Jaci Prance

EdTech 554
Spring 2017

Jaci Prance
EdTech 554
Spring 2017
Digital Citizen
Our kids are growing up on a digital playground and no one is on recess duty. Kevin Honeycut.
A 21st Century Educational Leader HAS to exhibit, or show, what a digital citizen means. As the
quote states, there is no policing of online practices. Therefore, just as in life, one has to
demonstrate how to be a moral and ethical citizen, digitally. This can be done by showing what
is and is not acceptable postings or sharing of inappropriate materials online; citing sources
when they use items they did not create; knowing what and how much information to give out;
being responsible with others information or property.
I try to make sure that any time I have my class work on anything involving gathering information
from the Internet we discuss the importance of citing our sources and crediting all pictures
borrow. I am trying to build that habit in them now, in the 6th grade so they will never have an
issued later in their schooling.
Modern
Technology cannot replace teachers but teachers that use technology will probably replace
teachers who do not. Author unknown.
It can not be denied that todays student is technology driven. Therefore, it is imperative that
todays 21st Century Leaders stay up-to date in the world of educational technology in order to
be looked upon as a leader among peers. A great leader stay ahead of the rest, looking for new
methods and technologies to keep the student population engaged in the learning process.
In my classroom, I want to make sure I give my students choices and opportunities they do not
receive in other classes. That is why I am working on my masters at BSU. To stay ahead of the
students and be current!
Flexible
Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach. purehappylife.com
A great 21st century leader understands that technology is constantly changing and embraces
how to be flexible in todays educational settings. How something was approached ten years
ago should not be the same approach used today. The standard (decision) is the same, how it
is taught and received (the approach) changes as technology changes. Being flexible with how
something is completed or open-minded to how a student completes an assignment shows
great flexibility in a leader. Teachers understand there are times when they present something
and expect it to be competed one way; and then they have a student that completes it a
different way or use a different method.
If there is one thing I have learned it is how to be flexible when it comes to technology.
Sometimes it works sometimes it does not.sometimes the lesson works and sometimes it

Jaci Prance
EdTech 554
Spring 2017
does not. Being flexible and learning how to not dwell on something I believe it is what makes a
good leader,
Creative
Creative thinking inspires ideas. Ideas inspire change. Barbara Januszkiewicz
21st century leaders think outside the norm. Being creative shows that one is willing to try new
things; sometimes they fail, but sometimes they exceed expectations. It is a known fact that all
students do not learn in the same manner, a leader that is creative will keep looking for the
method, strategy, or item to help ensure that each student succeeds.
This is one area that I have discovered I need more work. I tend to lean on one technology and
not deviate. I hope to be able to learn how to be more creative in my lesson planning as well as
in my offering different technology options for my students.
Tenacious
People who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones that do. Steve
Jobs
People who are tenacious are those that never give up. As in the squirrel video, the baby
squirrel kept trying to jump over the ledge. Sometimes help is offered and sometimes one has to
go look for help. Either way, a good leader never stops when they encounter an obstacle...they
keep trying to make a difference.
Id like to think I already exhibit this trait. In all of my teaching positions I have strived to never
give up.on my position as a teacher, on my students when they struggle, and in my pursuit of
ensuring I am offered everything I possibly can in the moment.
Communicator
Communication is the real work of leadership. Nitin Nohria
Communication is the number one key factor in leadership of any kind. In a 21st century leader
is especially true. A leader has to stay connected with all involved. They have to be able to
convince all to drink the kool-aid when needed, keep all of those involved motivated and
pumped to ensure what needs to be done is done. A good communicator does not talk down to
people, does not ridicule people, does not make those around them feel inferior. What a leader
does is keeps everyone informed in a timely manner, does what they say they are going to do,
has an approachable demeanor, asks for input for decision making when the decisions affect
others. How one communicates will determine the efficacy of the leader.
I have been in positions where my leader did not know how to communicate with others
efficiently. This left me confused and frustrated on many occasions. As a 21st educational
technology leader, I hope I am able to communicate with my administration, peers, students and

Jaci Prance
EdTech 554
Spring 2017
parents in a manner that is received in a positive way. However, I understand that this trait is a
never ending learning moment. A good leader will understand that as times changes so will the
methods of communication will also change.
Helpful
The joy of leadership is helping others succeed. Roger Stilson
Leaders help those that need help without needing to be asked. A 21st century leader knows
that with the constant change in technology some people get overwhelmed and flustered. Being
helpful to those can be providing extra training, offering one-on-one assistance, etc. Going
above and beyond to ensure that everyone stays on board, on track, and succeeds is the sign
of an helpful leader.
Since I was in high school I have been thanked for how helpful I can be. One time in particular
stands out. I was a junior or senior in high school and I was participating in the beauty pageant.
We had an opening dance routine that a few of the contestants were having trouble learning. I
didnt realize at the time, but I started to help a few of them out and it shortly became a small
practice session. Later on, I remember I had a few teachers come up to and told me how happy
they were seeing me step up with out asking to assist my fellow friends.
Team Player
A Just a Job employee does just enough to keep their job while complaining about whats not
fair or right at work. A Team Player works positively together with everyone to get the job done
the best way possible. See the difference? Ty Howard
One can be a leader and still be a team player. Someone that is a team player is committed to
the team 110%; is respectful; compromises; listens; usually has a problem-solving approach to
hitting the target. Being a leader means one is usually teaching, demonstrating, or facilitating.
They are not dictating. Being a team player is important because it shows that one is willing
to get as dirty as the rest of the team.
Team player is a trait that is hard to learn but easy to demonstrate. In my classroom I have the
desks set in quads. Then I create assignments that require teamwork. This is also a good way
to show sequencing.something can not happen until something else has already happened,
and so forth.
Reliable
Leadership is action, not position. Donald H. McGannon
In todays world if something is not reliable it is passed by. The same goes for an unreliable
leader, they get passed by. Being reliable means one is doing what they say they will do; one is
following all of the rules, not making them up as they go. A great leader is someone that will go
to bat for any and all if needed, and those around knows this to be true. So many students need

Jaci Prance
EdTech 554
Spring 2017
to have reliable teachers, administrators, and counselors because the school is their safe-zone.
If the leaders are not reliable, then what does that say for the school or educational setting? A
21st century leader knows the importance of reliability and strives to ensure that all of their
constituents see this trait.
A person is only as good as their word. If their actions do not back their words then they are
unreliable. In my classroom, I make a conscience effort to not make blanket threats or
statements if I can not follow though. It's not fair to my students. I tell them all the time, actions
speak louder than words.
Learner
Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other. President John F. Kennedy
Being a leader means one never stops learning. An excellent 21st century educational leader
will always be a life-long learner. How can one be a leader, especially an effective leader, if they
are not constantly learning what is new?As fast as technology changes, a leader will always be
a student.
I am constantly seeking new and better ways, methods, and strategies to help my students. I
came up during a time where the school provided book, pencil, and some paper were all that
was needed to teach. But, todays student is more digitally smart than I will ever be. That is my
why...why I keep trying to find things that will help keep them engaged in my classroom. And,
this is why I will never stop being a student myself!