- Year 2019
- NSF Award #1548986
- Registration Former Noyce Scholar
- First Name Dominique
- Last Name Washington
- Discipline Biology
- Institution North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
- School Name and District Currently Teaching Hillside High School, Durham Public Schools (DPS)
Abstract
Teacher leaders are “…highly effective individuals who are creative, efficacious, flexible, and lifelong learners and who find humor, are willing to take responsible risks, and have good interpersonal sense and strong interpersonal skills” (Krisko, M. E., 2001). In my first year of teaching, I have found three key ideas to building an effective teacher leader: step up, be teachable, and ask questions. Teachers who are new to the profession, especially in STEM education, seldom acquire leadership positions due to self doubt fostered in the fear of the lack of experience. However, the only way to develop a plethora of valuable and transferable skills is to leap at the opportunities given and learn! Being teachable is accepting the fact that you, as a new teacher may be great at what you do, but there is always room for growth. Arrogance kills curiosity and passion, which in turn, stifles the ability to become a better version of yourself. Lastly, if you do not know the answer to something, ask questions. The only way to gain knowledge is by questioning what you do not understand. Do not be afraid to speak up because more often than not, someone is probably wondering the same thing you are.
