Excellence in Education
Excellence in education is my motivation for teaching, learning, and leading elementary and middle schools.
My educational philosophy has taken turns, twists, and even bumps – but throughout, doing what is best for students is at its core. I believe education is all about making connections. Research supports the efficacy of students connecting with the subject matter in meaningful ways. When meaningful connections are made, students learn and grow. Considering learning style, providing equitable access to school resources, and scaffolding curriculum to increase success are all trademarks of an excellent teacher.
Fostering a Collaborative Culture
Collaborative teamwork is critical to school culture, student achievement, and the professional growth of teachers.
Teacher teams who learn and grow together often outperform groups without collective efficacy. As an instructional leader, I promote team collaboration by helping teachers disaggregate data, set specific goals, and plan engaging lessons together. It is essential we create an atmosphere of continuous improvement through coaching, building relationships, and using effective research-based strategies. When teaching improves, the entir
Student Achievement: Students First
“Students come first” is my mantra.
Year after year, our school goals are realized as student achievement continues an upward trend, and the teaching team exhibit confidence in their ability to deliver high-quality instruction. We must work to ensure all students have equal opportunities to learn 21st-century critical thinking skills, communication, collaboration, and creativity.
As education leaders, we can contribute to student achievement using researched methods and practices of inclusion, social justice, and co-teaching for promoting and sustaining equitable learning environments.
Engaging Classrooms
My favorite part of school leadership is being in the classrooms, where I can observe students learning.
- How do students perceive their classroom?
- Are they engaged?
- Do they know what they are learning and why it is essential?
Answers to these questions provide opportunities for improved instruction and learning. I am always looking for ways to incorporate hands-on learning activities.
Educational Leadership
I love the challenge of leadership. I find it interesting that teachers often do not see themselves as leaders when, in fact, they are continuously inspiring, encouraging, and empowering others!
Educators are in a unique position to influence change. They are leaders regardless of their title. Enveloping transformational and servant-style leadership has helped me tremendously in my work as a middle school and elementary principal.
I considered my leadership style transformational due to focusing on the school vision, setting goals, and encouraging staff to achieve higher performance levels. I also employ aspects of servant-style leadership by working to build relationships and seeking growth and development with those I work with.
I passionately believe that school leaders who integrate effective leadership practices can cause positive changes, significantly affecting teacher growth and student achievement. In sum, outstanding leadership is at the core of every successful school.
Jeralyn Shaw, EdD, MA has a BS in Elementary Education from Southern Utah University, an MA in Education Administration from the University of Phoenix, and an EdD in Leadership, Online Education from American College of Education.
How I Teach is a new series of articles highlighting the variety and diversity of approaches to the art and science of teaching and learning inspired and written by clients of The Babb Group’s ProfessorServices.com.
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