Reflecting on Leadership for Change!

This cake is from Jennifer & I we wish you all the best......... Dr. Rock, YOU ROCK!!!!!!


The Sound Bite:
The one thing that I have learned this semester is FEAR can be conquered!

Personal Reflection:
I have read my entire blog. I felt sadness & joy reading my blog. Sadness of some of the hard times I have had, & joy of accomplishing many goals of mine. From my Son's defeat in not being able to finish out the football season and the many emotions he showed, to being able to teach not one, but three seventh grade class rooms.


I can honestly say that FEAR is not a huge factor for me anymore. Maybe because of believing in an Awesome God and Overcoming fear through prayer. Overcoming being in a classroom for more than an hour X3 and engaging them in activities and them actually loving it. The students reflection of me was tremendous. They wanted me to teach the class on a permanent basis. This really made me feel good.


I really feel I have grown more this semester than any other semester. Maybe, it's because of my mind set, Retiring in "2012", closing one chapter & begining another. So, I do understand how Dr. Rock feels to start a new chapter in life. It's like you have been giving a second chance to live. A chance that you never thought you could be given but it has been granted to you.

For the first time in such a long time I feel that my priorities are in order. I've been given a life sentence to ...LIVE!!!! I'm not afraid anymore, I'm stepping out on Faith, confidence, love and it feels really good. Almost like the Prince when he found Cinderella, his true love.

I have achieve observing & teaching, and I am set to teach 12th graders on Dec. 12th. I never dreamed that students would enjoy me as much as I enjoyed them. This was truly a revelation for me. I have my lesson in order for my 12th graders (Thanks to Dr. Rock) & I am excited about this workshop. I found myself saying some of the same things Dr. Rock has said to her students. This is going to be life changing!!!
I am also happy that once I "retire" I will have a job working with someone I love and admire! This is really been an incredible semester for me. Not just in this class but in my Anthropology 102 class. I have done some things in this class that I would have never done because of FEAR.
Conquering FEAR in one class has given me the ability to do it in another.

My husband doesn't really understand, right now, but that's ok.

The 3 things I enjoyed in this class:


1. The Professor


2. Conquering Fear


3. Working through challenges, and working with students


Professor Rock was one of the best professors & friends I have had. She is motivating,encouraging, engaging, caring, sincere, and loving.

The last 3 blogs, I have said how much I am going to miss her, & that hasn't changed. But what I do realize is that at some point in our lives we have to love and let go. When you let go it is exhilarating & refreshing for both sides. Hopefully, we will stay in touch, still communicate with each other. You have help me conquer my fears through interviewing & doing the thing I want to do. I am relieved that I have been diligently working through challenges & some of my biggest fears. The students in Leadership has been great & I really believe that ALL have received a lot from the class.


The 3 things I disliked in this class:


1. Interviews


2. More Interviews


3. Trying to figure out my goals/Planning Wall


I know this is crazy, but because this was a big Fear of mine I disliked interviewing until I saw the benefits in achieving this goal. It was hard asking people for interviews that you didn't know & I guess more because I was afraid of rejection. Afraid that they might have thought my questions were ridiculous.
Instead my questions were embraced & some of my role models kept giving me more & more information even when I didn't asked. It has been great.
I also, disliked the Planning wall it took forever to do this & when I was done it look like a five year could have done a better job.

The 3 things that can make this class better:

For you, To keep teaching it!!! So, here's a toast to you... I Love you & I will miss you, Best Wishes........Love, Angela

Work The Plan

After leaving class on Monday last week, I felt good. My classmates & Professor Rock made me feel invincible. Especially when I announce to the class, I would be RETIRING in "2012". I got to thinking it will be 31 years of service that and I am happy to have served it. Then, it hit me that I have 22 more hours instead of 29 to complete my BA :).
The next day The UIC Early Outreach program called me & asked me to substitute this pass Saturday Nov. 21, 2009 for 7th graders. Wow!!!I was so overwhelm that I was speechless. OMG,imagine that!!! Did I do it?? You bet I did from 8:30am-12:30pm. What an experience that was. I could not believe, that I was not nervous, or afraid. I said a prayer & God delivered me.I went in that classroom like I had been teaching for years. I could not believe it myself. I had an activity for them for most of the class. I had them work on the packets of homework the teacher wanted them to do in the last 20 minutes of the class. I was nervous that I would not keep their interest but there was no problem in keeping their interest.. And, you know what everything was GREAT! I kept hearing Dr. Rock & one of the things she would always asked the class after doing an exercise. I asked "Why did I ask you all to do this exercise"? Their reply was "because you love us', because you want to get to know us", and I said Yes I do love you & care about each of you. They then asked if I could stay on and be their teacher from now on! I told them I'm sorry Ms. Padem would be back Dec. 5th. They all sighed (three classes) LOL. I found myself saying the same things Dr. Rock say" I know it's exciting, but I need you to hold it down. I had to asked them to be courtesy to their classmates & their substitute teacher.
So, Kudos to you Dr. Rock! I am going to really miss you here @UIC & I am overwhelm by the kindness & love you have shown to me over the years.
My Sunday night meeting with myself is to push forward to Dec. 12th and be the best I can be in the workshop for the 12th graders.

The Budding System

First Steps:
This week was my Observation for the Saturday College Program. I can't tell you how much joy this brought me. On my way to the program the excitement grew and my heart start racing, and I begin for the first time to feel a sense of accomplishment toward my goals. It really felt good! As I parked the car & started across the street many memories came rushing back to me. Except this time I wasn't going there as a parent but as a future scholar. Seeing old friends, parents, & staff and the warm welcome they gave me had me warm & fuzzy all over. This gave me so much inspiration to pursue my TouchStone with love and compassion.

The Director asked me was if I nearing my journey and I replied "YES" AND I am retiring in "2012" with 29 more hours to go. I'm telling you I got this memorized in my sleep! I jokingly said "maybe I can come & work for you". Do you know what she said "Angela that would be wonderful". Wow, I didn't even anticipate a response at all, but just like Dr. Rock said "You must come out of your comfort zone" It feels really good to be able to do the things you have such a passion for. Even, if I fail it's OK just get back up & try again. Great advice I tell my kids this all the time but for some reason I didn't apply it to this goal.
Nevertheless, I observed (2) 7th grade classes Math and Language Arts. In Language Arts some of the students were energetic, and some were disconnected. Maybe because it was early, or they were not feeling it. I know my oldest son was one that hated to go. This was unfortunate because this program is so AWESOME! Especially for the ones who have a love for learning. I made all of my children go, but my daughter & my youngest son got the most out of it. My youngest would have really thrive had his brother would not have been such a negative influence for him. If he had took my daughter as a role model he would still be in the program. I truly love this program but this program is not for everybody.
My last observation was a 9th/10th grade science class. They just happen to be doing class presentations on case studies which were very interesting. the first group was not prepared and they stumbled all over their presentation. They were not knowledgeable of the case they were presenting & they had long pauses on their subject.I started to think back on my role models who said they wanted students that were prepared for class and ready to learn. I don't know how long they had for their presentations, and the teacher asked them before anyone started if they wanted to meet before they presented. They ALL said no!

Second group was well prepared, introduced themselves, spoke clearly and was very knowledgeable on the case they presented. They answered questions and wanted to present the other groups cases until the teacher stopped them. Enthusiastic & eager to learn this was great!!! I clearly saw the differences & I totally get it now. The information my role models gave was very insightful and helpful on all levels.
I still can't tell you which grade level I want to teach. But, this was the most incredible experience I have had.

I also, went to Dr. Rock so she could give me pointers on my lesson plan for Dec.
12th. She has given me so much inspiration over the years & she has shown me ways to better myself on all levels.

She has nurtured me & now she has open her hands & let me go... I know I am going to succeed in my dreams because she has shown me the way. We all know there is a time when our parents/teachers must let go and when they do we are afraid. Like myself but I am going to succeed beyond my wildest dreams. THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!!! I love you DR. Rock!!!!
Finally, Jennifer & I are on the buddy system but we have not had a chance to communicate. I failed to get her phone number so this is something we will be work on.
I am truly going to miss you DR. Rock!! I can no longer be your TA and this chapter is coming to a close but my heart is always open.........

Moving & Shaking

Photo courtesy of http://www.csideaworks.com/new_images/progress.gif.
When I think of Moving & Shaking Beyonce comes to my mind. Although, I am not moving & shaking as much or as well as she can. As a matter, of fact if I moved that fast I could possibly break some parts of my body we don't even want to mention. Nevertheless, I am a Work in Progress & quite slowly I might add. You would think that because this class is all about you; one would want or be eager to move & shake to get things done or get their lives in the order in which they are trying to achieve. This one hour workshop has given more anxieties than I care to have. It makes me wonder is this really what I want, can I possibly be any good @this, or am I just kidding myself.

Barbara Sher is right on it (Let Them be Mad). My husband made a statement to me that has really stuck to me. I am going to share it because for one it really bothered me. He knows my dreams & aspirations & I have shared with him my teaching workshop that's coming up very quickly & I will be observing this Saturday @the program. Unfortunately, I let this statement bother me so much that it has raised doubts about the path I trying to pursue. So, here it is: He told me I was acting STUCK UP, and I didn't care about anyone but myself. Hum imagine that! I know you are saying so that's not so bad.
Well it is, Where did that come from & what the h... does that mean. We have been married for over 20 years & I have been knowing him for over another 20 years. So, I ask how can I possibly be acting stuck up. Because maybe I'm trying to make a better life for us & our children. Is it because I'm not asking his permission to move ahead with my dreams? Is it because he feels afraid, scared, or even threatened which he will never admit to?
How can I possibly be acting this way for something I don't even have (yet). So,I am even more determine to finish it's been to long & I am looking ahead for not just me but my family. I don't think that's selfish. It has bothered me so much I have not registered for classes next semester, and I feel even more afraid to stand in front of those student than I did before. I was just overcoming that fear when this was placed upon me.
So, I can tell you that the second step I didn't do because I'm working through the First step. Maybe later this week I can have that system in place but today it's not there.
Sorry.........................

Get Into ACTION!

Lights, camera, ACTION! I can tell you the tasks that I needed to complete were to finally sit down & start my lesson plan for my upcoming Teaching experience @UIC Early Outreach Program. Barbara Sher is correct my planning wall has led me to the door & now it's time for action! But, my enemy of FEAR is overtaking me and holding me back. It's like Satan trying to manipulate me & making me think that I am not worthy of taking another step. I can tell you I don't want to feel like an idiot in front of the students and the program who have trusted me. I want to have a full hour of information that they can use. My mind is working @100 miles an hour, telling me, hey you should do this; No try this! It can be very challenging trying to accomplish this goal.

My first step was to ask Educators what would they do as an attention getter to start the class off. I've gotten some really good responses like do a survey to see how much they know, ask specific questions on whatever you are trying to convey, play a clip of a movie, play music. Well, I have not decided on that yet because I am trying to get as many responses as possible & if anyone that's reading my blog has any suggestions please comment on them @the end of this blog.

My second step was to come up with a concrete lesson plan that make sense in what I'm trying to do. Well, I can tell you FEAR has set in; but I managed to put something down on a piece of paper. Barbara Sher states I should prepare, be informed give instruction & most of all for me to rehearse. I don't know what I'm doing & I don't want the students to know that. I want them to say she was great when can she come back again. We'll have to see if that will be the case.
This chapter (9) is one of the best chapters for me because these are things I've asked myself. What I am going to wear; how do I act, & most of all what am I going to say? It really hits home!
However, I will get my kids to role play with me; I think they will be honest & they will help me tweak my worst & best case scenarios.
Finally, I will make an appointment to meet with Dr. Rock so, she can help me with my survival skills.

Reaching Out III

You would think asking people that's doing the thing you want to do for interview's would be easier by now. I can tell you it is not and it generates some anxiety on my part.
Nevertheless, I asked another one of my son's teacher's for an interview & he was very happy to know that I wanted to teach.

I can tell you though teachers want students that are serious about their success. I did interviews with teachers from a College Preparatory and they all mirrored that they wanted students that were focus, and attentive.

Mr. L'Aku' interview was motivating & I learned that if students are not serious with their success it is a hard and long tasks to get them there.
I really would like to thank all of my Interviewers it really has been inspiring for me & I look forward to working with 12th graders.

I can definitely tell you that with these interviews; I have decided I want to teach 12th graders. I believe I can offer more to the students who have decided or planned for their success. Not that they want change their mind in the process but they have some clarity of what they want out of life!

Here's Mr.A'ku Interview:

Hi, Ms. Dade.


Here are my answers to your questions.


Who would be in your perfect class?
Only attentive, studious, focused, well-behaved pupils.


What would you want them to know?
Coming into my class they should know how to clearly express themselves in writing. They should also have strong algebra and reading comprehension skills.


What would you want to share with them?
I'd share the topics of Environmental Science and Physics. I'd also try to encourage them to be patient and to remain focused on scholastic achievement.


Were there any moments where you may have felt discouraged, encouraged, or unsupported and how did you overcome the challenges you faced?
During times when I feel discouraged I recall that there will be low moments in the workplace just like there will be high moments. The low moments are changes for self-improvement, so I just try to stay positive and remember that these times are only temporary. Usually things end up not being as they seem, and people often make things worse by dwelling on what worries them and making mountains out of molehills. Lastly, I leave work at school. I don't carry too many things home with me to think about or to actually do. I am pretty successful at keeping my professional and personal lives separate. It helps if you know how to manage things and keep them in perspective.


Finally, do you have any advice about what my next steps should be to accomplish my goals in wanting to become a teacher for children from 7-12th grade?
I'd start by talking to children about their perceptions and expectations as far as school is concerned. You can learn a lot by listening to the children and I think that adults generally assume that the perceptions, expectations, and concerns of children aren't worth considering. Certainly, we have to provide for the children but, at the same time, we need to address their wants and needs.


I hope this helps! Good luck!


Mr. A'Ku

Reaching Out II Part 2

These are the hands of my (2) football players! They were'nt so happy in posing for me but we got the job done after (5) takes.

I asked a friend of mine Professor Walker to grant me this interview on short notice & I really appreciate her giving it to me. I had almost forgot that she use to teach elementary students.

Trying to beat Cinderella’s clock sometimes is a little stressful. The problem is you think you have all this time & when you look up & your homework is due @ midnight. Kudos Professor Walker!

Thanks Professor Walker,
I really appreciate you giving me this interview on really such notice. My assignment was to interview someone that's doing the thing you wanted to do. However, I forgot you use to teach grade level & only remember that you were a college professor. That meant I couldn't interview you. However, since you did teach @elementary level & I began to think to myself with excitment you are re-qualified to give me this interview! I really appreciated that.

In addition, my goals when I graduated are to teach either 7th thru 12th grade. The Early Outreach program where my kids use to go has given me an opportunity to teach for 1 hour whatever level I choose. First, I need to shadow or observe the classrooms to give me a feel of which level I could better serve. Nevertheless, I need to come up with a lesson which is pretty scary for me.

Professor Walker’s Interview:
) In a perfect class, my students would be able to work independently.
-They would be excited about learning
-Their parents would be supportive partners in the education process
2) I would want them to know the foundational skills for the core subjects-i.e. reading/math
-they would need to know what is expected as far as appropriate behavior in the school environment
3) I would want to share with them a lifelong love of learning
- a desire to reach each individual's full potential
- a goal of completing college
4) I have felt supported when students learn and are able to apply what I taught them. Also, I have experienced students who I seen many, many years later and remember the good learning experiences they had in my classroom and thank me for them.
I have also been discouraged - After 13 years of teaching grades K-8, a career I have wanted since I was in 7th grade, I found myself burned out. The last year that I taught in elementary school was very stressful. Administrative demands, 32 second graders- 2 with special needs and no aide, parents with issues and three small children of my own all added up to burn out. My way of coping was to leave teaching and devote time to my family. This was the best decision for me and I have never regretted it. I didn't want to continue teaching if I could not give it my best.
8 years later, I returned to teaching at the college level. I now teach beginning teachers and am able to share my years of experience to help prepare them for their careers. I love teaching at this level and feel as though I am making a worthwhile contribution to the field of education.

I am not sure what your next steps are as I'm not sure where you are currently in the process. I can generally suggest that you map out the steps that you need to take to reach your goal and follow them. It also helps to share your goals with someone who can encourage you as you move towards your goal.
I hope that this helps.
Donna