Andrew Silbaugh EDA 6063 Module 1: Leadership Skills

I. List of Skills/Traits an Administrator Should Have

 Social and Being Socially and Emotionally Aware
 Flexible
 A Teacher/Mentor (having experience as a classroom teacher)
 Kindness
 A Sense of Humor
 Values Strengths of Others
 Problem Solver
 Technology Savvy
 Compassionate and Understanding
 Knowledgeable of Curriculum and Content
 Growth Mindset
 Communication Skills (both in person and through email/text and listening to staff)
 Lifelong Learner
 Planning Skills (planning for school events and schedules)
 Collaborative/ Team Player
 Reflective (past mistakes and ways to proceed)
 Firm on decisions but Fair on reasonings
II. Assessments of Leadership Styles
Style of Leader Assessment: 16 points.
Overall, I was not surprised by this result, though I was slightly nervous I would score the
opposite. There are times when I am 100% a team player and ready to solve problems as a group.
I have always done well when I work with a team that is supportive and understanding. The first
team I ever had in Charlotte was almost like the “dream team”. We all worked together and did
things together that helped us teach our students better. By the end of my third year we were
doing collaborative planning and group project-based learning activities. I do have my moments
of being authoritarian and this is typically when it is something high-impact, something with a
short deadline, and something that has the potential to make me look bad. While I realize that
last one is selfish, sometimes I do not feel comfortable in a situation where my reputation and
profession is on the line and out of my hands and in someone else’s hands. I think for me, I need
to have my group structures but have clear assigned deadlines and a review process for group
work before finalizing anything.
Assertiveness Assessment: 21 points
For this assessment I was a little shocked, but as I reviewed my answers, it became clear
that I am assertive. In general, I will keep the peace if I know a situation will lead to an
argument. While I enjoy a good argument, I do not like a screaming and shouting match as that is
unprofessional and my stereotyped “red-headed Irish-ness” would kick in. A good, logical
argument and debate stimulates the intellectual side of me, but a screaming match hurts all
parties involved and sometimes those not involved. Additionally, I have learned over the years
Andrew Silbaugh EDA 6063 Module 1: Leadership Skills

that I can still get the things I want if I have a clear and logical argument surrounding them and
this is generally how I get items I need. As I reflect on my scores, most of my answers where I
was not assertive were situations where I would have to directly interact with someone. Based on
this, I feel I am assertive when myself or someone’s rights and/or character is being called into
question, when it is something I do not agree with, when it is something I need, or when it is an
argument that I am confident will not lead to a screaming match. I believe in keeping my cool
because you never know who is watching and some battles are not worth the energy.
III. Developing the Skills to Be a School Leader
Before I started writing this paper, I opened the question of “what makes and effective
leader?” to my Facebook friends. I had about ten of my friends respond to the post and most of
them said what I was already thinking. Replies of being a communicator, flexible, kindness,
reflective, and a problem solver were all things I had already thought of. I think these answers
came natural to me because I try and do them currently. However, replies of being a planner, a
teacher in subjects previously, and growth mindset were all skills I did not think of. These skills
made me wonder why I did not think of them, and as I went along, these were skills I tend to
have a struggle.
One of the things that has always irked me is when you find out there is an assembly
about twenty minutes before the assembly. I am in year seven of my career and no matter what
school I have been in, some event is always sprung on me last minute. I am not a completely
organized person, but I still need structure, email, and planning before an event or something is
placed on the school calendar. One of the things I like at my school now is that we have a
dedicated planner who makes a master calendar and updates it regularly. In order to hone my
skills here, I need to work on making plans out at least a week in advance and accurately
communicating that with my staff. I know not everyone will read emails, but I would like to at
least have a detailed plan in place.
Being a teacher in subjects previously is something scares me. I know I can read every
book on standards based instruction and classroom management, but I’ve only been an elective
or special area teacher. I have experience with teaching K-8, but I have never taught a core
subject. While this is a concern for me, I believe I could work on co-teaching with my fellow
teachers, especially when it comes to technology. In addition, I could visit classrooms more and
observe the standards being taught. I have the experience teaching multiple grade levels, but I
worry that not being a core subject teacher could make me seem less experienced.
Growth Mindset was something I had never heard of until I moved to Florida. For me it
was always about “fixing” yourself, making changes, and moving on. I do enjoy the Growth
Mindset approach as it allows me to grow professionally and personally. One of the things I
struggle with is thinking I am good enough and I could see how having a growth mindset would
allow me to change my thinking. I wonder and worry sometimes if I will be a good leader, but I
really should practice a growth mindset approach. I will never be a perfect leader, but I an take
the steps to try and improve my mindset and myself.