I begin my reflection with a quote:
A leader leads by example, whether he intends to or not. ~Author Unknown.
I begin with this quote because as a leader, a principal has the “ultimate responsibility for all members of the school house” (Dana 2009, p 11). It is in that inherent power that lies what will become of the school. If the principal believes in action research, change can truly come by because sometime during the years of service she will enact change based on action research. In myopinion, I hope better sooner than later. I also hope to one day be an agent of change along with my colleagues and just like the quote states ‘lead by example’.
The first week I read the assignment I told myself ‘OK, we are going to do research and then what?’ I was somehow skeptical and a bit fearful on how I would approach it. One night while joining friends for a meal at a restaurant I met a teacher who is in the program. She stated that she had gone thru this class. She mentioned that we would do research and perfect the research all thru the class. That conversation added to my fears. However, when I began the course and read the lectures, I realized that ‘Hey, this could work.’ I was really glad when we got to week 1 and I heard the lectures and the interviews. Then on week 2 we were asked to work on it again and then again on week 3. By week 4 I was sold on it. I was also very happy with my choice because as I have mentioned before there was a lack of parental participation on my campus. Parents would come to school to eat with their children and attend parent conferences, but there was something missing. I, along with other teachers, were wondering when we would have more parental involvement. And along comes our new principal. The atmosphere in our school has totally changed. She has brought in what we needed: the courage and energy we were craving. Her leadership is teaching me that in order to implement change one has to want change and have a vision. Just like Dana states on page 11 and quoted above, Mrs. Hinton is doing exactly what needs to be done. I was glad when she approved my choice of action research because it will help our school by being a gauge on what parents think of the transformation our school is experiencing and also be an agent of change by finding out what they want and furthermore establish goals for the future.
The Dana book is one I will keep on my professional shelf for years to come. This is the first time I have ever heard of action research. I guess we all do it informally as Ms. Shannon Wallace mentioned on the discussion board. This course taught me that action research is more personable, I have ownership of it because I am the one actually doing the research. No one from outside tells me what is wrong and how to fix it. I have the power to enact change and the tools to do it.
One thing I know is that time is very valuable and it takes a lot of time to conduct action research. My colleagues and I mentioned this again and again on the discussion boards. Someone mentioned that we do the best we can. I think that is the best we can do
I especially liked the interviews (not only because my superintendent was featured) but because I could hear that others are implementing this tool daily in their districts. To me that is more valuable than just going to the library, typing up a paper, and turning in a paper. Although I have not implemented my research as of yet, I like the fact that I will enjoy it more because one gets to live it. By this I mean that just in the voicing our concerns and reflections on the discussion boards I realized that all of my colleagues were going thru the same inquiries and issues as I was. I felt relieved that I wasn’t the only one feeling awkward at the beginning. I also felt supported thru the webinars. Even though I joined one only I learned from other colleagues and the questions they had. I also viewed the ones I didn’t join and learned from them as well. I felt at ease with my action research because, (this will sound childish) I got to see a professor interacting with us and actually helping us even though she is far away.
I honestly think that some educators, administrators included, give their all to what they love: teaching. That is what I learned from this class. It is not the person who leaves early every day or comes in just in time, but the person who eats and breathes the school who will enact change. We all must find a balance between our job and our families, but although it is a cliché, we must do what we love and love what we do to, like Lead(ing) with passion and knowledge. (Dana 2009 front cover title)
Finally, I hope to never lose sight of this very important tool to improve education. I am promising myself to look back on this course and on this reflection to not lose sight of why I chose to (one day) become an administrator. Words are easy to say and write, but it is in what we do that speaks volumes. Thank you for all of your support!
