LEADERSHIP PROJECT
Leadership
Collage
In The Room Activity
Part 1:
1. Write down what room or space you are currently in.
The room or space that I’m in is my classroom, Room 400 at the Morton School of Excellence.
2. Write down six random items or objects that are in the space. Each item must be different and must actually be in the space.
Sitting Stool, Algebra Ball, Tuskegee University Banner, Wifi Hub, Decorative Hanging Object, Marker Container
Part 2: Reflection:
Do you see any connections between the six items that you selected in the space?
The connections between the items – they’re all used to enhance the classroom or classroom instruction, all are 2-d or 3-d shapes, most are multicolor, some are elevated; only one item is on the floor.
How does this space impact you? What is your current emotional state?
This space impacts me in a lot of ways. It is in this space that I watch children learn and grow, express feelings from success to frustration. In this space I’ve seen and experienced tears, smiles, joy – the full range of emotions in this space.
My current emotional state? I was fine until I started thinking about all the memories this room holds for me, the lives touched - - students and their families. I’m feeling really sentimental--a lot of different emotions. Additionally, I just received this email from Khaliya Payton, one of my former students, now a freshman in high school:
Omggg.... Mrs. Ali can u believe that my Algebra class is teaching me 8th Grade work ALL OVER AGAIN ??? it's so easy.. We are working on slope & intercept form ... finding the slope that passes through a line. ( 3,2) ( -2,4) ..slope between perpendicular & parallel lines.etc. I'm so glad u taught me this & i actually payed attention because its not new to me ... so i can help others understand what i've learned already... Thanks
So I’m totally a basket case right now!!!!! These are the moments teachers live for—this is why I teach! I’ll be right back… I’ve got to grab some tissue :)
Part 3:
Think about how each one could represent a characteristic or element of leadership. Record how each of the six random items represents or symbolizes leadership.
Stool Seat – Reminds me of something a coach would sit on while collaborating with and encouraging the team
Algebra Ball – Enthusiasm – something about a round beach ball makes me feel enthusiastic
Tuskegee University banner – continuing education; leaders are always learning; increasing knowledge of self, others and content
Wifi Hub – tool for communication, networking, delegating, sharing, coordinating, problem solving
Decorative math symbol hanging object - creativity
Marker Container – represents the tools in a leader’s toolkit, listening skills, decision making skills, the ability to be fair, collect and analyze data, develop a vision for the organization, etc.
Part 4:
In your document, reflect back on Part 2 and the questions that you answered. How did being in this room impact you? What emotions were you experiencing? Now, think of it in the context of leadership. How does a leader impact the room? How are your emotions impacted by leaders around you?
A leader can impact a room in a variety of ways. When some leaders enter a room, their charisma is so electrifying you “feel” their presence. Your energy level may suddenly increase and you may instantly start to believe that you can achieve anything with work and effort. Other leaders exhibit a “quiet presence”, encouraging and supporting others around them, allowing people to use their expertise to make things happen.
I remember how much I enjoyed working for one of my former leaders (principal). Her favorite phrase was “I’m going to stay in my lane” She frequently stated how she hired the best and will let us “do what we do”. She let us know she’s there to support us and to be sure we have everything we need to be successful. She communicated the organization's vision, or end goal and counted on us to be professionals and develop our methods of getting to the end goal and achieving the result. All along the journey, our leader was supportive, made us feel valuable and offered candid feedback. As a leader, she encouraged us too, to be innovative leaders, being accountable to one another, not just to the person at the top of the organizational hierarchy.
Part 5:
What does leadership mean to you?
Leadership means working with others to establish a vision and mission for the organization. Motivating others to work and develop skills so they reach their full potential. Embracing new and emerging technologies to enhance productivity and creativity.
