Educational Leadership Commons^™

Critical Elements For Leadership In Education : A Reflective Essay, Joan C. Schueller

Graduate Research Papers

An educational institution will not perform better than its top leader and will not carry a vision that its leader does not promote. Effective leadership is essential in education today with unprecedented demands on educators and the ever-changing culture of children and families. Ethical leadership, instructional leadership, visionary leadership and organizational skills are critical elements of effective educational leaders in our schools.

A Vision Of Educational Leadership, Cheryl J. Bentley

Graduate Research Papers

I believe that an educational leader must walk into any position with something of a dual personality. He or she must be able to examine and interpret the minutiae of research data and best practice, to handle the day-to-day crises of students, staff, and a community, and to work with such details as schedules and commitment of resources. On the other hand, the educational leader must also be able to continually keep sight of the larger context within which all these details exist. And finally, the inspired and inspiring educational leader never ceases efforts to bring the external and internal …

A Preferred Vision For Leading Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, James R. Meyer

Graduate Research Papers

Making every effort to improve student learning is a collaborative effort that includes schools, parents, and the community as a whole. As the pressure to raise test scores continues to mount, schools must see parents and the community as strong allies with a vested interest in schools. Schools have had a tremendous impact on student learning. If we bridge the gap to include parents and the broader community, we will enter into an era of unprecedented effectiveness in promoting student learning.

A Preferred Vision For Exemplary, Character-Based Educational Leadership : A Reflective Essay, Kerry M. Ketcham

Graduate Research Papers

The pivotal personality in the education equation is the educational leader. Without the leadership and guidance of an individual with impeccable personal character, and an unwavering optimistic vision, the educational establishment will shift and toss on a never-ending sea of improvement initiatives – or sink to the lowest common denominator of sorting people into their traditionally proper roles in society. With those characteristics cited above, a leader has an opportunity to deliver on the promise of educational opportunity for more community members. Even with these characteristics, the delivery of that promise is not certain, but it is more likely. And …

A Preferred Vision For Leading K-12 Schools : A Reflective Essay, Tammy A. Kruse

Graduate Research Papers

Every child deserves the learning/development and opportunities to earn a diploma. Since education is the primary building block in becoming a successful citizen, as teachers we should make every attempt for student achievement and the development of citizenship. Every child has the ability to learn if given the correct tools to do so and is given a chance. Educators must be honest and trustworthy individuals to earn students' respect. As educators, we all need to encourage children to enjoy education and to understand that life is about life long learning.

A Preferred Vision For Leading An Exemplary School : A Reflective Essay, Shauna Dennison

Graduate Research Papers

While all the elements of a school are important, an educational leader needs to lead by example; he/she should be the model. Leadership traits considered absolutely necessary are professionalism, honesty, trustworthy, and the ability to communicate effectively. A well-rounded principal truly has the best interest of the students, staff, and community at heart, and is knowledgeable about all aspects of a district. Precise and timely decision making involving concerned, upset, or maybe even hostile individuals needs to be addressed immediately and effectively. A good leader has common sense, great communication skills, and of course, compassion.

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.

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 …

Administrative Strategies That Foster Self-Reflective Practice In Iowa Educators As Perceived By Middle Level Principals And Teachers, Jane Brandt Lindaman

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

With the onset of the Iowa Quality Teacher Legislation, the Iowa Teaching Standards are mandated for use by all school districts in Iowa. These standards call for administrators to assist teachers in becoming self-reflective practitioners. The purpose of this study was to investigate administrative strategies employed by principals to assist teachers in becoming self-reflective toward the Iowa Teaching Standards. A secondary purpose of the study was to investigate the extent to which teachers are currently utilizing self-reflection as a method of improving their instructional effectiveness, as perceived by middle level teachers and principals in Iowa.

Four research questions were examined …

Implementation Of The Student Services Center: A Case Study Of The University Of Northern Iowa, Jana Lynne Chmelar

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Every student who attends a college or university will use at least one of the following offices in student service before they graduate: academic advising, admissions, the business office, career services, financial aid, or the office of the registrar. The literature has shown that a number of colleges or universities found through assessment that their services were organized in a way that was cumbersome for the students. A new approach to student services, referred to as an integrated student service center (ISSC), or a "one-stop" shop, is designed to allow students to access answers, solutions, and knowledge from a central …

Namibia Principals' Knowledge And Attitudes Towards Hiv/Aids And Their Compliance With The Ministry's National Policy, Shamani-Jeffrey Shikwambi

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) that causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is infecting school-age children at an alarming rate. Effective education is the only prevention at this time. School principals can serve as a vital component in the prevention of HIV/AIDS in school-age children. The purpose of this study was to examine the knowledge and the attitudes of school principals in Namibia towards HIV/AIDS. The study also examined the extent of Namibian school principals' awareness level and implementation practices of the Namibian HIV/AIDS National Policy.

One hundred and forty-three school principals completed the HIV/AIDS Knowledge and Attitudes Scales for Teachers (Koch …

The Impact Of The No Child Left Behind (Nclb) Legislation On School Leadership Of Two School Buildings Designated In Need Of Improvement: An Agency Theory Perspective, Susan Pecinovsky

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of conducting this study was to describe and analyze how NCLB has influenced school leaders in school buildings designated in need of assistance (SINA) and to the sanctions that accompany that label. Included in this study is the examination of the principal-agent interactions proposed in agency theory through the relationship of Iowa school leadership and the Iowa Department of Education.

From the 11 school buildings presently designated schools in need of assistance according to the Reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act 2001 or No Child Left Behind, the school leadership of two school buildings participated in …

What I Believe About Leadership And Education : A Reflective Essay, Kathleen M. Walech

Graduate Research Papers

What do I believe about leadership and education? In order to answer that question, I must delve into my past experience with education, examine why I became an educator, and what I have come to believe about educational leadership. When I ask myself when it was that I knew I wanted to be an educator, I do not believe I can pinpoint an exact moment. In fact, I do not believe I ever gave any real consideration to any other career. For as long as I can remember, teachers were people I admired and education was something I valued. I …

Elements Of Leadership In Education : A Reflective Essay, James D. Walser

Graduate Research Papers

As I grew up, my interest in various academic subject areas and my enjoyment of school caused me to become interested in education as a career. I felt that I could make a contribution to the lives of my students. My specific interest in mathematics and my personality lent themselves to classroom instruction. Although I have experienced some discouraging days, I still remain confident concerning a career in education.

A Preferred Vision For Leading Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, John Zimmerman

Graduate Research Papers

When I first made the decision to change the way I serve students by pursuing an educational leadership degree in hopes to one day become a principal, I was filled with excitement and apprehension. Accomplishing a life-long goal was actually foreseeable. Becoming a principal is something I have always wanted to accomplish, however, I was uncertain of many aspects of the master's program including the coursework, the professional requirements, and I questioned my ability to serve and lead people. With the assistance and guidance of the many people I've worked with, I am confident in my ability to provide equal …

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 …