Where did Summer go?

Wow!!!  It is hard to believe but for teachers and staff in Richland Two and across South Carolina summer is officially over.  Teachers started back on Wednesday and our students will be entering our halls and classrooms this coming Wednesday August 19th.

I hope that everyone got a chance to relax, go on vacation, spend time with family and friends and at least get a chance to breathe.  I know nowadays it is getting harder and harder to get a break as we continue to work more and more in the summer.  I know my summer flew by.  One good thing for me is that football season is 3 weeks away.

As you all enter back into your school or get back into your job at the District Office or some other location, have you thought about personally and professionally how you intend to grow?  I know throughout the year, you will hear about SLO's, new standards, formative assessment, best practices, and the list goes on and on.  But have you thought about how I can better lead from where I am?  Have you thought about gaining the skills and confidence to really transform my classroom or the area in which I work?  If you really want to have a professional development unlike any other and one that will truly make an impact on your life and the lives of others, then apply today to Leading Up!!

Leading Up is truly an experience that can change your life.  Below are some quotes from past participants from Leading Up.

"I wish every teacher and district staff member could be enriched in this way. I really do. We would all have so much more respect for our colleagues and for our own roles, because none of us has a small one. Leading Up has made me feel even more a part of the Richland Two family, and I didn’t believe that to be possible." 

"Honestly, when I applied to be a part of this group, I knew it would help me better lead from where I was as a teacher in the classroom and also allow me time to collaborate with others across the district. This was more than just a “great experience,” it was a life-changing and humbling opportunity that I will never forget. " 

"At this point, I feel that I am more prepared and confident to apply for positions as an Assistant Principal, Instructional Coach, or other leadership opportunity within our district. My passion is to lead others as we prepare our students for success in the real world. I believe that relationships with people are the key to results—I feel that this program has equipped me with the knowledge of the leadership characteristics necessary for innovation and progress using the strengths that I currently have along with the new knowledge I have received through the numerous experiences Leading Up has offered. I hope to be able to bring joy and growth to a leadership role in the near future."

"I had no preconceived ideas of how this experience would be-I hoped it would develop me to be a better employee and more successful in my position. The Leading Up program has done those things and much more! I have been exposed to individuals across the district who have the same desires, thoughts, and ambitions that I value. The leaders of this program provided a great format for us to be exposed to a multitude of different views, leadership styles, and experiences."

I hope you all apply.  Space is limited.  Call with any questions.  I hope you all have a great year and that Leading Up will be part of that year.

Apply Today !!!

Summer is coming to an end and before you know it students will be filling our schools.  Have you thought about your personal Professional Development plan for the year?  Are you looking to acquire the skills and confidence to make a difference in the lives of students?  Do you consider yourself a leader with big ideas  but need some help turning those ideas into reality?  Then Richland 2 Leading Up is for you.  Leading Up is for all levels of employees from support staff, teachers, principals, and department heads.  Leading Up is not leadership training but leadership development.  Please apply today as space is limited.

Here is just a few things past participants had to say about Leading Up:

"Opportunities like Leading Up Academy give me the courage to not only strive to be an excellent instructional assistant but to also lead from where I am. My willingness to go above and beyond for my parents, teachers, staff and students has led me to seek lifelong learning opportunities that impact student learning.", Teaching Assistant Elementary School

"Before Leading Up, I considered leaders to be those individuals who held certain positions.  What I learned as a result of Leading Up is that leadership has more to do with our ability to influence and to affect change and not so much the position we hold, thus the idea of leading from where we are.", High School Teacher

"The lessons I have learned expand beyond the main theme of “leading from your position.”  When we started exploring different types of leadership qualities a light bulb went off.  Before this class, I didn’t think too much about what motivates me, what drives me to what I have inside that are leadership qualities.  Since I am more reserved in my personality I truly didn’t think I had a role in leadership, that my role in life was more along the lines of “support and encouragement.”  After participating in Leading Up I feel extremely more confident in my position and how I can contribute to District 2 in a more progressive manner.", District Office Support Staff

Welcome to the Richland Two Leading Up Blog

Leading Up is an initiative started in Richland Two to help empower and give the skills for all employees to lead from where they are.  Leading Up is not leadership training.  Leading Up is leadership development.  Please follow this blog to stay up to date and current on all things Leading Up.