Amy Flynn

EA 8840 Professional Seminar

Reflection Paper

Ed.S. Program

The Education Specialist program at Oakland University was challenging, yet rewarding. In

general, I recall taking the Program Pre-survey in which I rated myself generously in some areas

and “beginner” in most others. Although I had worked in Central Office as an educational

consultant and performed many “administrative” tasks, I did not see myself as an administrative

leader. In fact, I really did not have any intention of pursuing leadership as a paid position. I

simply enjoyed learning and surrounding myself with forward thinkers, current educational

trends and initiatives in education. Whether in a formal program or engaging in my current work

place, I have always recognized the leader in myself. This program has given me confidence in

my natural leadership abilities, while at the same time strengthening and broadening my

perspective of effective leadership in each of the ELCC standards. As it stands, I may consider a

leadership role in the future. I feel confident and prepared should the right opportunity arise!

In my previous position, as well as the position that I currently hold, I recognize that I bring a

unique strength in defining a vision and making decisions that uphold the vision and unite staff. I

am a diligent, passionate steward of education, devoted to serving students and making decisions

that support student learning and achievement. When people in my building want something

done, they usually ask me. After reading the Truth about Leadership in my Professional Seminar

class, I have made the realization that I am extremely “action oriented,” rather than “relationship

oriented.” I have been served well through the years by my diligence; yet my goal moving
forward is to spend more time on building relationships, more time connecting with other

people’s vision and more time honoring people as individuals, rather than as co-workers.

One of my professors early on gave a nugget of advice, which has come in very handy. He

told the cohort to gravitate toward areas of weakness rather than avoid them, so that we could

explore, grow and experiment in order to strengthen our areas of weakness, while we are

working with our mentor administrators in a safe environment, where the feedback will assist our

growth. I have taken that advice to heart and sprinted toward challenges. One such example is

anything to do with data.

When I began the Action Research project, I was fearful of data. I had no idea how to frame

the project, how to define important artifacts, what to collect and measure. I remember feeling

overwhelmed with the project. However, I contemplated an issue with enrollment that has

plagued me since the onset at my career at OSTC. I considered the advice of my professor and

allowed my curiosity and passion to drive my inquiry. That research launched my desire to

conquer a problem. It allowed me to “tell my story” with data. In hindsight, I learned that it is

good to jump into situations, take risks, ask for advice and collaborate with co-workers. I am

actually quite proficient with the data collection process and synthesis. I am immensely proud of

the final paper that I wrote and the presentation that I gave at the Research Symposium. Most

important, I learned the process of identifying an issue/problem and systematically collecting the

quantitative and qualitative data that tells the story and directs the improvement plan.

Surprisingly, I like data and it is essential for program assessment.

The one standard that I would have liked to have more clinical preparation was ELCC

standard 3.0, School Management of Organization and Resources. Due to time constraints and
lack of exposure, I simply didn’t get enough practical experience with things like budgeting,

interviewing and teacher evaluations. I feel that skill is something that will flourish when and if I

find myself in the role of administrator.

Overall, the program has given me perspective, confidence and vision of the type of leader

that I will be, because I know who I am. I am aware of my strengths – and will play to their

advantage. I am aware of my weaknesses- and will seek opportunities to learn and strengthen the

disadvantages. I have strong values and work ethic and will seek employment where there is a

match. I love people and I seek to serve the learning community, because education is my

calling and I won’t rest until I have made the world a better place!