I am the lead instructor of Fire Technology at HSHMC and this is a program that I created. I am the leader and I am very proud of this program. I believe that my program offers the HSHMC Fire Cadets a unique insight to a new style of leadership. The Fire Program is based strongly on a para military style command system, where ultimately I am in charge. It is almost like a drill sergeant dictatorship, not a democracy. I say “jump!” The students say “how high?”
However, I believe I have been successful in blending this style of teaching with the five pillars and core values of HSHMC. While I am often viewed as an authoritarian leader, I encourage leading by example and student leadership. I will always model and do what I ask of my students. In addition, the Fire Technology Program offers students who have great grades and excellents citizenship , the right to be an academy chief. This is a unique opportunity, where students are nurtured and aided by me, but have the chance to lead their peers. I would say that the paramilitary style of teaching maybe more authoritative, but I believe that I do gradually release the responsibility of leadership to the students, throughout the course, which makes the program and my style of teaching more democratic.
In the beginning of first semester, I teach students about the incident command system and explain my expectations and goals. As the students progress and understand my expectations as a leader, I slowly release the responsibility onto the students and let them manage themselves. It is an incredible experience to watch a high school student command their peers.
Moreover, as I am an internship Instructor, I make an effort to build relationships with the students, parents, teachers and community to ensure the success of this program. I want everyone to be able to rely upon me and know that I am there to help. The end result is that students grow and learn that they can do more than they ever thought. Students can work harder, push harder and be valued and recognized in a community which supports their well being.
However, I believe I have been successful in blending this style of teaching with the five pillars and core values of HSHMC. While I am often viewed as an authoritarian leader, I encourage leading by example and student leadership. I will always model and do what I ask of my students. In addition, the Fire Technology Program offers students who have great grades and excellents citizenship , the right to be an academy chief. This is a unique opportunity, where students are nurtured and aided by me, but have the chance to lead their peers. I would say that the paramilitary style of teaching maybe more authoritative, but I believe that I do gradually release the responsibility of leadership to the students, throughout the course, which makes the program and my style of teaching more democratic.
In the beginning of first semester, I teach students about the incident command system and explain my expectations and goals. As the students progress and understand my expectations as a leader, I slowly release the responsibility onto the students and let them manage themselves. It is an incredible experience to watch a high school student command their peers.
Moreover, as I am an internship Instructor, I make an effort to build relationships with the students, parents, teachers and community to ensure the success of this program. I want everyone to be able to rely upon me and know that I am there to help. The end result is that students grow and learn that they can do more than they ever thought. Students can work harder, push harder and be valued and recognized in a community which supports their well being.