NTIN April 2016

The National Teacher Induction Network is comprised of a group of educators working in the field of Induction and Mentoring at sites located across the country. These leaders in the field come together in the spring and fall to collaborate to ensure that all students have access to high quality teaching.    Although this would be my first time participating, my team with the Hawaii Teacher Induction Center has been participants for awhile.  Some of the activities they have participated in is the creation plans for the Hawaii Department of Education Induction and Mentoring Program, participating in professional development on data analysis and leadership, all while working with experts in our field and collaborating with colleagues. 

I really had no idea what to expect from this trip but my colleagues assured me that it was going to be a transformative experience.  I wasn’t really sure if I should believe them but I had nothing to lose and all to gain.  With that, I dove into the assignments and professional readings I needed to do in preparation, kissed my kids goodbye and jumped on the plane. 

This would be my first trip to San Jose. I had no background knowledge about the city and no expectations.  To be honest, the city seemed to be just an ordinary town and perhaps that was perfect for me since it left me with no distractions and just an open mind ready to be ignited. 

The first day of the conference was an afternoon reception, and after a day bonding with my colleagues it was time to get to work.  At the soiree I was introduced to many of the New Teacher Center staff as well as other participants.  Since I don’t enjoy mingling with strangers I pretty much kept to my group but it seemed as if they knew everyone and was comfortable chatting and hugging everyone.  Thus,  I was thrown into many conversations that I normally would have shied away from.  It was a little unnerving for a person like me but I had to suck it up and deal.  It was part of the package and I knew I had to play so I smiled and mingled as best as I could in a room of strangers. 

During the reception a keynote was given by Anne Udall and it was as if her words spoke straight into my soul.  She asked us to think about what we did to take care of ourselves so that we would be prepared to lead others.  As I listened to her speak I knew that this would become a mantra that I would repeat not only to myself but my family, friends, and colleagues. The walls that I had built began to fall, I was mesmerized by this thing called NTIN and I went back to my room to free write my thoughts around Anne’s words. 

Day 2 started after a fulfilling breakfast with my team with more fun and bonding and afterwards we jumped straight into learning about great leaders and what made them successful.   We were asked to look at a case study and think about what we would do as leaders to right a Program that had gone horribly wrong.  I was able to use much of my own experiences running my Induction and Mentoring Program and as I worked with the others in the group I came to the realization that I had the skills, resources, and support to ensure that my program continued to grow and prosper.  This confidence boost helped me to feel more comfortable collaborating with the other participants that were to be a new resource for support. As I walked back to my room, I felt a feeling of gratitude that I was given this opportunity to grow as a person and a leader. 

On Day 3 I was asked to share the Plan that I had written for the goals I had chosen for my Program in school year 2016-2017.  I was nervous, of course, but buoyed by the support of my team and the reminder that I was indeed qualified to lead a program I shared my thoughts with my extended team.  They gave me great feedback and I could feel myself getting more and more comfortable.

After the morning session it was time to change it up again and I had some feelings of anxiety as I would be working on a Focus Group without any of my Hawaii colleagues.  Feeling a little intimidated again, I told myself just suck it up and smile a lot!!  The Focus Group that I went to was one for Mentor Professional Development and I was feeling insecure and hesitant because I assumed that I would have nothing to contribute. However, upon participating in the activity I realized that I had a wealth of knowledge to share with the group and told them about the Mentor Forums that we did in our complex area around data sharing and supporting our Mentors.  I talked and I shared, and I spoke from my heart with passion and conviction. I crafted a plan based on the plan that we implement at home.  No one looked at me like I was crazy or booed.  In fact, they seemed interested in what I had to say and I was stunned.  After this session I knew I had arrived.  I was no longer a new resource teacher struggling to understand Induction and Mentoring and trying to figure out where I was.  In fact, I was the Lead of the Central District Induction and Mentoring Program and I was poised to lead our stakeholders in our mission to ensure that all students had access to high quality education.

Upon reflecting on my 3 days at the Network I realize that I left the conference a different person than when I had arrived.  The educator who left was confident in her abilities and secure in her role as leader. This leader embraces the responsibilities that come with her title and is fearless in the face of the long road ahead.  I know where I want to go, have next steps planned, and am ready to get my team going to achieve our goals.  I realize that the road may not be easy, but rather than worry about the trials and tribulations we are sure to face, I am excited about the possibilities for success when my plan comes together.