On Monday, May 31, Melinda Miller (@mmiller7571) retweeted the following:
“@teachergirl89: "Spilling Ink" challenge... blogging every day in June...Who's up for it? http://tinyurl.com/nc7gg3” anyone?“
Well, I told Melinda that I would if she would and she told me that she would if I would. So, I guess that settles it. We both will.
I’ve decided to start my month of blog-a-day by answering the following job application question that I recently wrote. Here is part one:
Describe the knowledge, skills, and qualities one should embody to be an effective educational leader.
Being an effective educational leader requires a complex set of knowledge, skills, and qualities. There is a temptation to think that the principal must know it all, be able to do it all, and be everything to everyone. While this is not possible, the effective educational leader must never stop acquiring knowledge; the principal must use that knowledge with a variety of skills to create the conditions for learning; and the effective educational leader must embody a diverse set of qualities so that his vision is inclusive and attainable. Effective educational leadership starts with a wide-ranging knowledge.
...
Tune in tomorrow for more about the knowledge that an effective educational leader needs.
As always, I would love to hear your comments.
1 down, 29 to go.
Larry: I have studied this subject so I can tell you the qualities that districts and teachers are looking for in a leader. I won't give you the list here, but I will let you know if you miss anything. Your first point is a good one. In essence, the leader must show the staff that he or she is a model learner. This is part of leading by example, so it is vital that people see you learning. Learning from your staff and students can empower them, but you don't want to seem clueless. I look forward to the next installment.
ReplyDeleteDouglas W. Green, EdD - DrDougGreen.Com
Larry - Thanks for the post. I love reading about leadership and finding nuggets of wisdom that may help me do a better job in my position. As I read your description of an educational leader, I can't help thinking that the same qualities that you describe are those that we look for in teachers.
ReplyDeleteI think that one of the biggest parts of our job is to empower teachers. We need to hire quality teachers and then provide them with the resources they need to do their jobs.
Fits with a quote I like - "Leaders don't inflict pain, they bear pain."
I look forward to tomorrow's post.
Douglas,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the comment. One of the small ways that I show I am learning (to both staff and students) is to post the title of the book that I am reading on my office door. Many teachers have started doing this on their classroom doors - makes for good conversation.
Pat,
ReplyDeleteI am flattered that you even think it possible to find a nugget of wisdom from me. If you do fine one, please send it back to me as I may need it again soon.