We were lucky to catch up with Kathleen Haley recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kathleen , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you have a hero? What have you learned from them?
My hero is undoubtedly my mother. Her unwavering strength, resilience, and boundless support have been a guiding light throughout my life. Despite facing significant challenges, including poverty and difficult family situations, she maintained an unwavering love for me and those around her. Her ability to help others, even in the midst of her own hardships, has been a constant source of inspiration. Growing up, I witnessed my mother embody various roles – an entrepreneur, an educator, an innovator, and a leader. Her multifaceted approach to life left a profound impact on me. It’s from her that I learned the value of compassion, determination, and the importance of supporting others, lessons that have shaped my journey in the education field.
Her sacrifices and her ability to overcome life’s obstacles with grace and courage continue to inspire me. She has been a living example of kindness, wisdom, and resilience, traits that I strive to embody in my own career and personal life. My mother’s influence has been instrumental in shaping the educator and leader I am today, and her impact extends not only to me but to everyone fortunate enough to know her.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Hello, I’m Kathleen Haley. I’ve been passionate about teaching since my early school days, where I’d eagerly play “school” with my brother. This passion led me to pursue a degree in education, driven by the desire to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students. Throughout my career, I’ve identified a crucial need for supportive administrators, especially in the midst of the current teacher shortage. My focus lies in providing educators with the necessary support and recognition they deserve, particularly in low-income schools where many students have faced significant challenges. As an instructional coach, I aim to foster a culture of compassionate leadership, rigorous instruction, and unwavering dedication, essential for the current educational landscape. My previous roles as a 5th-grade teacher, curriculum coordinator, tutor, and math assistant have equipped me with a diverse skill set to address the multifaceted needs of the education system.
I’m proud to have contributed to the development of future leaders and to have witnessed the progress within the education system. However, I recognize that there is still much work to be done. It’s crucial that we continue to support our educators and students. I encourage everyone to reach out to local schools and explore ways to provide support. Our future leaders depend on it!
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
When managing a team, it’s crucial to recognize and leverage their individual strengths. By doing so, team members feel appreciated and valued, and are more inclined to grow in areas where they seek improvement. Clear communication and organization are key to demonstrating that your staff is valued and seen as equals. Building positive relationships and understanding what motivates each team member, both as a collective and as individuals, is vital for maintaining high morale. By acknowledging their strengths, fostering open communication, and understanding their motivations, you can create an environment where team members feel both supported and inspired to excel.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
During my last semester of college, I faced a significant challenge when I became pregnant. Despite the demands of student teaching full time, including 40 hours a week in the classroom and the requirement to submit detailed lesson plans and reflections, I found myself struggling financially, unable to work while pregnant. As if this wasn’t enough, later in my pregnancy, I developed pre-eclampsia, necessitating bed rest. Seeking support through job and family services, I was met with the requirement to work at least 20 hours per week, a demand that seemed insurmountable given my circumstances. Faced with this difficult decision, I had to choose between struggling to support myself while student teaching or leaving school in my final semester to secure my financial stability. I made the resilient choice to press on and finish school. This decision was not easy, but by staying the course, I ultimately created a better future for my daughter and myself. This experience taught me the value of resilience and determination, shaping my approach to challenges I faced in the years to come.
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