English with Ms. Tee

WHEN LEADERSHIP MEANS LETTING GO ..

We often associate leadership with strength, decisiveness, and control. But over time, I’ve come to understand that some of the most powerful leadership moments happen not when we take charge but when we step back. Whether in a classroom, a team, or even at home, leadership sometimes means trusting others enough to let go, even when it’s uncomfortable.

It’s in those moments of release that true growth for both the leader and those they lead begins.

In my own journey as a teacher, a mentor, and a working mom I’ve learned that real leadership shows up not in micromanaging, but in trusting.

Trusting your team, your students, or even your own instincts. It means letting go of perfection, ego, and the need to always be in charge.

When we let go, we give others a chance to step in and that’s how we multiply leadership, not just manage people.

Growth doesn’t happen in control. And it happens in freedom, support, and the courage to let go.

Always remember,

Letting go isn’t weakness, it’s wisdom

Be the Leader You Once Needed

Once, Nelson Mandela said, “It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory.”

Have you ever felt like quitting your job? Or cried just thinking about going to work, despite all the responsibilities on your shoulders?

I’ve felt and seen others feel the same.

In my experience, leadership can change everything. A good leader can bring out the best in people. A bad one can break a team, crush spirits, and make even the most talented person feel small.

I’ve seen leaders who want nothing more than to be “The Boss.” They don’t listen. They don’t collaborate. They want full control. Simply, a one-man or one-woman show.

And I’ve often asked myself: If you’re leading a team filled with capable, brilliant people, what’s the point of silencing them?

Here’s what real leadership looks like to me:

* Having a listening ear, not just to respond, but to truly understand.

* Valuing every idea. No matter where it comes from or how quiet the voice may be.

* Not surrounding yourself with “yes” people just for comfort or control.

* Welcoming challenge. Especially from the bold, the smart, and the honest.

* Making sure no one goes home burdened by favoritism or unfairness.

* Being someone your team can count on Mind you, especially when things go wrong.

* Being approachable, empathetic, and open. Be the kind of person people trust with their struggles.

* Leading in a way that earns respect both in your presence and in your absence.

I believe a true leader doesn’t lead to impress superiors. They lead to serve the people depending on them.

To me, leadership isn’t about titles, power, or recognition. It’s about responsibility and the responsibility to protect, guide, and uplift.

So no matter how high a person climbs, he or she must never forget who they were before the title.

Everyone must stay grounded.

Always be the kind of leader you once needed. Not the kind you feared.

Dead Horse Theory in Education

In education, we sometimes keep riding “dead horses” : outdated methods, rigid systems, or teaching strategies that no longer serve our students.

Whether it’s over-relying on rote learning, ignoring diverse learning needs, or sticking to a curriculum that’s lost its relevance, continuing with what’s not working only slows progress.

So how do we dismount?

• Reflect regularly on what’s working and what’s not.

• Incorporate student feedback into planning and delivery.

• Adapt teaching methods to include active learning, technology, and real-world application.

• Collaborate with peers to share new strategies and best practices.

• Be willing to unlearn old habits and try new, student-centered approaches.

It’s definitely time to stop holding on to what’s familiar and start doing what truly works.

Every time I wear this cloak, I’m reminded of the hard work and determination it took to get here.

♥️

It’s hard to believe another year has wrapped up. Every day, I’ve met over a hundred faces, each with their own stories, struggles, and dreams. Watching them grow, fall, rise again, and push through has been a rollercoaster of emotions, but more than anything, it’s been a blessing.

Sometimes, just being there for them through the hard days, the messy decisions, the breakdowns that feel like the end of the world makes me realize how much this job is about more than teaching.

It’s not just about finishing the syllabus or getting through lesson plans
Some days, I’m a teacher
Other days, I’m a listener, a nurse, a friend, a quiet therapist
Often, I’m all of it at once

There are moments when my mind feels like a blur, so much happening at once, and I find myself sitting in silence wondering, did that really just happen? But there’s no time to dwell. You pick yourself up and move on to the next challenge, the next student who needs you

Even when I question myself, my energy, my choices, my strength, I somehow become that strong, steady person my students believe in. The one who can juggle deadlines, lesson plans, observations, and still be there with a warm smile and open arms

Teaching really is one of the most misunderstood and underrated jobs. People often don’t see what happens behind the scenes. But I feel the magic in the small moments

Like when a student runs up just to say, Miss, I’ll miss you
Or when they ask, Can you be our teacher again next year
Or that random hug at the end of a long, draining day

Those are the moments that make it all worth it

So here’s to another year of learning, growing, stumbling, healing, and loving what I do because being a teacher means carrying a hundred hearts in yours every single day

♥️

Happy to have completed Pearson’s training on assessing IGCSE English Language B. It helped clarify a few doubts and refine the methods I’ve already been using to prepare students for the Edexcel O/L English exam.

A valuable opportunity to strengthen my approach and better support my students’ success!

It was a pleasure to take part in Pearson’s face-to-face teacher training session in Sri Lanka, focused on the 2025 International GCSE English Language B. The session was packed with practical insights and effective teaching strategies that I’m excited to bring into my classroom.

It was also a wonderful opportunity to connect and exchange ideas with fellow educators from the field.

Thank you to Pearson for an inspiring and impactful professional development experience.