md6colleaguesresp..docx

Module 6 Colleague Responses

Assignment Task Part 211

Read a selection of your colleagues’ posts…. In a 150 word response each:

· noting where you have similar or divergent goals from your peers.

· Respond to at least two of your colleagues with suggestions or questions about their social change plans.

Jan 15, 2023Jan 15 at 8:48pm

I began my Walden journey in 2020, and since then, I have had to opportunity to grow not only in my knowledge but also in my leadership skills. I will continue to use data-informed decision-making practice in my responsibilities are a curriculum specialist within my district. Throughout my time at Walden, I have implemented strategies I have learned in this program in my instructional coaching. I feel that my teachers and administrative partners have benefited from my gained knowledge in curriculum design, instructional practices, and data literacy.

Since my district is small, I am able to contribute to many campus-based and district-based departments. Because of this, I am able to maintain a clear picture of the needs of both individual teachers and the district as a whole. This enables me to find more well-rounded solutions to problems that my district is facing and be better able to initiate and guide change. Goals that I have for my professional future are to become a Dean of instruction for a district. This position will allow me to work district-wide to execute district instructional programs and build teacher capacity.  

Walden University's mission is to provide students with "the opportunity to transform themselves as scholar-practitioners so that they can effect positive social change. (Walden University, 2017b)". Walden's mission is one that I can support throughout my career by playing forward the knowledge that I have gained through my time at Walden. By giving the people around me the opportunity to grow into leaders and agents of change, I can see my community flourish. I can grow the people around me by practicing Callahan et al. (2012) features of social change.  

References

Callahan, D., Wilson, E., Birdsall, I., Estabrook-Fishinghawk, B., Carson, G., Ford, S. Yob, I. (2012).  Walden University.

Walden University. (2017b).  . Retrieved from  .

SundayJan 22 at 9:08am

Throughout this course, I have learned much about data's importance in decision-making, leadership, accountability, and collaboration. As an educational specialist, I will continue to use data to inform my teaching practices. Data will support collaboration with my team as we discuss strategies to move students across the grade level. Finally, I work with the administration to communicate longitudinal data that will impact my school's mission and vision as we work together to create shared meaning (Fullan, 2016).

Callahan et al. (2012) define social change as long-term solutions promoting lasting effects. I envision becoming an agent of change by collaborating with teachers, administration, instructional coaches, and district leaders through professional learning communities to utilize data, evidence-based strategies, and shared goals to move our students forward. I will also advocate for students who do not have a voice. As a scholar-practitioner, I will continue to learn and apply what I have learned to make a lasting impact on my students. Teachers, by nature, are reflective. We reflect on lessons taught, make changes, and improve our practices. As an agent of change, I will continue to reflect upon my practice to become a better teacher and to make a positive impact on those around me.

My initial goal after graduation is to be more active as a teacher leader. I have never seen myself as a leader. Still, after working toward obtaining my specialist degree, I know that leadership is more about impacting and motivating others to make good decisions (Fullan, 2016). I aim to bring this type of energy to my professional learning communities. My next goal is to become an instructional strategist in my community. I want to work full-time with teachers and administration to support teachers and the school.

Walden University's (2017b) mission is to allow students to turn themselves into scholar-practitioners so they can become positive agents of change. Callahan et al. (2012) have shown me that many features contribute to social change. As I move forward in my career in education, I will use the knowledge I have learned to embody these features to make a positive impact.

Callahan, D., Wilson, E., Birdsall, I., Estabrook-Fishinghawk, B., Carson, G., Ford, S. Yob, I. (2012).  Walden University.

Fullan, M. (2016). The new meaning of educational change (5th ed.). New York, NY: Teachers College Press.

Walden University. (2017b).  . Retrieved from  .