Jennifer Campbell

EDUC 623
Summer 2015
Research of Personal Leadership
I have been a teacher for nine years, and am one of five first-grade teachers in my school
district. In addition to an elementary education degree, I hold a 316 Reading Teacher license and
am in the process of completing the Reading Specialist 17 coursework. Upon completion of the
specialist license, I will assume the role as my districts Reading Specialist. I feel excited and
proud that the administration and school board members see such potential in me as a leader that
they are willing to invest money in me to complete it, and have confidence that I am the right
person for the position.
Over the past three years, I have been a part of many district initiatives, including piloting
and implementing a new reading series, as well as implementing Fountas and Pinnells
Benchmark Assessment and Leveled Literacy Intervention. I know my leadership and insight are
respected and appreciated; I am called upon by administrators and teachers alike for a variety of
reasons, but especially when there are literacy discussions. However, I am not looked to as the
expert, but rather, am looked to as one of the experts on our incredible team of teacher leaders.
According to Barth (2013), Schools should be a community of leaders - not just a principal and
followers (p. 16). The positive climate in my building leaves me feeling empowered to lead and
empowered to take risks in order to do whats best for kids; I know that many other teachers and
support staff feel the same. This is an essential component to our progress as a building, because
as Katzenmeyer and Moller discuss (2009), teachers assuming leadership roles can have a very
positive impact on improving schools.

As my career has evolved through many great experiences, I have found my leadership
strengths continue to develop, as well. Rath and Conchnie (2008) suggest that in order to lead
effectively, one must be aware of their leadership strengths. By taking Rath and Conchies
StrengthsFinder 2.0 assessment, I had the opportunity to gain insight about my specific
leadership strengths, including responsibility, empathy, arranger, futuristic, and communication.
I am looking to further develop those leadership strengths in order to guide and be a strong
member of the first grade team, but also as I look to transition to the role as Reading Specialist.
During this upcoming year, I will be fulfilling a practicum for my Reading Specialist
coursework. I will be planning and facilitating staff development on best practice in writing and
will lead staff members as we embark on the journey to improve our writing instruction and
programming. This upcoming year will be a perfect time for me to draw on my strengths as a
leader.
I feel proud of my role as a teacher leader in my building, and enjoy empowering others
to lead, as well. We have great things underway, and I look forward to continuing to have an
impact on the districts stakeholders through my own professional journey.

References
Barth, R. S. (2013). The time is ripe (again). Educational Leadership, 71(2), 10-16.
Katzenmeyer, M., & Moller, G. (2009). Awakening the sleeping giant (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks,
CA: Corwin.
Rath, T., & Conchie, B. (2008). Strengths based leadership. New York, NY: Gallup Press.