Today we are thrilled to have a guest blogger, Darine Amhaz Beydoun, head of the Ayoub International School. She has been working with our framework for six months. Will you be courageous like Darine and share your leadership reflection in the comments section below?
Darine’s reflection on her work toward becoming a Transformative Leader follows:
Working with the Ed to Save the World framework is exciting, like learning new subjects! I have many years of experience in running schools but since I started my leadership sessions with Julie, I have changed my way of thinking. I feel that everyday is a challenge for me because everyday I learn new things and try to apply them in my work.
I used to think that I was responsible for everything and that I needed to do all the responsibilities myself. Now I try to share the responsibilities with others.
I used to organize all the events and the procedures. Now I ask the teachers to share their ideas with me and take the lead on different projects.
I used to direct the teachers and assign them to do their work. Now I insist on stimulating them and challenging them to take ownership of the success of their professional growth.
Now I better understand people and try to always think positively toward them. People that I work with are human beings, not machines. Sometimes it’s not easy to try to empathize with them or keep from blaming them for lack of success. But the ideas of the leadership sessions stimulate me to insist on trying to see their point of view and working to interact with them from that perspective. The resources, especially Leadership and Self-Deception improve my life in different areas such as team building, conflict resolution, and personal growth and development.
Sometimes the ideas that Ed to Save the World offer seem strange to me, especially when they talk about the future of schools. But after thinking about them I realize the truth in the ideas: that all students need new skills and motivation to want to excel in this new world, and to learn how to think about what they encounter – not just memorize it.
Overall I think I have become a better leader (and even a better mom!) in trying to be a generative leader, one who sees others’ points of view, tries to include them in decisions and models the example of a life-long learner for both students and teachers.
— Darine Beydoun, Educational Director, Ayoub International School, email: aisfreetown@hotmail.com
Share your leadership reflection below! How have you tried to be a better leader for the new era of schools?
Lately I have tried to be more positive and encouraging in my interactions with others. I think it is working well because I’m humbled by how much they want to read my responses in their journals and talk to me about their classrooms. I’ve also been trying to ask more questions than give answers, allow people to solve their own problems with my support and encouragement. One thing I need to work on is my tone sometimes, even in my personal life. It can come off as harsh or insulting when I’m answering a question asked of me. That is something I’m trying to get better at.
Julie! You are the most professional coach I have ever seen in my life. You are super in everything. When ever I see you I feel something is moving inside me. You are always positive even when you want to comment you always have your ideal ways. I love the way you walk around the class and the few minutes you spend in my class I always expect new ideas are coming out. I used to think a good teacher is the one who learns from her experience every year but after the coaching sessions I believe a successful teacher is one who tries to learn from every moment she is in her class; she learns from her students, teachers and everything related to teaching. You inspire, motivate and encourage me always to do more. I have learned from your coaching sessions and hope you will always continue to coach us.
Wow! What do I say to this, Nariman? Thank you, so much. You are a superstar. I know you will be an amazing leader as Deputy Director next year and I can’t wait to watch you continue to grow. Thank you for always having courage to try new things and be the best teacher you can be! You inspire me just the same!