Erin's+Who+is+a+Teacher+Leader?

I am a teacher leader. I, like so many, have had greatness thrust upon me. Last year, my second year on contract with Holt Public Schools, I was designated as a co-facilitator for a Profession Learning Community (PLC). We met in my classroom and talked about ways in which we encouraged our students, celebrated their unique differences, and in general brightened their otherwise droll existence. At the end of the year we shared out and pretended we were the best PLC in the school. I would gauge it a rather enjoyable, if not world-changing, experience. I am up for a good time, if nothing else. This year, I was again offered the exciting opportunity to be a PLC leader and asked what I would like to be the focus of my group. I chose school climate and culture and sent out the sign up sheet with have a smile and half a spurn,/ as housewives do a fly" (Dickinson 3 - 4). A lovely assortment of friends and colleagues signed up; and my excitement for the coming year grew. School climate and culture is my passion; social justice in every aspect of education is my life's work. I was very pleased to see the names which, added to mine, made a small, but impressive, group. As fate would have it, another group that was to focus on a similar aspect of school life joined with mine. The previous leader thought her time would be better served focusing on formative assessment; so, I inherited her group and a wonderful co-facilitator. I feel that my PLC is uniquely situated to really think about the climate and culture of Holt High School. We are a friendly group, diverse and interested in helping to create a safe and healthy culture for each of our students. For a total of more than two thousand students, this is a tall order. I was excited to read chapter eight in the //13 Steps to Teacher Empowerment// by Steven Zemelman and Harry Ross. "Deal with Committees" seems to be just what I need to be reading right now and promises to help me be effective in my role as a PLC facilitator. //Following are nine suggestions.// //Clarify the purpose.// //Build commitment.// //Find the right time.// //Prepare well beforehand.// //Designate roles.// //Structure the process.// //Use technology.// //Agree on norms.// //Follow up with action.// (85 - 89) I found this chapter helpful and will use it throughout my tenure as PLC facilitator this year and in the future.