Distributive Leadership

While listening to each of this week's podcasts, different teacher leaders were interviewed on how they define distributive leadership. From the podcast each of the teacher leaders defined it a bit differently. One of the teacher leader's defined it as "shared leadership". I think this defines distributive leadership perfectly. It really brings the staff together and working together with the different responsibilities and tasks. This gives several different teachers a chance to all have a part in leadership. It is common to have many teacher leaders present in one school so this way, things are divided up. 


In my past experiences in schools, I have seen distributive leadership used very effectively. At my private preschool I taught at the roles were divided evenly to those who showed they were teacher leaders. I don't necessarily see this as just giving away tasks to be down by others but also a responsibility to many teachers to take on. For example, certain administrative work was divided evenly as well as organization of events in the building, students issues, etc. 

Leadership Theories

I believe everyone has an idea of how they approach leadership and how they view it. With each person's beliefs of leadership, there are also massive amounts of different theories in place.

I believe that my leadership theory best matches the "Great Man Theory". I believe that I was born a leader and that it is in my blood. Ever since I was a little girl I was always a leader. Whether it be in the classroom, with my peers, or in organized sports teams. The "great man" theory goes farther back in time and was originally developed by Thomas Carlyle. I found when reading about this theory that most of the leaders were male and women were in other areas of leadership. I do have to disagree on this area because gender does not make a difference in my eyes.

My leadership style is most closely related to the "Participative Leader". This is because I have a tough time making decisions on my own and always relate to others on their opinions. I also like to actively participate with others around me and be social. I think this is beneficial to my school because I work well with others and also value their opinions

I've heard many of my peers and co-workers often mention that I am a natural born leader. Without even trying, I always find myself in a leadership role.

Power Dynamics

In my experience, the power dynamic at many school sites is a combination of many people. There is administrative support, school boards, principals, parent councils, and teachers. In my experience the power dynamic at schools is mostly the principals and vice principals. Teachers often confined in them for anything relating any immediate school actions. Many decisions regarding the district go higher than the principal and up to the administrative areas. Also I know that many times school boards will make many decisions around the school. The thing that I mostly like about school boards is that they often represent people from different areas. For example, they may have school administrative staff, parents, and community members. I think schools boards benefit schools well because they have a diverse group that are making these important decisions.

Strength Based Leadership

Discuss how strength-based leadership can support a community of practice.

A leader of any practice can possess many different strengths. Most importantly though, can that leader thrive on their specific strengths? It is important for myself as a future leader to discover what my biggest strengths are so that I can thrive off those. In a community type setting this may contain several different leaders. To work together collectively to support a community many leaders must come together. I think most importantly would be to thrive on communication between one another. Having open an consistent communication will help avoid any important information lost in translation. Strength-based leadership can support a community of practice with good motivation, consistent communication, and the collaboration of all leaders involved.

First Entry

I have decided to back to school and earn my Master's degree. After much thought, I found myself a perfect program that fits me well. I am going for a Master's in Education/Teacher Leadership.I am currently enrolled in the EDL/500 course, Personal Leadership. I have found myself to be a natural born leader and believe that I can really thrive through leadership within a school. I hope within my personal leadership course that I am able to apply the skills and knowledge to my personal life, everyday life, and my career. I hope to expand my knowledge on skills that true leaders obtain. I hope to have growth within my confidence when working with peers and colleagues. I hope to become more knowledgable with my leadership skills within a school and classroom. I hope to adapt these skills and make them a part of my career and life. I hope to become effective with my skills and use them within my communication with others, group or project management, and among my fellow teachers. I believe I will continue my growth as a leader within this course and hope to become more knowledgable with my skills.