Reflective Essay
As I look back upon my journey at Durfee School of Excellence I’m very grateful for everything
I’ve learned. Many things were happening all at once. I switched to this school during my
educational journey at Oakland. I also accepted the position of Master Teacher too. This was a
wonderful time of self-discovery. While uncovering what is really means to lead.
My visionary leadership (standard one) began long ago at Detroit College of Business
(Davenport University). I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with dual
majors of Marketing/Management. This was a general approach to business as a whole. Being
enrolled at Oakland University helped me to better understand what it means to lead in the
education industry which can be different that other business industries. Being a Master
Teacher and facilitating after school study groups for staff helped me to apply knowledge that
promotes the success of every student by collaborating. Being an active member of the
Data/Curriculum Committee allowed me to facilitate development, articulate and implement
stewardship based upon the data. All awhile learning about action research with Dr. Feun,
which helped me explore my journey with collecting data to be utilized to identify school goals,
assess organizational effectiveness and implement school plans.
Standard Two was explored with my professional learning plan. My professional learning plan
outlines my plan to use Class DoJo to keep students/parents abreast of school events for a
positive school culture. We also utilized CALM classroom and mindfulness activities to promote
a positive school atmosphere. Our descriptive study of Capturing Kids Hearts (CKH) offered me
a wealth of information on the importance of fostering positive relationships with my students.
Having a social contract allowed both the teachers and students to be held accountable for the
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Reflective Essay
expectations in the classroom. It took the guess work out of consequences and rewards. These
tools were essential in establishing a positive work environment for students and staff.
Standard Three was a challenge for me. The management of organization, operation and
resources was an area of lack when I initially started the program. We had tremendous turn
over in our math department this year. Even though this was a challenge, it also became a
learning opportunity for me. As I began to look over resumes of qualified candidates, conduct
interviews of the selected applicants, and process interested candidates as directed per our
Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) on-boarding procedures. Once the qualified
candidates where brought on board it was my responsibility to provide daily coaching,
mentoring and development sessions with the Durfee middle school math department.
Collaboration with faculty, community members and families (Standard Four) was a joy to
complete. Durfee prides itself on community outreach. Durfee has a community garden which
has been a complete blessing. The children have had an opportunity to tend to this garden and
have an interactive hands-on experience where we can bring to life science and math lessons.
The community is able to benefit from the bounty. Coffee and conversations monthly parent
meetings have been a very positive way to infuse knowledge, technology and curriculum to our
parents to assist them in supporting our students at home. Our parent university is a unique
and valuable center where parents can utilize computers to develop new skills to become more
proficient with the latest technology. This was a wise investment of time and resources during
this difficult time where parents are charged with helping their children access learning on a
digital on-line platform.
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Reflective Essay
Standard Five (Ethics, Integrity, Fairness & Practice) came very easy from our learning modules
at Oakland University (OU). Dr. Klein taught us about equity versus adequacy a common
problem encountered with teaching in an urban area. Concerns, I now know how to respond to.
Dr. Outlaw bestowed knowledge about human resource management and the responsibilities
about working in central office. Dr. Sutton’s enlightenment of the laws that need to be followed
when you’re in the throes of administration were invaluable. I’m better prepared for leadership
after taking these courses.
Student success by understanding, responding to and advocating for student learning (standard
six). The supreme court paper, a reflection on students’ and parents’ rights under Title IX
laws/provisions. We learned these important statues in EA 7780. Community based campaign
to retain DPSCD students was explored in EA 7940 this was a Marketing and Branding project.
Advocating for students has become paramount during this pandemic. We have needed to
think outside the box to find new innovative ways to educate children. DPSCD has responded
with The Distant Learning Digital Platforms to support student engagement/enrichment. DPSCD
has partnered with Quicken Loans, DTE Energy and The City of Detroit to bring laptops to
51,000 pupils. These computers will be distributed in June along with 6 months of free internet
to provide access and learning for all DPSCD families.
Substantial and sustained educational leadership internship experience (Standard Seven) has
been an invaluable teaching tool. I learn by doing. My journey has taught me how to cater to
my visual, audio, and kinesthetic learners. These experiences have made me very flexible,
understanding, and compassionate. The marriage between the coursework and the internship
has provided me with the grooming I need to embrace my new administrative position.
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Reflective Essay
In closing, I’ve made new friends that will be a part of my journey going forward. When I began
this program Dr. Abbott told me this program would change my life. I’m happy to say…it has,
for the better! I’ve expanded, grown, and developed my leadership muscle. I’m can say with
confidence…bring it on!! Thanks to Oakland University…. I stand ready to shoulder it all!!!
