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  Part B  

Self-Differentiated Leadership

  Innovation in preschool education:   developing phonemic awareness through differentiated leadership

As a preschool teacher, I aim to provide a unique and meaningful educational experience. I strive to recognize and celebrate individuality in an environment that maximizes each student's potential. My strategies vary as I direct each student's development. While I provide guidance, I understand the importance of adapting to meet each student's unique needs.

 

I create a nurturing and encouraging environment by fostering a positive, supportive, and motivating educational climate. This environment supports the development of social and emotional skills and promotes dependency and independent thinking. I maintain high expectations and strive to form meaningful connections with each student, prioritizing their academic achievement and well-being. Each student's personal growth and development is essential, and my goal is to inspire them to desire personal growth and development.

 

My  Innovation Plan Proposal aims to enhance the phonics language development of preschool children through a station rotation system in Cleveland ISD. The fundamental principles of my approach include embracing change, actively involving parents and peers, setting clear goals, and sharing information. To ensure successful change and prioritize the safety and importance of each colleague, it is essential to become a differentiated leader who can address resistance to change while implementing innovative digital learning initiatives.

Whats
My
Why?

Click here to see
my Why

Following Simon Sinek's (2009) principles, the "why" is the purpose, cause, or core belief that inspires a person or organization. Influential leaders and successful organizations articulate their "why" and "how" about people and core values, connecting and motivating people to see they are part of something bigger than themselves.

 

In the context of my proposed innovation of a rotation program to develop phonics in preschoolers in Cleveland ISD, I use the concepts of "why" and "how" to "communicate my purpose and need for change. Rather than beginning by explaining what will be done and how it will be done to enable children's language development through the rotation system, I first tell them why I need them to develop this skill. By clearly and compellingly communicating the "why" and I, "I influence parents, coworkers, and students to actively support and participate in my cause and point out that they play a crucial role in its success.

Influence
Change

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my Influencing Change

Influencing people is a personal challenge for all leaders, but as a preschool teacher at Cleveland ISD, it is a daily task for me. By influence, I mean that I help my students understand the importance and fun of the learning process. I provide them with all the skills, opportunities, and mutual and environmental support necessary for their growth.

 

Every day, I strive to instill my love of learning in my students by incorporating phonics into games and activities relevant to their lives. I ensure the learning process is pertinent and enjoyable by using developmentally appropriate learning materials and engaging apps to enhance their skills. The positive impact of this approach on my students' development is clear, as my influence exposes them to a new and exciting world of language. As an educator, I give instructions and aim to inspire, motivate, and influence the ideas and attitudes of my students. I exert this influence with every lesson for my preschool students.

4Disciplines of Execution
in my Organization

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my 4DX

Following Simon Sinek's (2009) principles, the "why" is the purpose, cause, or core belief that inspires a person or organization. Influential leaders and successful organizations articulate their "why" and "how" about people and core values, connecting and motivating people to see they are part of something bigger than themselves.

 

In the context of my proposed innovation of a rotation program to develop phonics in preschoolers in Cleveland ISD, I use the concepts of "why" and "how" to "communicate my purpose and need for change. Rather than beginning by explaining what will be done and how it will be done to enable children's language development through the rotation system, I first tell them why I need them to develop this skill. By clearly and compellingly communicating the "why" and I, "I influence parents, coworkers, and students to actively support and participate in my cause and point out that they play a crucial role in its success.

Action items are a daily practice of phonics processing through repetition of interactive applications and exercises, which requires personalized and constant feedback with adapted educational tools.

 

On the maintenance side, I will take a compelling path by creating a tracking board around the classroom that shows how easy or difficult it is for children to identify sounds. I will also create a community environment for children to support each other, celebrate successes together, and foster a sense of trust with me, which will allow me to inspire and motivate my team.

 

I hold regular meetings to review progress and adjust strategies. Additionally, I quickly use technologically appropriate equipment and prepare the classroom in advance for the rotation system. I will also utilize the 4DX and Six Sources of Influence because these only provide support during the five stages of change: contemplation and preparation, action and maintenance, and a sixth one. A differentiated leader demonstrates and offers flexibility and quick response to change. I am committed and professional because I have adjusted my methods throughout my internship, using CIL information to facilitate change.

Self-differentiated Leadership Part A

I will utilize technology integration and Crucial Conversations as foundational tools in my preschool phonics language development innovation proposal. Cleveland ISD's rotating station system will be vital to this approach. Within the "Self-Differentiated Leadership and Crucial Conversations" framework, I will employ coaching, create a safe environment, focus on desired outcomes, manage emotions, seek mutual understanding, reach agreements, and formulate specific action plans. This will help improve communication and foster collaboration to ensure successful and sustainable implementation of the innovation. 

 

Students will benefit from improved language, social, and emotional skills. Blended learning will be incorporated to create a more dynamic and flexible learning environment for students. As an educator, I aspire to motivate and guide my team and school community by demonstrating authenticity, flexibility, and a clear commitment to our shared values. I will address resistance to change through the Crucial Conversations methodology, which allows for confronting and managing issues in a way that makes everyone involved feel valued and understood. I am sincerely committed to the successful outcome of this initiative and its positive impact on our students and school community.

References

 

Covey, Stephen, Covey, Sean, Hatch, D., Summers, M. (2014). The

Leader in Me: How Schools Around the World Are

Inspiring Greatness, One Child at a Time: 2nd ed. New

York, NY. Simon & Schuster, Inc.

 

Fullan, M. (2011). Leading Change: Learning to Do What

Matters Most. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

 

Goleman, D., Boyatzis, R., & McKee, A. (2002). Primary

Leadership: Understanding the Power of Emotional

Intelligence. Boston, MA: Harvard Business School

Press.

 

Grenny, J., Patterson, K., Maxfield, D., McMillan, R., & Switzler,

A. (2013). Influencer: The New Science of Leading

Change: 2nd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Education.

 

Harapnuik, D. (2016, January 28). 4 Effective Ways to Find

and Test Vital Behaviors.

http://www.harapnuik.org/?p=6253.

 

Heifetz, R. A., Grashow, A., & Linsky, M. (2009). The Practice

of Adaptive Leadership: Toolsand Tactics for Changing

Your Organization and the World. Boston, MA: Harvard

Business Press.

 

Kotter, J. P. (2011). Heat of Change. Harvard Business

Review.


 

Kotter, J. P. (2013). Leading Change: Establishing a Sense of

Urgency. Harvard Business Review.


 

Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (2017). The Leadership

Challenge: How to Make Extraordinary Things Happen

in Organizations (6th ed.). San Francisco, CA:

Jossey-Bass.

 

McChesney, C., Covey, S., & Huling, J. (2012). The Four

Disciplines of Execution. New York, New York: Franklin

Covey Co.


 

Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: Theory and Practice (8th

ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

 

Robinson, V. M. J. (2011). Student-Centered Leadership. San

Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

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