Effective Leadership in Education

Abstract

Throughout this paper, I will address key elements surrounding my personal philosophy of educational leadership which is the belief that leaders must have a vision and the ability to articulate it clearly to others while providing opportunities for others to learn and grow. 

Anyone having the opportunity to work with the youth in today’s society can attest to the fact that this generation is different that all others before it. They speak in a language that we don’t always understand, have varying opinions about life and what is expected of them, and think differently when it comes to religion and social issues. Sadly, without appropriate leadership many in this may generation develop ideations of entitlement or feelings of inadequacy. When faced with a difficult task many rely on others to do the grunt work, or simply will not put forth any effort because they feel they should not have to. Throughout the years, research has been conducted to look at the importance of educational leadership and the success students, models have been created and data points established. Models by themselves do not, however, describe the what and how of leadership practice: which practices of leadership are effective and, in particular, the link between these factors and theories of school improvement. There is a lot at stake, and it’s time for a new generation of leaders to rise up and take charge. I am passionate about raising up great leaders and believe that this generation has what it takes to change our nation and the world for Christ. 

Educational leadership creates a vision of academic success for all students and allows team members to play an active role in the development of today’s youth. Leadership is about influence, and without influence it is impossible to be a leader. Of course, having influence means that there is a great responsibility on the part of leaders to exercise their influence ethically and lead effectively. Being able to envision the future is decidedly important and has a tremendous impact on people’s motivational levels and workplace productivity. A great leader listens not only to others, but also to his conscience and to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Anyone having the opportunity to work with the youth in today’s society can attest to the fact that this generation is different that all others before it. If we are to continue being “One Nation Under God” we must instill values and beliefs in future generations that will last far after we’re gone. With so many negative influences surrounding our youth, it is vital that we rise up and be the leaders they need.

Philosophy of Educational Leadership

Educational leadership is a collaborative effort that unites students, teachers, parents, and the community towards a common goal. The goal of educational leadership should be to improve the quality of education for our students, while the purpose of educational leadership is to ensure academic success through the processes, policies, procedures, and trainings we implement. Kouzes & Posner identified the first practice of highly effective leaders as being role models for the organization who are focused and driven by a set of core values that will influence short-term decisions and long-term aspirations. Values must guide the decision-making process and transcend every level of organization. Not only are we leading those on our staff, but also the students who are growing and learning to become adults. Setting the example in the building, whether the school building or central office building, through authentic values is such a powerful starting point for success. “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1—New International Version). Effective educational leadership continues with having team members who share the same vision and are willing and able to accept responsibility as it is delegated. Leaders develop and communicate the vision, while also listening to those around them seeking to unify around a shared purpose. Having a vision is vital for success, because when a vision is not present the organization does not have a focus, and is, in essence, wandering aimlessly with no common goal or destination in sight. Proverbs 29:18 (New International Version) stresses the importance of having vision, stating, “Where there is no vision, the people perish…”. Kouzes and Posner state that exemplary leaders are forward looking, they envision the future, imagine that extraordinary feats are possible, develop an image of the future for the common good, and believe that something noble can emerge from the ordinary. The next generation needs leaders who are willing to stand up for what’s right, lead by example and not afraid to do hard things.

Leadership Practice

As leaders contemplate how to motivate people to bigger and better dreams, the crux of success lies with envisioning the future and getting others to enlist in the quest. Leaders cannot accomplish the mission alone; they need a team around them who have grasped onto the vision and have voluntarily aligned themselves in pursuit of that goal. Leaders must also lead by example and embrace challenges as opportunities. Kouzes and Posner discussed the relationship between a leader who takes initiative and a leader who is viewed as effective. Effective leadership practices should include shaping a vision of academic success for all students, creating a safe and nurturing environment where children can learn and grow, and having laser-like focus on the quality of instruction in their schools.

Relationships

Effective leadership allows those we are leading to actively participate in the process. Leaders should make trust and teamwork high priorities, acknowledging that “You can’t do it alone”. A hallmark of being a good leader is the ability to boost the confidence and work of others. Kouzes and Posner stated that leaders should encourage collaboration as much as possible, which will help people to not only feel part of the process, it will help them to grow and develop their own right. Building relationships with those around you is vital for success. An educational leader must be intentional about building personal relationships with each member of the faculty and staff, not simply being a boss of people who dictates and demands what they do. Leaders should coach their team to find success and encourage them while they are on their way to achieving it. In other words, relationships are the bedrock of every school’s capacity for improvement.

Diversity

Effective leadership includes acknowledging the importance of diversity amongst students and staff. When speaking about diversity, many may immediately think of race, but there are numerous aspects that play into diversity such as religion, gender, economic background and even learning styles. Promoting diversity in staffing enables students from different backgrounds to identify with teachers, effectively enhancing their trust in the learning environment. Likewise, promoting diversity within the faculty and staff sets the tone for building meaningful relationships where everyone has something unique and needed to bring to the table. Culture is a significant influence on school leadership in and within different societies because it helps to shape school leaders’ thoughts and subsequent actions about concepts such as leadership, followership, communication and learning and teaching.

Conclusion

Educational leadership creates a vision of academic success for all students and allows team members to play an active role in the development of today’s youth. Anyone having the opportunity to work with the youth in today’s society can attest to the fact that this generation is different that all others before it. If we are going to ensure the continued success of our nation, we must start from the head down. It is vital that leaders lead by example and develop a vision of academic success for all students by creating safe and nurturing environments where they can learn and grow. Effective leaders can envision the future and possess the ability to motivate those under them while encouraging productivity. A great leader listens not only to others, but also to his conscience and to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Nehemiah was a wonderful example of effective leadership; he has a vision and immediately jumped into action. Nehemiah was a true leader who was willing to do the very work he was asking of others and because of his example the people caught on to this vision. Throughout this paper we have discussed effective leadership and the factors they play into it such as relationship, diversity and practices. The bottom line is leaders cannot accomplish the mission alone; they need a team around them who have grasped onto the vision and have voluntarily aligned themselves in pursuit of that goal. The ultimate goal of educational leadership is ensuring we have done everything in our power to help students be successful, both in school and in life.

References

• Bowers, A.J. (2016). Challenges and opportunities of educational leadership research and practice: The state of the field and its multiple futures. Information Age Publishing.
• Dimmock, C. & Walker, A. (2005). Conceptualizing cross-cultural leadership. In Educational leadership: Culture and diversity (pp.21-42). London: SAGE Publications Ltd doi:10.4135/9781446247143.n3.
• Kouzes, J. & Posner, B. (2017). The leadership challenge: How to make extraordinary things happen in organization (6th ed.). John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
• Murphy, J. & Louis, K.S. (2018). Positive school leadership: Building capacity and strengthening relationships. Teachers College Press.