection with this presidential campaign, and all the races for the various senate, house, governor positions as well as all those local offices being sought throughout our nation is this... WHY would companies/ people pay MILLIONS even BILLIONS of dollars to get a candidate elected, unless they thought they were going to get something in return?

Worse... WHY would the American people continue to allow this to happen when those millions and billions of dollars could have better been spent on educating our young people and helping our seniors? It is time to quit arguing across party lines, it is time to quit putting personal agendas before public interest. I spent the last 5 weeks in a class examining the issues related to social justice and what I have seen in the last several weeks of this campaign are sickening. Our country is destined to fail if Americans can not find some common ground. It is time to move forward America and if the leaders in Washington can not move past the petty bickering and come to a consensus that is good for America, then it is time we get rid of them. We have work to do, let's get to it!