Kelley Nobles
Teacher. Motivator. Lifelong Learner.
LEADERSHIP SHOWCASE
I entered the Master of Arts in Education (MAED) program at Michigan State University with the firm belief that I am a life-long learner. As the research and work from each graduate course opened my eyes to new and exciting aspects of education, and I began to strengthen my own practice, I also developed an interest in sharing what I was learning with my colleagues. I have found that I am most successful in creating meaningful and successful learning experiences for my students when I am working in true collaboration with others. It was upon this realization that the focus of my graduate work became clear. My choice of the P-12 School and Postsecondary Leadership concentration has resulted in a better understanding of myself as both an educator and leader, and confidence that I can guide a school community toward the level of collaboration that would benefit all students. The work below highlights the skills and knowledge I have gained throughout my time in the MAED program.
Project |01
Proposed Year-long Plan for Teacher Learning
​
I have learned early on in my teaching career that collaboration is a key part to a school's success. In creating this plan, I chose a key area of growth for my school community, and then created a year-long plan that would guide the staff toward reaching true collaboration. Through my research, I selected many outstanding resources, as well as developed a month-by-month timeline toward implementation of an Instructional Leadership Team for the school.
Project |02
Budget Plan for Year-Long Teacher Learning
​
This Budget Plan accompanied my Year-Long Plan for Teacher Learning. As I began planning for an Instructional Leadership team (and all of the professional development and resources that this plan would entail), I quickly realized the importance of establishing a budget plan. With a lot of research, I was able to choose materials and resources that would allow my plan to be put into action. I learned how to make decisions that would allow me to stay within a set (and realistic) budget amount, as well as how to present this budget to my administrative team.
Project |03
Leadership/Organizational Challenge Analysis
​
As my years of experiences within a school setting grew, so did my interest in school wide issues and needs. In creating this analysis, I reflected upon my current school as an organization. From there, I chose an adaptive challenge that I recognized within the school (lack of a universal set of behavior expectations). I was then challenged to provide an alternative interpretation of the challenge, before working to develop a plan to meet the school's needs. The result was a comprehensive guide to creating a Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports System schoolwide.
Project |04
Building Partnerships to Ensure Opportunity for All Students
​
Working in an urban area, I have a special interest in making sure that my classroom is both culturally responsive and connected to all students and families. In this essay, I reflect on my school and classroom's current family and community partnerships. Through the study of authors and researchers such as Annette Lareau, Herbert Kohl, Carlos McCray and Floyd Beachum, I am better equipped to analyze our standing partnerships.
Project |05
Building Partnerships Concept Map
​
In addition, the Concept Map that I created using Inspiration Pro depicts the interconnectedness of students, teachers and families. This understanding of issues that affect all stakeholders within a school has led to my development of stronger and more intentional partnerships with both families and communities members.
Project |06
Personal Introspective Essay: A Key Tool to Educational Inquiry
​
This essay builds upon the foundation of inquiry-based learning that was formed during my intial graduate courses at Michigan State University. Vivian Paley, one of the many outstanding educators studied throughout this course, opened my eyes to the power of teacher inquiry. My writing highlights the most valuable aspects of the personal instrospective essay, as well as how educators can use reflective journaling to enhance their practice.
Project |07
Maintaining Balance in the Learning Society
​
As an educator, I find myself wondering about the complexities of what is known as the learning society in many different contexts. Hamlet's Blackberry, written by William Powers is an intriguing look into the learning society. While studying his work, it became apparent that it is especially important as an educator and a leader to reach a balance between connection to others (technology) and maintenance of the inner self. This essay includes a reflection on my own sense of connection through communication with others and the use of technology. Maintaining a balance will not only help to improve my personal practice, but will also translate to my students and my work as a leader within my school.
Project |08
Literacy Learner Analysis
​
Literacy is one aspect of education that I have remained passionate about throughout my educational journey and career. Over the years, I learned several new strategies for teaching both reading and writing. Most valuable, though, was my work on a Literacy Learner Analysis Case Study. This study focuses on a struggling student in my class and and her individual academic strengths and needs. I performed diagnostic tests that I had not used previously, which provided an in depth look into this learner. From there, I developed a series of lessons to specifically target her needs. These lessons helped the student grow tremendously in both skills and confidence.
Just a sample of my work. To see more or discuss possible work >>