Portfolio Rationale

I believe some of us are just born leaders. It is something that is in our DNA and it doesn't matter where we go and what we do, we lead. As I look back on my many years in education it was obvious even in my very first year teaching that I was not the type to sit back. I felt back then I had so much to prove. I wanted to prove that I could handle my classroom. I wanted to prove that I was a good teacher. I wanted to prove that I could make it in a field where so many were dropping by the wayside and changing professions. I worked hard and long hours. My hard work was noticed by my administrators and I was rewarded by leading committees and being placed on Leadership teams. Yet, not all people loved my drive and when administration changed I was faced with adversity for the first time. I was at a turning point in my career and I had to make hard decisions on whether to stay or leave. It took me many years not to take things so personally and realize that sometimes different leadership styles just clash. That doesn't mean they are right and I am wrong or they are wrong and I am right. It just means we are all different and you have to find a system/district that is the best fit for you. Change has been good for me personally and for my career. It has allowed me to spread my wings and face new challenges and go to places I never thought I would ever go. I have always embraced learning along the way. I think as educators we continue to strive to learn and grow educationally. We can't afford to just sit and become stagnant, when we do we lose our passion and that cannot happen. I love education. I love seeing the excitement and those light bulb moments when students get it. I have spent my entire life dedicated to this field and I have so many beautiful, fun and not so fun memories that I carry in my heart. I am a better person because I teach. I know I will be a better leader because I teach. Even though I may step out of the classroom I will never stop learning and I will never stop teaching. I am called out and now I feel called to a new adventure.

As a veteran teacher who is ready to take a leap of faith into a career in Leadership this Portfolio will serve as a collection of materials, ideas, artifacts and experiences documenting my transition from the Classroom to a Building Leadership Position. This record will allow me to look back on my journey. So why Leadership now? It is my time to serve in a broader capacity. It is my time to use my gifts and abilities to guide and transform my district. It is my time to LEAD!