High tech high - graduate school of education.
School leadership.
You can find more information regarding HTH's GSE Program here.
About Me.
I am currently an English teacher. I joined the Graduate School at High Tech High so that I may more meaningfully and thoughtfully contribute to the adult learning community at my school as well as becoming a more well-rounded teacher. Particularly interested in how schools and school leaders can support teachers in developing and implementing rich projects, I wanted to learn more about including the element of an authentic audience and executing a meaningful exhibition. I was interested in helping my colleagues further beautify our campus by curating the deep learning that our students were doing.
Year one
year two
HTH 310 - Mentoring & Coaching Teachers |
HTH 320 - Using data to inform practice |
HTH 345 - School Budgeting |
HTH 340 - School Law |
Year two Presentation of Learning |
Action research Project.
Leadership Philosophy.
A pair of Sony headphones. My faded black work shirt. A signed setlist from The Violent Femmes. That’s about all I have left of my old job as a sound/lighting technician. Initially I thought I was leaving this world of music and entertainment for another, very different type of world. But my old role as lead technician is turning out to be not much different than being a school leader. And the musty, smelly venues are, in some ways, similar to the school I hope to lead.
Amplifying the Unheard
The main job of a sound technician is to amplify sound . With that comes many other skills and actions that are necessary to accomplish this goal of amplification. Much like a technician, I hope to be a leader that has the ability and desire to amplify the voices of the students and staff that are not being heard. As a leader I want everyone’s thoughts and opinions to be heard - regardless of whether I agree or disagree, whether it is seemingly plausible or impossible, and even whether it may be accepted or rejected. The weaker, the smaller, the softer the instrument, the more amplification that is required and I’d like to do the same - amplify the voices of those that are the most often misunderstood or marginalized. But with greater amplification comes even more technical difficulties. Therefore as a leader I will need to be tactful when it comes to speaking and fighting for others. And just as I developed my own style and tactics when it came to manipulating sound for certain artists, genres and instruments I will need to find my own style when it comes to listening to those I lead. By being thoughtful, non-judgemental and empathetic I hope that all of my colleagues will feel comfortable enough and trust me enough to express their thoughts and opinions. Eventually I would like my colleagues to gain enough confidence to amplify their own voice. But as someone who is more thoughtful and hesitant when it comes to discussing and sharing out, I understand that it takes time and support. I understand that it can be scary to share your personal thoughts with a roomful of people you may or may not feel comfortable with. I would like to be that support and I believe that I will make for a more understanding and intuitive support because I know what it is like to be that timid instrument. I want to be that facilitator that makes our school a safe enough of a space to where anyone, the most outspoken or introverted, is able to share tidbits of their thoughts. I want to celebrate them every time they take risks so that they may recognize that I recognize they went beyond their comfort level! I want everyone to know that playing it safe never got us to the moon and that taking risks is not only celebrated but encouraged, condoned and even required.
Of course the simple act of amplifying cannot be enough when it comes to an artistic performance. While leading a show it was my job to make whatever noise was coming out of the speakers to sound pleasing and balanced. In order to do this, one needs to listen - listen carefully and constantly. Essentially, that is the only, sole job of a sound engineer. As a leader I hope to never forget that listening should always be the first step to anything and, much like a sound technician, listening should be my primary action. Through my act of listening, I will gain the trust of my colleagues and friends. I will not only be saying I care but I will be showing I care by listening. I will use this trust to bring out the best in my staff and students - much like an engineer attempts to use his/her skills to make the performance sound as best as it can be. Indeed, much like manipulating sound, listening is an art. By no means have I perfected this art. Although I strive to be an attentive listener I know that there is much room for growth. I want to be able to follow-through once I’ve listened - even if it’s as simple as another conversation or an inquiry as to how that one thing was going - I want to be able to further show my colleagues I care by never forgetting the things they have told me and honoring them by taking action if whenever possible.
Leading From Backstage
When one goes to a concert, the first thing one notices is definitely not the sound technician that is placed at front of house nor the stage hands in black on stage. However, without the work of these people the show cannot happen. I hope to be leader that “leads from behind”, a leader who is there to serve, a leader who is not in the spotlight because I don’t have to be and I have allowed the focus and spotlight to be on the “rockstars” - the students and staff. In order to make this a reality I will need to provide my rockstars with all the tools and resources they need to make this magnificent experience happen. From the most basic necessities such as desks, chairs and computers to the most abstract and unpredictable needs such as a business connection for internships or a piece of technology equipment that is uncommonly found in a high school classroom - I want to ensure that material goods is never a reason for the prevention of meaningful learning. I want to make sure that all of my colleagues understand that I am here to serve them, not the other way around.
In order for me to serve those that I lead, I will need to show my colleagues their potential as leaders. Of course, this is much easier said than done. The first step to giving my colleagues this opportunity is by making my school a safe space for everyone - safe enough to vocalize your opinions, to take risks, and to take charge and lead when necessary. By clarifying our school’s philosophy and core values from the get-go I believe that will help staff members feel at ease in terms of what their goal should be as educators. As a group, we now have a common purpose and goal and within that common mission each one of us has a unique role - much like a technical crew. As a leader, I would like to help my colleagues identify their strengths, passions and use those to find their niche and unique role within the school. By creating an environment where teachers are looking to each other for assistance and guidance, we will create an inter-dependent community where there is less of a need for an obvious leader who is constantly in the spotlight. Instead, different people are in various spotlights at any time or even at the same time.
I want to be the one going on a coffee run in the middle of a meeting because everyone else is just too busy or their presence is too critical for them to step away. I want my colleagues to ask for my opinion because they are genuinely curious and they genuinely care for me - not because they want me to tell them what I think is “right” or what I think should be done. I want our meetings to be engaging and effective regardless of my presence. When they are on stage I don’t want them worrying about the technical details - I want them to be able to focus on what they do best.
We Are a Crew
No sound engineer can work alone - it is almost impossible. In order to pull together a rockin’ concert, you have to work, listen and discuss with your crew members. A school functions in very much the same way. One person cannot lead a school alone. In order to create a successful school, a school leader must work, listen and discuss with students and staff. I want to be a leader that needs to collaborate with others, that needs feedback and critique from my colleagues in order to execute my job as seamlessly as possible. I want to create a culture that thrives on this concept and action, where collaboration is the norm and not the exception. I want to make sure that teachers are provided with the time and space to discuss, critique and refine. Classroom observations within our school is a norm, the curriculum is often interdisciplinary across content and grade levels, professional development often includes field trips to museums, galleries, exhibitions and concerts where my colleagues and I can get inspiration and ideas. I want to show my staff that I cannot be their leader without their feedback and hopefully create a culture in which nobody works or succeeds alone but rather everyone is successful because of the help of others.
To execute the type of work that my students will be doing, collaboration will not only be encouraged but it will be essential and necessary. Have you ever tried to create a great movie on your own? Or built anything without an extra pair of hands? I want to lead a school where the students are genuinely working, sweating, thinking, and questioning along with some occasional physical and mental battlescars here and there. I want my school to be buzzing with excitement and engagement. There would be minimal passive absorption and maximum active investigation.
Dive That Stage
I will need the support of others to ride this tumultuous but exciting wave. There will be ups and downs but with the help of friends (who may be stronger or bigger than I) I will be able to get on stage (and then get kicked off). “Enjoy the journey - not the destination” - so much easier said than done when you are stressed out about a looming project deadline or if you are a teacher who feels like there are never enough hours in a day to get what you want accomplished. It is even more difficult if you have never been a part of a community where taking risks is encouraged - it is indeed a cultural shock. Like any other habit or skill, it will take time and practice. But eventually I want everyone at my school to recognize that this is a journey we are all taking together and that we are helping each other “ride the wave”. At first you might be nervous or anxious - maybe even scared. You might not want to do it at all. But through the support, praises and maybe even a little bit of pressure, students and staff understand that taking risks is ok, even though it may not work out as planned that it will work out and that we are all in it together. At some point we will all make it to the front of the stage and we will accomplish our goal.
Amplifying the Unheard
The main job of a sound technician is to amplify sound . With that comes many other skills and actions that are necessary to accomplish this goal of amplification. Much like a technician, I hope to be a leader that has the ability and desire to amplify the voices of the students and staff that are not being heard. As a leader I want everyone’s thoughts and opinions to be heard - regardless of whether I agree or disagree, whether it is seemingly plausible or impossible, and even whether it may be accepted or rejected. The weaker, the smaller, the softer the instrument, the more amplification that is required and I’d like to do the same - amplify the voices of those that are the most often misunderstood or marginalized. But with greater amplification comes even more technical difficulties. Therefore as a leader I will need to be tactful when it comes to speaking and fighting for others. And just as I developed my own style and tactics when it came to manipulating sound for certain artists, genres and instruments I will need to find my own style when it comes to listening to those I lead. By being thoughtful, non-judgemental and empathetic I hope that all of my colleagues will feel comfortable enough and trust me enough to express their thoughts and opinions. Eventually I would like my colleagues to gain enough confidence to amplify their own voice. But as someone who is more thoughtful and hesitant when it comes to discussing and sharing out, I understand that it takes time and support. I understand that it can be scary to share your personal thoughts with a roomful of people you may or may not feel comfortable with. I would like to be that support and I believe that I will make for a more understanding and intuitive support because I know what it is like to be that timid instrument. I want to be that facilitator that makes our school a safe enough of a space to where anyone, the most outspoken or introverted, is able to share tidbits of their thoughts. I want to celebrate them every time they take risks so that they may recognize that I recognize they went beyond their comfort level! I want everyone to know that playing it safe never got us to the moon and that taking risks is not only celebrated but encouraged, condoned and even required.
Of course the simple act of amplifying cannot be enough when it comes to an artistic performance. While leading a show it was my job to make whatever noise was coming out of the speakers to sound pleasing and balanced. In order to do this, one needs to listen - listen carefully and constantly. Essentially, that is the only, sole job of a sound engineer. As a leader I hope to never forget that listening should always be the first step to anything and, much like a sound technician, listening should be my primary action. Through my act of listening, I will gain the trust of my colleagues and friends. I will not only be saying I care but I will be showing I care by listening. I will use this trust to bring out the best in my staff and students - much like an engineer attempts to use his/her skills to make the performance sound as best as it can be. Indeed, much like manipulating sound, listening is an art. By no means have I perfected this art. Although I strive to be an attentive listener I know that there is much room for growth. I want to be able to follow-through once I’ve listened - even if it’s as simple as another conversation or an inquiry as to how that one thing was going - I want to be able to further show my colleagues I care by never forgetting the things they have told me and honoring them by taking action if whenever possible.
Leading From Backstage
When one goes to a concert, the first thing one notices is definitely not the sound technician that is placed at front of house nor the stage hands in black on stage. However, without the work of these people the show cannot happen. I hope to be leader that “leads from behind”, a leader who is there to serve, a leader who is not in the spotlight because I don’t have to be and I have allowed the focus and spotlight to be on the “rockstars” - the students and staff. In order to make this a reality I will need to provide my rockstars with all the tools and resources they need to make this magnificent experience happen. From the most basic necessities such as desks, chairs and computers to the most abstract and unpredictable needs such as a business connection for internships or a piece of technology equipment that is uncommonly found in a high school classroom - I want to ensure that material goods is never a reason for the prevention of meaningful learning. I want to make sure that all of my colleagues understand that I am here to serve them, not the other way around.
In order for me to serve those that I lead, I will need to show my colleagues their potential as leaders. Of course, this is much easier said than done. The first step to giving my colleagues this opportunity is by making my school a safe space for everyone - safe enough to vocalize your opinions, to take risks, and to take charge and lead when necessary. By clarifying our school’s philosophy and core values from the get-go I believe that will help staff members feel at ease in terms of what their goal should be as educators. As a group, we now have a common purpose and goal and within that common mission each one of us has a unique role - much like a technical crew. As a leader, I would like to help my colleagues identify their strengths, passions and use those to find their niche and unique role within the school. By creating an environment where teachers are looking to each other for assistance and guidance, we will create an inter-dependent community where there is less of a need for an obvious leader who is constantly in the spotlight. Instead, different people are in various spotlights at any time or even at the same time.
I want to be the one going on a coffee run in the middle of a meeting because everyone else is just too busy or their presence is too critical for them to step away. I want my colleagues to ask for my opinion because they are genuinely curious and they genuinely care for me - not because they want me to tell them what I think is “right” or what I think should be done. I want our meetings to be engaging and effective regardless of my presence. When they are on stage I don’t want them worrying about the technical details - I want them to be able to focus on what they do best.
We Are a Crew
No sound engineer can work alone - it is almost impossible. In order to pull together a rockin’ concert, you have to work, listen and discuss with your crew members. A school functions in very much the same way. One person cannot lead a school alone. In order to create a successful school, a school leader must work, listen and discuss with students and staff. I want to be a leader that needs to collaborate with others, that needs feedback and critique from my colleagues in order to execute my job as seamlessly as possible. I want to create a culture that thrives on this concept and action, where collaboration is the norm and not the exception. I want to make sure that teachers are provided with the time and space to discuss, critique and refine. Classroom observations within our school is a norm, the curriculum is often interdisciplinary across content and grade levels, professional development often includes field trips to museums, galleries, exhibitions and concerts where my colleagues and I can get inspiration and ideas. I want to show my staff that I cannot be their leader without their feedback and hopefully create a culture in which nobody works or succeeds alone but rather everyone is successful because of the help of others.
To execute the type of work that my students will be doing, collaboration will not only be encouraged but it will be essential and necessary. Have you ever tried to create a great movie on your own? Or built anything without an extra pair of hands? I want to lead a school where the students are genuinely working, sweating, thinking, and questioning along with some occasional physical and mental battlescars here and there. I want my school to be buzzing with excitement and engagement. There would be minimal passive absorption and maximum active investigation.
Dive That Stage
I will need the support of others to ride this tumultuous but exciting wave. There will be ups and downs but with the help of friends (who may be stronger or bigger than I) I will be able to get on stage (and then get kicked off). “Enjoy the journey - not the destination” - so much easier said than done when you are stressed out about a looming project deadline or if you are a teacher who feels like there are never enough hours in a day to get what you want accomplished. It is even more difficult if you have never been a part of a community where taking risks is encouraged - it is indeed a cultural shock. Like any other habit or skill, it will take time and practice. But eventually I want everyone at my school to recognize that this is a journey we are all taking together and that we are helping each other “ride the wave”. At first you might be nervous or anxious - maybe even scared. You might not want to do it at all. But through the support, praises and maybe even a little bit of pressure, students and staff understand that taking risks is ok, even though it may not work out as planned that it will work out and that we are all in it together. At some point we will all make it to the front of the stage and we will accomplish our goal.