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All new roles have a learning organizations that can provide a safe Reflection is essential for
curve; embrace it. space to ask questions and share growth.
ideas. Some of these organizations
When you take on a new role, es- are at the national level and some The best leaders and educators
pecially in a new district, there will are much more intimately housed at reflect on their practice, just as the
be a period of trial and error. Getting your state or even county level. Do best writers are constantly editing
that teacher buy-in and trust takes not be afraid to reach out. Some of their work and seeking feedback.
time; embrace it. Get to know your my best contacts I gained through I reflect in a variety of ways. In my
staff, their interests, what worked well the organizations I am involved in at classes, I make daily notes in a unit
previously and what did not work well. the county level. Especially if you are calendar format. As a supervisor, I
Sometimes there are obvious changes located in a smaller district where you have a Google document where I
that need to be made, and sometimes may be one of the only administrators refer back to my action plan for the
changes are minor. If you do make a present, having like-minded individuals year and see how I am doing with my
mistake, it is okay to admit it! As long in neighboring districts is a must. progress. I am honest with myself
as you devise a plan to improve it for and note where I am excelling and
next time, teachers will appreciate Be seen. where I need to improve. Surveys
your honesty. are another way to gain valuable
Presence is important (especially if feedback. I use them to improve my
Let your capacity to lead you are no longer in the classroom). instruction as well as to provide more
guide you. Be sure to stay up on best practices meaningful collaborative meetings
and physically see what is going on in
for the departments I oversee.
True leaders are first cultivated in the and outside of classrooms beyond the
classroom and oftentimes even before required observations. I make it a point Never stop growing and
that. I was fortunate to have my staff to attend as many of the professional learning.
believe in me and see my potential development workshops our Curricu-
at a very early age. They provided an lum Department runs as possible so Whether you are a first year administra-
environment where I could grow and that I know how to best help teachers tor or are on year 35, there is always
flourish. Now I aim to do the same implement new strategies. If a teacher room for growth. Having an awareness
for my fellow teachers. Not all teach- sees you valuing a new initiative, they of the need for continual professional
ers aspire to be administrators, but are more likely to value it too. development is half the battle. I tell my
leaders come in all shapes and sizes. students all of the time that the day I
Whether you are 25 or 65 and taking Seek quality over quantity. stop wanting to learn is the day I will
on your first leadership role, never stop working in education.
ever let your age define you. Rather, A great leader is able to see the big At the end of the day, a strong leader
let your abilities lead you to greatness. picture and realizes that powerful will make it work. Leaders are able to
An effective leader thinks outside of and lasting change cannot happen problem-solve and see where there are
the box and can provide insight and overnight. Making a 1 year-2 year- weak links. They are able to recognize
empowerment for others. 3 year action plan, even if informal, their own shortcomings and work with
really helps a leader to focus in on others to ensure the needs of their
Make collaboration a priority. the end goal with a realistic timeline. teachers and students are being met. If
My role as a Supervisor of Instruction
I think most of us understand the has evolved and changed since its all else fails, when you are having a re-
importance of collaboration, but inception four years ago. Each year, ally trying day, remember this: you were
sometimes we get bogged down by I reevaluate what I want to achieve chosen for a reason. Make it count.
paperwork and emails and forget to and ensure I still have a strong focus.
elicit the help of others when making While it is okay for a focus to shift
decisions. Not only is it important to depending on the needs of a school,
collaborate with your staff and other it is also important to see something
key stakeholders, but also there is through. Impactful change requires
an even bigger realm of professional time and commitment.

About the Author

Nicole Thompson is in her fourth year as K-12 Supervisor of Instruction for the Elmwood Park Public
School District where she also teaches Junior Honors British Literature and Senior AP Literature and
Composition. Prior to her administrative role, she was a High School English Language Arts Teacher.
She received her Bachelor's Degree in English and Secondary Education as well as her Master’s
Degree in English from The College of New Jersey and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership
from William Paterson University. Her passion is in curriculum studies and instructional best strategies,
and she is never found without a book in her hand.

Educational Viewpoints -53- Spring 2018