“Servant leadership is a leadership philosophy in which the main goal of the leader is to serve. This is different from traditional leadership where the leader’s main focus is the thriving of their company or organizations”
When thinking about who I am most grateful for during my time at KIPP NJ, my mind immediately is directed to someone who I think truly embodies the definition of leadership. I have had the privilege of being able to work with Marya Tambawala in her role as the 4th grade AP at Seek Academy. Not only does she drive results, but she understands that by helping and serving her teachers, everyone benefits. Beyond physically helping people with materials and resources, leaders can also serve by considering the emotional and spiritual needs that teachers have after giving so much of themselves throughout a school day.
Due to the profound impact that Marya has had on me, I thought it would be helpful to share some of the ways that she has led my team and I by serving and addressing our needs:
- Freedom and professional independence provide teachers with a sense of appreciation and trust.
- Build a good relationship with teachers by simply listening to them, understanding their needs and looking for ways to satisfy them.
- Gifts of time or choice. Or simple words of encouragement, spoken or written.
- Hand write staff members a note expressing gratitude. Make the messages unique so that they feel more targeted and specific.
Kevin Polanco, Seek Academy
For Love of the Game 