INTERNSHIP PRACTICUM REFLECTIVE JOURNAL WEEK 5

                                         ERDISTON TEACHERS’ TRAINING COLLEGE

POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP

DEL 108- ADMINISTRATORS’ CLINICAL INTERNSHIP

REFLECTIONS WEEK 5

As a senior teacher, I am committed to being a source of encouragement and motivation, especially for staff members in my year group. Having faced frustrations and challenges myself, I empathize deeply with those I mentor. Jones states that, ‘when we are encouraged we are inspired with hope and confidence to break through barriers to live out our wildest dreams,’ (Schentel Jones TEDxDover, 2017). She also added that, encouragement is a key to reaching success. This week, I reached out to a teacher currently enrolled in the Diploma of Education program at Erdiston College. Among other things, I encouraged her to see challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles. I emphasized that our experiences within the school could one day contribute meaningfully to educational literature, allowing others to learn from how we overcame our challenges.

The need for resilience is also essential in our environment. Our students often present behavioural challenges that can become a source of stress and even absenteeism among teachers. Our physical environment is also taxing, with broken windows, mosquitoes, and rusted fixtures. Resilience is crucial—not only for us but for our students who are serious about education and depend on us to guide them toward their dreams. The deviant behaviours of some students often absorb much of our time and energy, which can drain the passion and dedication of even the most committed teachers.

It’s vital that our calls for professionalism are met with tangible support and motivation. Teachers need to be recognized and appreciated, encouraged to stay resilient, and advised and trained where necessary. They sometimes go beyond the call of duty on the behalf of students. We must nurture their professional development and support their well-being, ensuring that our profession remains fulfilling for those who serve. Galinsky introduces the concept of the “leader amplification effect,” which refers to the phenomenon where a leader's words—whether positive or negative—are amplified due to their position of authority, (Adam Galinsky TEDxColumbiaUniversity,2023). This means that a leader's comments can have a significant impact, and even their silence during critical moments can cause concern. With this understanding, it is recommended that leaders leverage this amplification effect to inspire, motivate, and encourage others.

[Schentel Jones TEDxDover]. (2017, March 27). The Power of Encouragement [Video]. TEDx Talks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDgwtVvB7Dg

[Adam Galinsky TEDxColumbiaUniversity]. (2023, November 15). How to Inspire Others [Video]. TEDx Talks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvZ0UWb4UsA

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