Reflection May 2,2008(Leadership Group)

By Mildred Serra

Reflection on Leadership Committee By Mildred Serra I started as probably all of us, not knowing what to expect but with big desires of working hard and helping in anything I could. The first day I arrived was like a surprise; to see people I had seen before and others that were new to me. To not see those that once were in the advisory group was a bigger surprise. I know that the proposal was done to do work as a team, so not only one person had the pressure of the entire load.We were introduced in our first meeting. I dotted down the names because I can remember faces very well but not names. We were given two quotes, which were brought by Helen Domenech. We had to choose one and tie it to our daily experience and write about it. It was nice to listen to what others had to say, especially those that chose the same quote. Then it was time for the briefing of why we were there/ The purpose was explained and then Myrna Monllor gave out information on National Writing Project. The board of directors was chosen. I thought I would just be the secretary but a wise, happy, intelligent woman beat me to it and I was left as the leader. We were told of the books we would get and the work that was ahead to be accomplished. The next meeting was about getting ideas to promote BWP and get into the Department of education providing them with a tool ( a blog), which would be prepared by Elizabeth. Then we had Carol who would write an article. I was supposed to get in touch with Pura Cotto, English Head Supervisor. Marcia would work on ideas that were given for questionnaires and she agreed to do the literature review for the proposal. During the following three workshops, one was through the blog and the other two were on a workshop on how to do proposals by Ana Maria Soler.Then we had a leadership workshop, where we were learned what it takes to be a good leader. This last one was given by Prof. Delia Serrano. We then got together to see where we were and where we were heading. Many topics were discussed.I find we still have a lot to do and the problrm of getting appointments with the people in higher positions is sometimes uphill. I believe that even though our proposal ends soon, we would have to meet at least once more in the beginning of June and get ready to rumble in August with the proposal and all. All members of the group have brought in real issues of out daily teaching experience and environments. Teachers and others in US are not aware of this and expect more form teachers here. If those teachers came and worked in the environments we have to teach , they will probably run away in a week. Then again this is where the leadership program jumps in. We wish to provide a blog where the word will reach all in a click of a button. We wish to make feasible that teachers could assist workshops in and out of their daily schedule in schools and be backed by the Department of Education.I believe we have begun to make a difference.