Educational Leadership Commons^™

What I Believe About Leadership And Education : A Reflective Essay, Michael J. Irvin

Graduate Research Papers

The key topics of education will be revealed throughout the entirety of this essay. The purpose of education and why leaders are important to school success will be the first topic. The section describes how leaders mold the school and work with teachers to find best practice is key to school-wide success. The next area the essay dissects is how the principal leads learning for students and teachers. School leaders have to bring teachers up to the maximum potential through staff development.

The third section will explain the importance of leadership during the change process. The fourth portion addresses how …

Critical Elements Essential For Exemplary Educational Leadership, Kara T. Jones

Graduate Research Papers

Education is a chameleon that is ever changing. As educators we must be willing to see where change needs to be made and accept the fact that we as individuals may need to change in order to provide the best education that the students deserve. Change is not an easy thing to accept or accomplish. It is more comfortable to sit in the same old place and not look outside our blinders. However we must realize that this does not help students or their parents. Not only does it not help these people it does not help us become better …

Essential Characteristics Of An Effective Educational Leader : A Reflective Essay, Lindsey R. Rice

Graduate Research Papers

An educational leader envisions the future and encourages others to align with the shared vision. He/she is able guide practices toward the vision to make it a reality. By thriving on successes and learning from failures, the vision will become focused and attainable. A leader must know how to tie the community of learners together with a common thread. All must be gazing upon the vision as they act each and every day.

I believe that there are four critical elements essential for exemplary educational leadership. A quality principal emulates visionary leadership, is an effective communicator, is a lifelong learner …

A Preferred Vision For Leading Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Al Blocker

Graduate Research Papers

An ideal school should be a place where every child wants to come and where every child is treated with respect and dignity. Schools should be a place where teachers are respected and feel valued about what they have to contribute. The ideal school should be a place where everyone feels welcomed and appreciated. People should feel this as they walk in the building. As a future administrator, I will do my best to make students and staff and other stakeholders feel appreciated, valued and respected.

A Preferred Vision For Leading Elementary, Middle, And High Schools : A Reflective Essay, Jodie M. Schepler

Graduate Research Papers

This is a personal reflective research paper that is a discussion of my personal characteristics, values, beliefs, and philosophies, while also outlining qualities that I believe are essential for leaders in education. This paper is a personal statement that will lead to the explanation of what I believe constitutes an exemplary educational leader.

Fundamentals That Result In A Well-Managed School : A Reflective Essay, Brian Gravel

Graduate Research Papers

Educational leadership takes on many roles. In this paper I will reason in areas of collaboration, discipline, and planning, while exploring the relationship that they have on a well managed school. I will address the six Iowa Leadership Standards of: Professional Leadership, Visionary Leadership, Instructional Leadership, Collaborative Leadership, Organizational Leadership, Ethical Leadership, and Political Leadership; and make some parallels to my future success as an administrator using these standards.

A Preferred Vision For Leading Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Ralph J. Hughes

Graduate Research Papers

Great leadership is the key to achieving success within any organization, team, and in my case, school. A strong leader always tries to keep things positive and his or her team on the same page, trying to achieve the same goal. To achieve the highest level of success within a school, an educational leader must: develop and implement a shared vision, develop clear communication, provide strong instructional leadership, and develop and maintain a positive school climate.

The Relationship Between Levels Of Moral Reasoning And Transformational Leadership Behaviors Of West Virginia Public School Administrators, Cynthia L. Daniel

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between levels of moral reasoning and the use of transformational leadership behaviors of public school administrators in West Virginia. The Defining Issues Test-2 was used to measure levels of moral reasoning. Transformational leadership behaviors were measured by the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire 5x. The population for the study consisted of 55 superintendents; 62 deputy, assistant, or associate superintendents and 250 randomly selected principals. A total of 103 administrators participated in the study. A one-shot case study design was used. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation, T-Test for independent samples, and one-way analysis …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Theresa A. Fisher

Graduate Research Papers

Effective principals articulate a clear vision about what they expect of adults and students. They do this more than just the beginning of the year. They spend time explaining to students what they expect in achievement, behavior, attitude,and effort. They don't make excuses. They make sure learners have what they need to meet high expectations. They motivate, inspire, provide direction, and celebrate excellence. If principals don't have high expectations, they cannot expect much of others.

Principals must establish high expectations in their schools. You can model high expectations by selecting challenging goals, informing others of your dreams, and keeping people …

What I Believe About Leadership And Education : A Reflective Essay, Matthew R. Bro

Graduate Research Papers

The works of a great leader will brilliantly encompass many specific critical elements. One must consider the many different ways an individual leader's own unique personality can combine the critical elements together. The critical leadership elements combined with the individual's own unique personality traits will make one realize that to break down the critical elements of the exceptional leader is a daunting task.

We are very complex, fearfully and wonderfully made creatures (Psalm 139:14) that cannot be analyzed easily. However we have likely experienced great leadership, and have asked ourselves: Why it is that this person motivates me, challenges me, …

A Preferred Vision For Leading Schools : A Reflective Essay, Deanne E.H. Lewis

Graduate Research Papers

"A school administrator is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by ensuring management of the organization, operations, and resources for a safe, efficient, and effective learning environment" (Wilmore, 2002, p. 52). All children should be given equal opportunity for advancement and growth. What is challenging for one child may be boring and repetitive for another. Placing students in appropriate settings that will allow the appropriate level of challenge and pace of learning for each child is the goal for the creation of the differentiating classroom.

Critical Elements Essential For Exemplary Educational Leadership : A Reflective Essay, Susan M. Muehl

Graduate Research Papers

My core beliefs are very. strong when it comes to education. All students need effective staff members who are supportive of their endeavors. A supportive staff member is someone who is apart of the school community, they work well with others through effective communication, they support each other, and they all work toward the common shared vision of the school. My core beliefs match my goals to become an effective principal and the way I live my life.

The cultivation of a supportive community within a school happens over a period of time. The principal is the captain that leads …

The Effects Of The Use Of Dynamic Geometry Software On Student Achievement And Interest, Heidi B. Hansen

Mathematics Graduate Theses

This study examines the current research that exists on the effects that the use of dynamic geometry software has on student achievement and interest level in mathematics. Additional questions examined are whether using dynamic geometry software has a greater impact on high or low achievers, and what current methods of implementation are suggested by the research. A review of the relevant literature indicates that the use of dynamic geometry software does have a positive effect on student achievement, particularly achievement in areas of high-level thinking. Insufficient research has been done on the effect that the use of dynamic geometry software …

Increasing Organization Capacity: A Systems Approach Utilizing Transformational And Distributed Leadership Practices, Patricia L. Reeves

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to test a transformational, systemic change framework designed by the researcher to assist school leaders who are attempting to incorporate the major elements of transformational leadership theory, systems theory, and organizational development theory into their school or school district operations. The study involved both the distillation and organization of the major theoretical elements from the literature into an operational framework for planning, conducting, and monitoring the systemic change process in K-12 school systems. This framework was, then, tested by the researcher for its descriptive power in a case study analysis of an actual school …

What I Believe About Leadership And Education : A Reflective Essay, Katie J. Koble/Walsworth

Graduate Research Papers

Good leadership is critical for a successful school. The school revolves around the leadership at the top. It is important for administrators to have respect from teachers and students. I feel one of the best ways to gain respect is to be fair in the area of discipline. Organized structure and high expectations become achievable if there is fairness across the board. I feel it is important to make no exceptions and stand by the school policies in order for people to believe in the integrity of an administrator.

I feel good leaders must exemplify the characteristics of good, caring …

A Preferred Vision For Leading Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Paul Flynn

Graduate Research Papers

I believe leadership is a tenuous position. Exemplary educational leaders need to be honest, forthright, consistent, fair, and caring. A failure in any of these traits often results in the loss of faith in the leader. People will not follow a leader they no longer have faith in. In addition to these traits, a good leader must be a tireless worker. Keeping the vision alive and -functioning must be a continual process, and if the principal is not willing to work at it, neither will others. Leadership involves creating an atmosphere and an environment where people are willing to adapt …

A Vision Of Elementary School Leadership : A Reflective Research Paper, Dawn R. Embretson

Graduate Research Papers

I want to help children feel that sense of belonging, self-worth, and pride that comes from learning. My task as an administrator will be to put the necessary pieces in place to make sure that happens. One strand woven throughout all my experiences is the importance of building and sustaining relationships.

Two key beliefs I will discuss in the following pages include: 1. The keys to helping our students find success is in the effectiveness of our teachers. 2. An administrator is responsible for creating a nurturing school environment, which enables him/her to lead students, families and staff toward a …

A Preferred Vision For Leading Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Jeffrey A. Haverland

Graduate Research Papers

I believe there are four critical elements necessary for any administrator to be a successful leader of learning. The first critical element is the creation and maintenance of an exceptional school climate and culture where learning is approached with enthusiasm and wonder. Second, the administrator must maintain a direct connection to the learning environment, at all times, so that learning is seen as important and expected. Third, ethical leadership of the school community is foundational to the success of the school community, and the building administrators must always act with integrity. Finally, the administrator must develop, implement, and continually support …

What I Believe About Leadership And Education : A Reflective Essay, Cheri Thomas Cederlund

Graduate Research Papers

I believe that the role of the principal is vital in the development of a school climate and a culture where instructional leadership emerges from the teachers themselves. Building a culture that supports and builds capacity for shared leadership and learning takes work. "Such a culture doesn't magically appear; it evolves through explicit and intentional work at defining, redesigning, and continuously improving every aspect of the way they do school" (Conzemius & O'Neill, 2001, p. 114). Although every person within the organization plays a role in initiating this culture, shared responsibility and leadership, the most significant role a principal can …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Maurice D. Betzel

Graduate Research Papers

Today's aspiring principals may have a lot to worry about, but they also have a lot to celebrate. Not only do today's principals have to worry about the mental and physical challenges of the principalship, but they also are living in a time of tremendous possibility for systemic change. The possibility for raising the level of student performance is not only unprecedented, it is to be celebrated.

Principals must have a tremendous desire to lead in today's world. They must believe every child can learn and help that child discover his/her particular way of learning. They must have a commitment …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Melinda J. Hart

Graduate Research Papers

A balance between all academic standards will create an effective leader striving to provide a safe and educationally rich learning environment for all children. An administrator must be clear in the set of beliefs they plan to practice.

My professional vision is to utilize my leadership style to create a school climate where the worth of all children is recognized and all children will be included in the classroom to the maximum extent possible. These children will grow to be socially responsible individuals capable of functioning successfully in the world around them to the best of their abilities. The overwhelming …

A Preferred Vision For Administering High Schools : A Reflective Essay, Jason A. Knittel

Graduate Research Papers

If a person wants to succeed on becoming a principal, a leader, that person has to understand what people want and need. A principal needs to learn how to listen and talk with people. He also needs to understand different cultures, because not everyone is the same. There is an important relationship between the law and protection of the students as well as the staff.

A principal needs to have a sense of humor. Laugh with the students and the staff. Others will understand him as a human. He needs to be strong. People like to mock policies or complain …

A Preferred Vision For Leading Elementary And Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Melissa D. Hasty

Graduate Research Papers

I believe our education system is vital to our nation and to our way of life. We need educational leaders who are committed to our students and willing to become masters of each of the critical elements associated with exemplary principals. The six Iowa Standards for School Leaders (ISSL) define what the exemplary school principal should know, be like and do to create productive schools where all children are learning.

A Vision Of Leadership For Secondary School : A Reflective Essay, Bret A. Jones

Graduate Research Papers

Leadership requires a vision. A clear picture of what you want to accomplish. It's teaching those around you how they can better themselves as well as the people they are working with. It's developing, organizing, and monitoring a plan so the vision can be carried out. It's knowing that you cannot reach the vision alone and drawing from the people around you. Using all the resources your school and community have to offer. Leadership is modeling desired behaviors and showing others you care. Leadership is making tough decisions , and leading change when needed. Leadership is not what you think, …

A Vision Of Middle Level Administration : A Reflective Essay, Wendy R. Cunningham

Graduate Research Papers

Administration, regardless of its specific place, is never an easy job. Daft (2002) states that leadership occurs among people; it is not something done to people. Another author, Robert DeBlois (2000) says that an effective organization and a good leader rely on the talent, commitment, and leadership of many people in the organization. No one person, good leader or not, can effectively oversee, motivate, recognize, and support every individual within a school community. Being a good leader is no more or less complicated than knowing who you are and what your job is.

A Personal Philosophy Of Secondary Educational Leadership : A Reflective Essay, John A. Netty Ii

Graduate Research Papers

The ability to create and share a vision, knowledge of the.data collection process, organizational effectiveness, and the ability to lead ethically are indeed four critical elements of effective educational leadership. However, I do not believe that these four elements alone will result in an educational leader that is truly great. The truly great educational leader will utilize these elements while helping those around them see more potential in themselves than they ever knew existed. In addition, the truly great educational leader will inspire those around them to fully realize or even exceed this potential. Ultimately, the truly great educational leader …

A Preferred Vision For Leading Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Brian E. Duwe

Graduate Research Papers

I see the role of the Administrator as the commander and leader of the school's vision. Concern, compassion and consideration are strong virtues a leader must have. I think Administrators have the capability to have an impact on all areas of the school community. A true leader possesses the ability to get individuals to work together for the common good and the best possible results for all.

My Vision And Beliefs To Effectively Lead A Middle School : A Reflective Research Paper, Philip L. Laube

Graduate Research Papers

The most influential role in a school is the educational leader. A leader's vision and beliefs are what shapes the school's success or failure. Leadership qualities involve being an effective communicator, an instructional leader, a facilitator of change, a relationship builder, and an ethical leader. Obviously, the range of roles the principal must possess is vast. Within each educational leadership quality are numerous traits that aid in the effectiveness of the principal.

A Preferred Vision For Administrating Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Travis J. Fleshner

Graduate Research Papers

The mission and. vision of the American public school system must promote the individual success of each of its students. School districts throughout the country are as unique as the students that attend them; just as the needs of each school system are unique. The physical structure and climate vary from district to district, and state to state. The dynamics of the educational system are too great to box up and label one district as the model for all others use as a pattern. However, there are important elements that create school districts that are higher achieving than others. The …

A Vision For Administrating Iowa Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Mark Scott

Graduate Research Papers

The role of secondary principals is always changing. The days of the secondary principal being the master of discipline no longer exists. Discipline is now only a minute part of a principal's role. A principal's role is moving more towards a team player and leader. Teamwork is needed to ensure all students receive the very best educational opportunities. The principal must play an active role in developing all the components necessary for students to succeed in the secondary schools.