As I discussed in my video post “Becoming a Digital Leader,” being a leader does not have to mean being an administrator. I am a classroom teacher; I love being a classroom teacher; and I do not seek to leave the classroom to become a curriculum director, principal, or technology coach, or to pursue any other jobs that may be considered “leadership” positions. Kudos to those who seek these opportunities, but I am happy where I am!
How can I be a leader if I do not hold an official “leadership” position within my building or school district?
My first goal is to lead my students to see learning in a new way. I will expose them to a variety of digital tools so that they can choose how to show evidence of their learning and develop their own voices. By implementing authentic learning opportunities and encouraging the use of ePortfolios, I will help my students to see tangible evidence of what they have learned, to reflect upon what they have learned, and to make meaningful connections.
As I find success with CSLE+COVA within my own classroom, I will share what I have learned and done within my classroom both in person with my building and district colleagues and with the public through the use of my ePortfolio blog posts. My goal is that other teachers will reflect upon my efforts to move beyond traditional instruction and assessment and will be inspired to begin to make changes within their own learning environments. I want to encourage conversations about how to improve teaching and learning, and I want to be part of those conversations. In my opinion, that in itself is leadership.