An effective, strong leader is able to create a culture of creativity, risk-taking, and innovation. They are able to build this culture for students and staff alike. It is, in part, developed through building relationships within the school community, relationships within the global community, student empowerment, teacher empowerment, having a clear, shared vision, and collaboration, trust, and clear communication between all stakeholders. They also share their success and failures in their resources and experiences in order to encourage, motivate, and inspire others to take risks and facilitate change within their own contexts. An effective leader is one who collaborates with students, teachers, parents, and with other administrators in order to lead the school toward a common goal.

 

An educational leader must create a nurturing environment that supports success of individuals as well as the whole group. This starts with a ​positive, safe learning space. Creating a physically and emotionally safe and welcoming environment where all can thrive as learners, as educators, and as citizens is critical in developing the culture of the school community. It continues with collaboration from all stakeholders in the school and building the community around that.

 

In building that culture, it is imperative to consider the different types of learners and the circumstances which they face due to different privileges and equitable practices set in place, or lack-thereof. Part of doing this comes first with loving our students and having their voices heard and seen throughout the school. When students know they are accepted for who they are and where they are in their educational journey, and if given the proper access and support systems, they can become well-educated, investigative decision-makers in our society. As educators it is within our reach to empower our students with the use of relevant and rigorous curriculum and instruction, and to implement it as we see necessary, in order for our students to attain the skills needed for their continued success, diligence, and happiness. The same holds true for our educators - including our teachers, office staff, adult aides, and all classified staff. They share a role in creating the culture of the school. In order to build the desired culture, they also need that love, that voice, and that presence. Providing differentiated, professional learning opportunities to our educators may be helpful in further motivating and inspiring them. But what is even more important with those opportunities is empowering them with the tools and support they need to take those ideas and implement them into their own practices - worry-free of success or failure.

 

Trust in our educators, just as trust in our students and their parents, plays a critical role in the climate and culture of the school. An effective school leader trusts that their staff is doing and will continue to do what is needed for the betterment of their students they serve, while still supporting their staff to grow where needed. They trust that their students are giving their best they can, given the immediate conditions. They trust that the students’ parents are doing their best, that they know how, and understand that those same parents trust them with their child. Building that trust, recognizing achievements and successes, and empowering our educators, students, and parents to do better for themselves and become the best at their art, all becomes part of that school culture - a culture where all can thrive, grow, and find success.

 

Learning is a lifelong process, and so I believe reflection and seeking growth, mentorship, and feedback is important as a school leader. An effective leader is thoughtful and reflective so they can understand where they’ve been, where they are, what they’re doing, and how they can better reach their goals, all while considering many perspectives to gain an even better understanding of their own growth. As a catalyst for educational change, I believe that constant learning and growth is necessary from all.