Blog Post #3

Reflection is a large part of teacher leadership. Leaders must be reflective on their own practices before they can support their peers. With regard to technology, I have recently read the ISTE Standards for Administrators, an article called "Supporting Effective Technology Integration and Implementation," and the "7 Habits of Highly Effective Tech-leading Principals" in order to reflect my current use of technology.

Student Centered Learning is a key component to a quality technology integration program, as it is to all aspects of a good educational system. If I am to be an effective teacher leader, I must lead by example and put student centered learning at the forefront of what I do. As a math teacher, how can I use technology to help me get away from Teacher Centered Learning? Although I have been pushing myself toward discovery-based learning, I would like to find more ways to get students to drive the lessons. I have found that Desmos is an excellent resource for this (especially with their activities), but I am certain there are more.

With that in mind, I am reminded that Ongoing Professional Learning should be a priority to all school leaders. Learning in the tech-world is individualized as all teachers are in very different places. Administrators must make it a point to offer tech learning at all levels. Optimally, a school should have a resource bank that is continually updated by a tech team as well as teacher leaders. While I may not use the most state-of-the-art technology in my classroom daily, I make it a point to learn something new and try it out a few times a year.

I am fortunate that I work in a school that supports technology and gives teachers the opportunity to realize the full potential of tech integration. We have great funding, equitable access, skilled personnel, and, most importantly, a shared vision of what education looks like in our community.