AGAPE - Spiritual Dimension of Leadership

• What are your initial thoughts about the idea that spirituality is the missing piece in the puzzle?

I agree with this thought that spirituality is the missing piece. When I work in an environment that I feel welcome and needed, I am going to perform better and be more willing to go above and beyone especially for students.

• Most teachers would want to avoid the pitfall of moving from compassion to callousness. One way to do this is to remember why you became a teacher in the first place. Briefly describe why you entered the teaching profession and mention any mentor who inspired or guided you.

I entered the teaching profession based on a friend who switched from engineering to teaching and from my mom and dad who supported me throughout the process.

• The article concludes with the notion that the 21st Century is "the best time in history to be an educator".  Do you agree or disagree with this statement?  Why?

I agree with this statement that it's the best time to be an educator, but I also feel that it's the most challenging time as well. There is so much change in the world especially with technology and to keep up with all of it and apply it to teaching can be daunting at times.

• In what ways does your own notion of "spirituality" (not necessarily religious in nature) inform and affect your actions as a teacher in your own classroom and as a teacher leader among your peers?  On which of the 8 SDL principles do you rely most heavily?

Spirituality affects my actions in my classroom because I really try to get to know all of my students by interacting with them and asking them personal questions to build a relationship with them. I can't do that with my students if I'm not in the right place emotionally to do that. This ties in with the principle of openness. I need to be open and accepting of change and the needs of others.