Episode 10: Podcast Recap

Advocating for yourself or your team in any aspect of life can be a little intimidating. Most people don’t like confrontation and that’s what this feels like and you’re having to say “I need this” which most people struggle with as well. When we first started as leaders, we felt like fish out of water advocating for ourselves and our team. Just like anything you do, it gets easier the more experience you have. 

Something to keep in mind is, it isn’t just about you, but often about your students as well. Whether you’re fighting for a larger budget to create exciting experiences, asking for help or support, wanting professional development relevant to your content area…these will all in turn make you a better teacher which will benefit your students. 

If you’ve not advocated for yourself much or maybe ever, ask co workers for advice! Eventually, you’ll learn what co workers to go to for specific answers or support. If it feels like something really big that you’re nervous about, ask for back up. Let whoever you are needing to meet with know, “hey, I’ve talked to so and so about this a lot and I would like to have them as support to help me explain things”. Great admin, will be okay with that! And last but not least, don’t be afraid to tell your admin, “this isn’t working for me, here’s my solution” or maybe you don’t have a solution and you need to ask them to brainstorm together!

Keep blending,

Laura and Hayley