How has the TLI changed your relationships with students, fellow teachers, school administrators, or community-at-large?
It has changed a great deal. I have gained trust, built new relationships, and have been able to share my instructional strategies with data teams, in grade level meetings, special topics meetings, and in faculty training meetings, and [when speaking] to parents about learning math content area. I definitely will be ever grateful to the TLI program. I am so happy for my growth that I could kiss you guys. I feel my life has been turned around and I am on a new adventure that is exciting.
This project has changed my relationship primarily with students and fellow teachers. I have solidified relationships with my team teachers and we now feel comfortable observing each other and providing feedback. This has, in turn, helped us become better teachers.
Participation in the content strand of my choice has changed my relationship with my school administrators by showing them that I am a pillar of education support for our teachers. In working with my fellow teachers, I have strengthened my relationship with them through my work in giving them more of a voice in how they share things they learn.
I had never asked for student reflection on my teaching before. It was interesting to find out that students enjoy project-based learning.
Confidence. I am so much more confident because I am more knowledgeable about leadership and how to implement it in my daily life.
How has the TLI supported your growth as a teacher leader?
This TLI experience gave me an opportunity to think big picture during a year that I could have easily gotten caught up in the day-to-day survival of being in a new position. This process was a constant reminder of my team’s driving work. #makeitbetter. It frequently gave me the space and place to reflect with other practitioners. All of the conversations that sparked new thoughts and ideas aided in my journey this year as both a teacher leader and learner.
..TLI has supported my growth as a teacher leader in helping me ponder my profession, my capabilities, and making me steadfast in my pursuit to better myself professionally and personally in order to have a greater beneficial impact on the students and community I love.
I am more confident in my leadership position.
[TLI] helped me think outside the box and play a larger role in my association.
How has the TLI deepened your understanding of the different roles teacher may serve as instructional leaders?
TLI has helped me understand how to create more opportunities for teacher leadership as far as instruction is concerned. It’s all about having a voice and knowing our audience.
Since participating in TLI, I have seen a huge variety of roles that instructional leaders may take on. It has been an honor to be in a cohort with such fantastic and driven people. They have showcased may ways in which change can be implemented as instructional leaders by addressing some of the most pressing issues, such as providing rich math tasks, communication between community members about Common Core math, and other vital issues.
TLI gave me a platform to work in. It is one thing to realize that there are some areas for improvement. It is another thing to get organized and make a plan. I compare it to losing weight. I would love to drop a few pounds; however, until something like TLI comes along and is structured, things like that might just be “goals.” TLI is the “workout program” that puts those ideas into action to meet those personal goals.
From TLI Fellows
Better at networking!
Ran for the MTA Board!
Inspired to seek a CAGS in teacher leadership!
Became a member of MTA Resolutions Committee!
Cognizant of a social justice curriculum!
Seeking out new opportunities!
Jumping out of my comfort zone!
Joined the MTA New Member Committee!
Becoming more politically active!
Empowered by TLI!
Joined state rep’s PARCC Advisory Council!
Willing to speak up!
Encourage others to speak up!
Gave me educational policy language to articulate & effectively communicate with local administrators!