I am working a university on revising/creating a M. Ed. program that is going to be offered for elementary classroom teachers who are interested in becoming master reading teachers. It would be more so for teachers that want to learn more about differentiation, assessments, RTI, MTSS - difficulties vs disabilities, rather than becoming a reading specialist. What areas, topics, competencies would you suggestion be considered?

I started a leadership program through my district in January and one of the videos we had to watch is a Ted Talk called Embrace the Shake. Linked here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrZTho_o_is

One of my biggest take aways is that I don't necessarily have all of the tools, yet, to move into a coaching position, but there are many things I can leverage that I do have so that I can build my strengths. One of them is stepping outside my comfort zone to try new (and sometimes scary) things!

What are some ways you've stepped outside your comfort zone to be a leader inside your school building?

During Black History Month, I encourage the students to research other influential African- Americans than just the ones that are most studied. I ask the students to find local individuals who have made an impact. Florida has a rich history of African American contributions. To that, I also encourage the teachers to teach Black History all year long, after all, all the history of African Americans did not happen only in the month of February.

A few years ago, I got a roll of paper from Target and started writing quotes on it to post outside my door for students to read. It turns out that it wasn't just students who were reading it -- adults did too and would stop by to tell me the ways they related to do the quote. What are some ways you commit to the culture of your school?

Teacher introduction