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**What are three things you can commit to doing in your practice as an educator that will effect positive change in your school climate?**

When I initially read this question it reminded me of a quote by Rosanne Cash, “The key to change. . . is to let go of fear”. This quote is so applicable to me. Change does frighten me; yet I recognize the value and necessity of it. After careful reflection I am eager to making the following three changes in my practice that I hope will influence positive changes in my school.

1. The first change that I plan to make is to advance my technological skills, both in practice and knowledge. I have recently resisted technology integration for a variety of reasons. The predominant reason I choose not to use technology is that it usually interferes with my curriculum goals. The statement in the Kliebard article (1995, p.87) about how social institutions need to reconstruct to align with major transformation reminded me about the importance of technological skills in our advanced society. This belief is also consistent with the philosophy of social reconstruction in the sense that schools must adapt and respond to current cultural changes (Noddings). In order to be successful in this world high school students need these advanced technological skills. I believe that schools are important social institutions and therefore it is the school’s responsibility to prepare students with the necessary skills they need to survive in the competitive job market. As an educational leader I need to take the leap and fit technology into my curriculum.

2. The second change that I will make to influence positive change in my school climate is to capitalize on the influence that I have on the students. In the book by Nel Noddings (2007) she uses quotes from Phillip Jackson’s essay to stress the influence that teachers have on their students (2007 p.70). This influence goes beyond just the curriculum. Jackson stresses that students learn about life and themselves from teachers (2007, p.71). This statement has really inspired me. I have the wonderful opportunity to teach students about the value of education and the benefits of being a life long learner. When I return to school I plan to share with my students my experiences as a master student, the skills that I have learned in the tech modules, the new books that I have been reading, and in general how I love to learn. I hope that this will instill the true value of education within my students.

3. Another goal that I have for the next school year is to ask questions. I definitely have them – now I just have to get the courage to ask them. As a young teacher, I have been frightened to ask questions about so many things that are happening in my school out of fear. Recently, I have been leaving meetings frustrated and angry either because I had no idea what was going on, needed clarification, or wanted further explanation. As I was reading the Noddings’ book (2007, p.3), I was reminded of the value of the good old Socratic method of asking what one is doing and why. Next year, I am going to start asking the questions that I have during meetings, workshops, and curriculum work. Who knows what the results will be - if anything I can learn from the answers or engage in an educated discussion with my peers that advances my knowledge. Knowledge is power!

I have been inspired to make these changes and I am eager to begin!