Page 21 - Mini-Module 7

It depends on personal core values of being a teacher. To me,
as a teacher, I have strong mission to help students learn. Then
when my morale is affected by the negative force, I rejuvenate
myself with my core values. (Angela)
Courage. Behind such courage, I realise what I am doing.… An
understanding of what I am doing — my goals.… A sense of
self-understanding, which involves accepting one’s weaknesses
and building one’s confidence.… However, I lack the
experience and training as regards leading a group or team to
work together. (Peter)
Some also sustained their work through failure and negativity by
making their work meaningful:

Personally, I have a strong dedication to make my life meaning-
ful by making contributions to society. (Angela)

I will not forget my meaning in work. (Peter)
Supporting factors within the educational context included mutual
trust, support, and collaboration. These were seen as crucial
factors supporting teacher leadership. On the other hand,
however, micropolitics were believed to impede teacher
leadership:

When I started teaching here, I worked alone, feeling unsup-
ported. I also left the school right after school. Now, with the
influence of my friends who love students and work
enthusiastically here, I feel supported and become more vigor-
ous in work. For instance, when I stayed at school with students
very late after school every day in preparation for a school func-
tion under my charge, I felt disappointed at first when my
friends discouraged me by saying that I should not have
implemented this function that had made me overloaded.
Nevertheless, later I found they were willing to give me
voluntary help in the process. This sense of support has
encouraged me to work more vigorously. (Angela)

21