I just came back from the TpT
conference in Orlando. The conference
was an incredible opportunity to meet with tons of other teacher-authors who I
have been collaborating with through social media and plenty of teacher-authors
that I hadn’t met yet. I loved meeting
up with my STEM buddies Jean, Joan, Sandy, Anne, and Tiffany, as well as my
newbie friends Sarah, Kelly, and Allison.
I also truly enjoyed learning more
about social media, finances, homeschooling, and creating quality videos, as
well as learning from and receiving tips from veterans of TpT.
My trip was even more fun because I
brought the whole family along, and we took my 15-month-old son to Disney World
for a couple of days. We visited Animal
Kingdom and Magic Kingdom. I loved
experiencing it all through my son’s eyes.
It’s a Small World becomes much more magical again once you enjoy the
ride with a little one. Somehow my
little guy grew up quickly on this trip as he learned to use a straw, started
mimicking us big time, dances to music, and attempts to run. My favorite thing that he mimics is the “I
don’t know” shrug. What an experience!
Although my biggest take-away from
the conference is less about what I learned and more about how I felt. The phenomenal leadership demonstrated by our
TpT team from headquarters amazes me. Through
welcome procedures and answers to difficult questions, Team TpT always sends
out positive vibes. They created and
modeled a positive environment in which we could feel safe and learn from other
teacher-authors from all around the globe.
Upon reflecting on my experience at
the conference, I would like to share with you some reminders about how you can
become a positive leader this year in your own school. Regardless of whether you’re an administrator,
curriculum coordinator, team leader or classroom teacher, you can be a leader
among your peers with these simple reminders.
1
– Share your smile.
A smile can go a long way. Think about how you feel when someone looks
irritated compared to someone who exudes genuinely pleasant feelings. I truly believe that smiles are
contagious. Smiles represent putting
yourself out there in a welcoming manner.
2
– Compliment someone every day.
This one’s my favorite. Think about how you feel when someone notices
a new outfit or hairstyle or they just say something nice about how you look or
something you did. It feels great! Share the love by actively remembering to
compliment at least one person per day.
It could be a student, coworker, or administrator. I had a math teacher in high school that used
to compliment my shoes (we wore uniforms so that was one of my few ways to
dress uniquely). I still feel great when
I think about the relationship I had with this teacher.
3
– Be a professional.
Have you ever heard the expression
“Dress for the job you want, not the job you have”? Maybe not every day, but every once in a
while throw on a nice dress or professional suit. Beyond just how you dress, be professional in
the language you use in front of coworkers and students. Make good decisions and be sure that even if
your social media accounts are private that you are portraying yourself in a
professional light.
4
– Don’t engage in gossip.
When I was in the schools, there was
always something to gossip about or complain about. It is so easy to get sucked in. I have been sucked in many times. Try not to!
Definitely don’t be that person who is “stirring the pot” and getting
everyone all riled up about something small.
Instead try to take a neutral stance or mediate issues that arise.
5
– Be a good listener.
There’s a difference between
gossiping and being a good listener. Be
there for your coworkers as a sounding board.
Many people will just want someone to listen to what they’re going
through, but you can also jump into action if appropriate.
6
– Find the confidence to participate.
I am truly an introvert through and
through, but that doesn’t mean that I wasn’t able to demonstrate leadership in
staff meetings and group settings. Push
yourself to offer your own ideas and opinions, especially when you don’t agree
with what’s being said. Work hard to
share your talents – even if that means running a professional development
session on something you’re passionate about.
(I did it!)
I hope you’re able to see the common
thread of positivity throughout these ideas.
I honestly believe that by sharing your smile, love, listening ear,
acceptance, etc. and by modeling professionalism for others, that you will be a
leader within your own community.
Thanks for reading! There will be plenty more ideas shared this
year. Subscribe to get email updates
along the way.
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