I've been thinking a lot lately about leadership in schools. For my other SUU class this semester, I've been assigned to write my philosphy of educational leadership. It's easy to look at the principals and leaders we see in our school communities and notice similar qualities in effective leaders. They're knowledgeable of the rules and regulations that govern their school. They're adept at building positive relationships with students, teachers, and community. Above all, they care about the success of students in their school. The more I think about it and study the topic, however, the more I come to realize that maybe one of the most important qualities a leader can possess (and possibly the most difficult to master) is the ability to look at a situation or issue within a school and apply the appropriate leadership and management skills to best fit that need.
How does this apply to an online school? In my online high school, we rely on leaders who can help keep our faculty focused on the goal of helping students succeed and improve. It goes beyond simply cheerleading or leading from an 'ivory tower'- our leaders can and should help us to develop the necessary strategies to achieve our goals. Collaboration and teamwork are essential to our success. In an online school, just like any other school, communication is key. We rely on feedback from students and parents to know how we're doing, and what areas of instruction are in need of improvement. An effective administrator can help teachers to collect and analyze that feedback and create a plan to make the necessary adjustments.
To sum up, a truly effective leader in education could be effective no matter what the setting. This is not because the leader is perfect or has all the answers, although that would be nice. It is because the leader has taken the time to learn how to apply the appropriate skills needed to best fit their environment.
Angie,
ReplyDeleteI like your blog about Educational Leadership. comming up with a philosophy of education can be difficult. It sounds like you have a great handle on your philosophy in your situation were you conduct classes online communication could play a vital role in management. Comunicating with other faculty members and students could be a real challenge. Another asspect of a philosophy could also include organizational skills. From viewing your blog I get the sense that you are a well organized person.
Good Luck
Pat Parkinson
I had to do the same assignment. I didn't relize we were in the same class. I found it interesting to look at what makes an educational leader. I think there is definately a difference between educational leaders and educational administrators. What you described seemed more to me like an educational leader. They know how to involve people and to change the school atmosphere for the better. They are more focused on students than on tasks.
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