Born in 1880, Helen Keller was a typical child. At the age of 18 months, however, she caught a high fever that caused her to lose her sight and hearing. Frustrated by her inability to communicate, she was often left to tantrums and wild behavior. Her parents looked for answers and help, and through different channels were introduced to Anne Sullivan, a newly graduated teacher. The famous breakthrough, where Anne helps her young (6 years old) student understand the connection between the cold fluid pouring from the well spout and the signed letters for "W-A-T-E-R" turned on the light for this intelligent child. Helen would go on to graduate Radcliffe College, become a political and social activist, write several books, champion the rights of individuals and serve as an inspiration to all who need to overcome adversity in order to learn. She would credit the talent of an amazing woman in her life for being able to do this - her teacher, Anne Sullivan.
As I read about the history of education, and how individuals who are different, whether by social/economic status, intelligence, culture, language, physical attributes or race have been taught in the past, I am proud to be a teacher living in 2012. As I study to become an administrator, I look to formulate an understanding of the best way to serve society by creating a citizenship who are taught to the best of their abilities in the environment that most includes and values the contributions of everyone. I am not shocked that it has taken many years to cement the right of all individuals to be educated in the United States, in fact, as the wife of a school psychologist, I understand very well what labels mean, how the school and parents work together (sometimes opposing each other) in the best interest of children, and how teachers sometimes feel overwhelmed by the continuing demands placed on them to diversity their curriculum and teach each student in a way that best meets his/her needs. This is one of the precise reasons that I wanted to become an administrator. It is in working together, understanding the rights of students and parents, balanced with the needs of teachers, giving a nod to the community as well (budget, budget, budget) that an administrator is able to best shine as a leader for his/her building.
What drives you in wanting to be a leader? Is there a visionary piece that makes your soul yearn to be part of something bigger than yourself? Have you seen injustices that drive you to want to lead to a better way of educating children? Do you have an idea or concept that you believe will change the way every student learns about his/her world? Through my classes, I have been challenged to delve into and share my own understanding of why I want to be a leader... what drives you?
