1. Be Proactive

I listened Dr. Pumpian I found myself thinking about how I have always been independent and goal-driven, but memories of both situations where I have been both reactive and proactive came in flashes. My first thought was doubt about my leadership habits as I then realized my greatest struggle is my own control and expectations as I quickly turned to assess myself with the CAPES. However, I had to remind myself of the his statement “you are not going to be able to walk into your school and take over” that is why we are learning and practicing right now. When reflecting on my habits as a professional right now, I am improving in my control or “trying to do it all.”  I tend to take on all tasks to not burden others. I also have difficulty telling other no.


“Expect the best, prepare for the worst.” To be proactive means to prepare myself for what I will do or how I respond to situations that I know are difficult for me.  As a Special Education teacher, part of my job is positive behavior intervention and support requiring me to know how I am going to respond to many situations, so that to avoid what feels almost instinctual reactions. I have ten “Calming Strategies” posted in my class to prompt my students when they are angry, frustrated or sad. I plan to teach my class that I too am learning how be proactive in difficult situations. I will also take this opportunity to teach my son about taking responsibility. This has been a blue-in-the-face discussion we have had with him since he was a toddler. Here we are, 14 years later continuing the same talk. Perhaps if I apply the three person teaching process over these next weeks. ​