Effective education leaders work with a crucial goal: To develop educational policies that boost student learning, support teaching practices, and yield remarkable student outcomes.
Teacher preparation programs like Teachers of Tomorrow prepare educators for the classroom and a future in educational leadership. As trainees immerse themselves in the training to become educators, many develop leadership skills useful in today’s changing learning landscape.
Importance of Leadership in Shaping Educational Policies and Practices
Success in education rises and falls with leadership. Visionary leaders are what it takes to create educational policies that favor student achievement and create a supportive teaching environment for educators.
Each school is unique, and schools within the same district have different needs, calling for different educational policies, practices, and strategies.
Visionary leadership in education uses the schools’ long-term goals to develop practices that guide the school community toward the set objectives. This often means having a series of short-term goals determined by the needs of the students.
For instance:
- Can students benefit from having flexible timetables based on the learning needs of each class?
- Does the school have a guideline for creating collaborative structures?
- What protocols are in place to assess students’ preparedness?
- If transformation is the goal, how can the school involve the neighboring community in some of its programs and activities?
These and other policies can only be implemented by education leaders. And they work best when drafted in partnership with teachers who understand student needs.
Characteristics and Skills of Effective Educational Leaders
Effective school leaders are not only concerned about the academic welfare of learners. They are also intent on raising well-rounded, upstanding citizens who can be changemakers. That takes more than instilling academic discipline. It takes:
- Nurturing
- Guiding
- Encouraging
- Inspiring
- Challenging
- And correcting students.
Leaders who seek to bring out the best in their students have a set of guiding skills and characteristics. Among the most impactful of these are:
- They fight for inclusivity
- They notice and encourage talent or leadership traits
- They encourage partnerships and collaboration
- They provide opportunities for professional growth.
In addition, they are:
- Good listeners
- Passionate
- Risk-takers
- Problem-solvers
- Lifelong learners
- Community-oriented.
For instance, it’s not unusual for them to champion alternative certification program enrollment for community members interested in becoming teachers.
The Impact of Visionary Leadership on Teacher Training and Student Outcomes
Visionary education leaders understand that running the school program is not a one-person job. They may be the topmost authority at the school, but they know it takes all the staff, teaching and non-teaching, to achieve successful outcomes.
Here is what happens when visionary leaders take the helm in educational institutions:
- They share the vision for students’ performance with teachers and other colleagues so they can all work together to attain that vision.
- They avail the resources a) needed to enhance teaching capacity and b) to support programs that boost student outcomes.
- They encourage membership and participation in professional learning communities (PLC). Most go a step further and assign time for PLC activities. Engaging in PLCs enhances teaching practices, leading to improved student outcomes.
- They provide a conducive environment for teachers to thrive.
As a result:
- Teachers feel good about working at the school, which can contribute to teacher retention.
- Teachers feel empowered to pursue additional certifications and professional development.
- Teachers become more engaged, which leads to more student engagement and achievement.
Conclusion
To a large extent, education policies influence student achievement. Visionary leaders understand this connection and provide a positive learning environment where teachers are engaged and committed to improving their teaching practices. Likewise, they create a good work environment for educators, providing resources and networking opportunities that support teachers’ work.