Amanda Forbes

EDU 536
Spring 2015
My Leadership Model

Rationale
I chose this leadership model specifically for the purpose of classroom leadership
and improving teaching and learning a second language for a number of reasons. I
believe that trust is the key to establishing the proper leadership standards in any
classroom, particularly in one with EL students. These students generally experience
feelings of inferiority, nervousness and lack of understanding when entering into a
classroom in which they will need to learn a second language. By first establishing trust
in the classroom, learning can better take place. I draw my inspiration for a trust-based
classroom leadership model from teacher and author Rafe Esquith and his book Teach
Like Your Hairs on Fire. In order to be an effective classroom leader, I must earn the trust
of all of my students by following through with promises, creating clear and logical
classroom expectations and discipline routines, and treating all students with respect
and dignity.
The other components of my leadership model include communication of vision,
creativity, focus on performance, influencing change, inclusiveness and collaboration,

and developing people. Communication of vision, in my leadership model, means

creating and communicating clear expectations for behavior and learning. Students will
be expected to follow classroom rules, while also being responsible for their learning.
Students will be expected to complete learning tasks and participate in activities.
Creativity will be encouraged in my classroom, so that all students can show learning in
ways that best suit their learning styles. Hands-on learning will be implemented
particularly for EL students. My leadership model includes focus on performance because
it is vital that students are meeting learning standards, including ELA and ELD standards
for those learning a target language. Influencing change means using ELL adaptations
and strategies in my own classroom and suggesting changes to my peers and
administrators. I would make a point to suggest EL strategies to my peers and show
them how these strategies have influenced progress with my students. Inclusiveness and
collaboration means using classroom activities in which ELL and native speakers
collaborate with one another. Finally my leadership model includes developing people
which means teaching students moral character and modeling good character for my
students. As a Christian, I feel that it is my duty to teach students to be moral people,
along with being educated.