Pamelia Valentine: Being a Teacher Leader--Within, Across and Beyond

This time of year as things are winding down at school and summer is on the horizon it seems like a good time to get a new perspective and hone in on the things that are really important. One thing that is important to me is to continue learning and making connections. The first weekend in May, I decided to attend the annual Center For Strengthening the Teaching Profession (CSTP) sponsored National Board Certified Teachers’ (NBCT) retreat at Sleeping Lady resort just out of Leavenworth, Washington.

The retreat focus was on building teacher leaders “Within, Across and Beyond.” It was an investment that was worthwhile and will be long remembered. The CSTP founder, Jeanne Harmon was full of energy, as usual, as were the presenters.

With the number of NBCT teachers growing every year there are more and more potential teacher leaders and teaching opportunities. This retreat offered the NBCT teachers the chance to think about taking a leadership role to act upon immediately or mull over for the summer. Ideas like scoring the WASL assessments in order to help students know how to respond to questions; serving on OSPI (Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction) committees; working within my school in groups of “Critical Friends” or helping out with one of the WEA (Washington Education Association) sponsored events that help National Board Candidates begin the process: “Jumpstart” or finish it up and send the material in for scoring: “Homestretch.”

But as I reflected on the wonderful weekend­– great food– closing ceremonies including Terry Bergeson current Superintendent of Public Instruction and our own Andrea Petersen– National Teacher of the Year– both dynamite speakers and excellent role models– I had to think: What if I hadn’t pursued National Board Certification? Would I still have had opportunities to learn and lead?

As I gave those ideas some consideration I had to admit that I am now more aware of opportunities for teacher leaders. The retreat expanded on those familiar territories and elucidated a myriad of other potential roles for teacher-leaders. But as a teacher I have always had chances to learn through classes offered at local colleges and through various professional development lessons. I concluded that I wouldn’t necessarily have to be an NBCT to participate in some of these activities.

The real decisions that every teacher has to make are the decisions concerning the use of that most precious commodity-time. Some choose to coach sports, some choose to coach peers, some choose to pursue higher education or to spend more time with a growing family. Each of these are valid choices. Teachers have so many options that it’s almost like the old “Let’s Make a Deal” game- only ALL the doors are great prizes!

Whatever I choose to spend my time on I know that I can make a difference WITHIN myself, my school, my community and ACROSS the hall, the curriculum, the ESD and BEYOND the scope of the classroom to reach and teach as far as my imagination can take me.

That realization alone was well worth the price of the retreat. I’m glad I chose to spend my time at the Sleeping Lady retreat and I appreciate the partnership of the CSTP, the WEA and the OSPI for supporting teachers in this state and giving all of us the opportunity to grow and learn.

Pamelia Valentine is a guest blogger and teacher in the Shelton School District.

Previous Blogs:

Becoming a Teacher Leader

Practice Makes Perfect

Creativity Really Does Matter