Leadership is not a title. It’s a way of showing up with intention, empathy, and a willingness to grow. As a bilingual kindergarten teacher, I’ve come to see that leadership happens in the quiet choices we make each day how we model perseverance for our students, how we face challenges with grace, and how we lift others up even when we’re still figuring things out ourselves.
This course has shown me that leadership styles are diverse and situational. From strategic and adaptive to servant and collaborative, each style carries value. But if I had to choose the one that resonates most with me, I would say I’m a transformational leader at heart. I’m motivated by purpose, and I believe in the power of inspiring change through relationships, vision, and consistent support. Just like I plant seeds of curiosity in my little learners, I want to do the same with the adults around me. I dream of creating a culture where teachers, students, and families all feel empowered to grow.
As I reflect on my own leadership development, I realize that embracing a growth mindset has been essential. I used to believe that leadership belonged only to principals or district leaders but now I see that every teacher is a leader. We shape lives, influence school culture, and drive innovation in our classrooms. I’ve learned that mistakes are part of learning, and change, though uncomfortable, is often where real growth begins (Dweck, 2006).
Leadership also shows up in how I guide my Kinders. When I teach them to be responsible during “Tech Time” or help them scan a QR code independently, I’m not just teaching technology I’m developing their confidence and decision-making. These are leadership seeds being planted early. I use language they understand: “You’re the leader of your own learning,” or “Let’s make a choice that helps our friends.” This leadership vocabulary matters. It gives them a voice.
Looking forward, I want to integrate leadership and technology in a way that is human, equitable, and sustainable. For example, I hope to:
- Model digital citizenship daily through our technology centers
- Lead professional learning in small, approachable ways for my colleagues maybe starting with a simple “Tech Tip Tuesday” in the lounge
- Advocate for access and training for families who need help navigating digital tools at home
- Celebrate small wins in technology use, whether it’s a student logging into i-Ready independently or a teacher trying a new app for the first time
Leadership is in the details, the follow-through, and the heart behind the effort.
I believe that when we lead with vision, humility, and an open heart, we create ripples that extend far beyond our classrooms. I hope to continue growing as a transformational leader who listens deeply, learns constantly, and lights the path for others to do the same.
References
Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House.
Northouse, P. G. (2022). Leadership: Theory and practice (9th ed.). SAGE Publications.
Bass, B. M., & Riggio, R. E. (2006). Transformational leadership (2nd ed.). Psychology Press.