Module 4 Reflection

The biggest takeaway from this week's material would be that it is to the leader's benefit to take the time to develop and professional growth plan to frame their leadership. Leaders are expected to guide their colleagues and teammates towards their vision, and without careful thought, the risk of not attaining the goal becomes a reality due to unforeseen circumstances. The professional growth plan should be comprehensive and include all the small details that, if accounted for, will lead to the grander objective. I liken this to a mosaic. From a distance, a mosaic appears as one solid image, but as you look closer it can be seen that many smaller pieces make up the bigger picture. In regard to the educational technology goals. If a technology leader sets the goal for all teachers in the district to be proficient at using a certain Learning Management System, such as Canvas, that is the big picture (mosaic). However, the hosting of trainings and professional development for teacher, installment of proper infrastructure, and ensuring all teachers have a device to access the LMS are all the finer details (mosaic pieces) that have to be met in order for the technology leaders ultimately reach their goal for all teachers to be proficient at using the LMS.

Something that I learned from others this week is that I am not alone in that I am lofty goal setter and ambitious person. Where this is not a bad thing, I do find that I have to challenge myself to take a step back to evaluate and analyze my goals before leaping into action. If I didn't I would not accomplish nearly as much as I do. I have always been a planner when it comes to setting goals, but never in a formal or structured manner. This week, constructing  professional growth plan will be beneficial and allow me to think more clearly about setting a professional goal and really pick apart the nuances that will lead or potentially deter me from that goal. This is an important skill that I look forward to refining as time goes on, as it will be an important part of my future career in academia.