I am more of a leader these days, but it has been something I have grown into. I was always pretty introverted growing up. I could lead through actions, but not so much through communication.

Teaching full classrooms of 36 unique personalities forces one to evolve into a better leader or look for a way out. There really is no in between. Good leaders typically make good teachers. Good teachers are typically good leaders.

Being a teacher is a unique leadership opportunity in many ways beacuse teachers are given so much control over aspects of students lives. Additionally, it is a tightly controlled environment where students and teachers must learn how to create professional learning communities. In a society that is highly divided along many socio-economic lines.

A teacher learns quickly to thi k on their feet, like the quarterback on a football team. The kids aren’t getting it coach…time to call an audible. Teachers deal with huge anounts of uncertainty each day, which turns us into big time strategic planners.

A teacher must inspire their students as well, so one must learn the art of motivation. Keeping the students focused for five hours a week is no sinple task!

So in short, I am a product of my environment in many regards. The environment I occupy as a teacher makes attention to leadership skills absolutely crucial.

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