Navigating the Abyss: Emerging Prepared for Leadership
Two years ago, I eagerly joined Hope Street Group - Utah Teacher Fellows, a community of educators across Utah. During our inaugural face-to-face meeting, the social media team from Cohort 3 had a shared conviction: teacher voices deserved a platform. And so, we set our sights on podcasting.
The catch? None of us had prior experience in this realm. We were a team of novices standing at the cliff edge of an uncharted adventure. A bit scared but willing to take the risk, I volunteered as tribute, a.k.a the editor, for the podcast. Vulnerability mingled with determination as I committed to learning the ropes.
Seeking guidance, I turned to my colleague, Matthew Winters, a seasoned podcaster. His insights provided the launching pad I needed. But that wasn’t all—I devoured YouTube tutorials, enrolled in a KQED podcasting course, and immersed myself in existing podcasts. Armed with newfound knowledge, I took the plunge.
Editing, producing, advertising—each step was a leap into the unknown. Yet, with unwavering resolve, we embarked on our podcasting voyage. Our mission? To amplify teacher stories, one episode at a time.
As a producer of the Teacher Fellow Podcast, I had the privilege of connecting with an inspiring group of educators. What struck me most was the diversity of their education stories. Some knew from day one that teaching was their calling, while others, like myself, discovered it along the way. Among the standout Teacher Fellows, I learned about Machelle Maxwell — a multifaceted educator who wore many hats, including library media specialist, instructional coach, mentor, advisor, and even Teacher of the Year.
Audryn Damron’s journey began unexpectedly in a swimming pool, where she helped a young boy with Autism learn to swim.
And then there’s Laleh Ghotbi, who faced numerous barriers, from visa challenges to working various rudimentary educator jobs. Despite these hurdles, she pursued an additional master’s degree in education, demonstrating unwavering commitment.
The Teacher Fellows Leadership program opened my eyes to diverse ways of leading. It encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and try new things. I realized leadership isn’t confined to traditional roles—it’s about making a meaningful impact wherever you are. Reflecting on my experiences, I’ve come to appreciate the power of connections.
During a recent podcast conversation with Dr. Matthew X. Joseph Ed.D. , we discussed the value of networking. These connections often lead to unexpected opportunities. For instance, Leslie Zabriskie, my technology specialist, recognized my potential and encouraged me to present at a major district conference based on my work with second graders. And so, I’ve adopted the motto “Strive to be Significant.” It reminds me that perfection isn’t the goal; rather, it’s about leaving a lasting mark in the lives of students and fellow educators.
As we geared up for the UCET/UELMA conference in March 2024, where the Teacher Fellows were present, I was excited to continue learning, connecting, and striving to make a difference in education.
Now that I serve on the Teacher Fellows Leadership Team, I’ve gained a panoramic view of our new cohort members, each a leader in their own unique way. Their leadership amplifies through connections forged within their cohort and outreach to individuals in their district or community. It’s an indication of our collective strength: knowing our limits, embracing vulnerability, and recognizing when to seek assistance. So, if you harbor a passion, don’t shy away—be bold, be courageous, and stride confidently toward the next horizon.
Thanks to Kayla Towner for our spotlight article this month! Tune in to the Teacher Fellows podcast on any platform for new episodes each month.