Lauren Hughes

DUE December 4, 2015

Leadership Reflection

When I originally expressed interest in being a part of the Leadership Team at

Trace Crossing Elementary for the 2015-2016 academic school year, my attention
was particularly engaged in the opportunity because I have a strong desire to
partake in the experiences throughout college that will benefit my role as a teacher
in the future. In high school I fulfilled various leadership roles including Class
President and Student Government President. Serving in these roles allowed me to
realize that I enjoy leading others in a way that allows them to learn the strengths
that they contribute to the overall team. I knew that being a part of this Leadership
Team would grant me the chance to serve in the way mentioned above and learn
from experienced teachers what it means to be a teacher leader, but I never
imagined just how impactful this experience would be.
Serving on the Learning League section of the Leadership Team allowed me
the opportunity to work alongside others, contribute my strengths to the team, and
learn more about being a teacher leader. Our team was intended to follow the
standard connection that the teacher leader understands the impact that families,
cultures, and communities have on students learning. As a result, the teacher
leader seeks to promote a sense of partnership among these different groups
toward the common goal of excellent education. We met this standard by
networking in a variety of ways throughout the semester. The team had various
meetings to discuss ways in which we could accomplish the duties laid before us.
Throughout the semester we communicated with Mrs. Stone and assisted with any
events or projects that needed us. This included Steamapalooza and Open House.
We also organized an online book study with Ann Marie Corgill and Ellie actually

networked further with her at the ARA Conference. Lastly, the team highlighted
various professional development opportunities which included organizing the film
screening of Most Likely To Succeed. This was the area where I grew the most on
the leadership team because I realized the value of a team. I gravitated towards
this event and became extremely passionate in the message that it was portraying.
Due to this, I did not mind taking on the communication role between the Learning
League, professors, panel, and more; however, I became extremely sick the week of
the event when most of the preparation needed to take place. Looking back, I am
positive that this was a major learning opportunity for me. I am not saying that God
made me sick, but I do believe that He knew that my stubborn mind could not learn
this valuable lesson any other way. Since I could not come to school that week, I
emailed all day and communicated using technology with the professors, panel, and
Learning League members. The other team members immediately jumped in and
handled everything that needed to be accomplished in order for this event to be
successful. It was incredible how everything came together and I realized exactly
what a team means. It has been an honor to have this opportunity. I have grown in
ways that I could have never imagined and feel like I have a completely new outlook
on various aspects of life. Through the stressful seasons and peace, this team has
lifted each other and provided accountability in all situations. I look forward to the
ways that we can continue to grow and serve in the future semesters.