Lauren as a Leader

“...Things are experienced but not in such a way that they are composed into an experience. There is distraction and dispersion; what we observe and what we think, what we desire and what we get, are at odds with each other” (Dewey, 1934).

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The above quote is from John Dewey’s “Art as Experience”. His words add insight and humanism to “experience”. As a music educator, I have the privilege of experiencing 400 students each school year ranging from the ages of kindergarten to fifth graders. I have the power to influence all of their musical experiences over their elementary years. I strive to create an experience for my students that positively impacts, and assists them in growing into their own musically. My current success makes me question, when will I have the opportunity to create an experience through a leadership position?

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Leadership in itself is an experience, but time and time again, views on leadership, especially poor leadership create an experience one cannot forget for all the wrong reasons. I find it is time I take the next steps to add teachers and institutions to my list to positively influence and create an experience in education. As a person who holds power for students, and sees their success, I imagine with excitement what I can do for a school community from a leadership lens. 

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I identify as a Relationship/Transformational Leader. I pride myself in the healthy relationships I build. The values I possess such as authenticity, service and humility have assisted me with the creation of  healthy relationships I have.. These values will assist me in making a difference in my students' lives and one day the lives of my fellow teachers, and an institution.