Educational Leadership Commons^™

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.

Snapshots Of Educational Experience And Leadership : A Reflective Essay On Core Beliefs And Critical Elements, Rick A. Miller

Graduate Research Papers

The best interest of the child is a foundation of all my beliefs and actions. As I reflect, I will be describing (as if taking an actual picture of the experience) snapshots in time related to my personal and professional growth as a person and educator.

In developing myself personally and professionally, I identified six critical elements of educational leadership including displaying effective communication skills, using assessment and problem-solving skills, modeling and supporting teaching and learning, collaborating by providing established structures and processes, having knowledge to influence stakeholders in political and legal systems, and being a reflective practitioner as a …

A Preferred Vision For Leading Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Tammy Murphy-Flynn

Graduate Research Papers

My beliefs about education have been evolving for nearly four decades. These beliefs about education have developed as I have grown professionally. My many roles as a student, teacher, mother, and counselor have influenced my beliefs and values. Each role has provided a different perspective from which I have viewed the educational world. The different roles, and their perspectives, have overlapped, agreed, and disagreed. My life roles and experiences have shaped me and will continue to do so.

The list for elements that are critical to exemplary leadership is truly endless. I believe that for an administrator the elements change …

A Vision For Educational Leadership : A Reflective Essay, Melissa M. O'Brien

Graduate Research Papers

The decision to pursue a master's degree in Educational Leadership was not decided without a great deal of reflection and contemplation. It was necessary when pondering this decision to consider many issues, such as the complexity of the educational system, the students, and the potential impact--both positive and negative--that a person working in a school setting might have over the course of a career in educational leadership.This paper is an attempt to articulate how some of my experiences, skills, knowledge, and values have formed and how these attributes contributed to the formation of my philosophy of educational leadership.

A Vision Of Secondary Level Administration : A Reflective Essay, Stephanie N. Mohorne

Graduate Research Papers

There are many different elements necessary for success as an educational leader. For example, it is essential that a leader be able to effectively communicate with all, this includes teachers, staff, parents, students and community members. Also, complete knowledge of the six Iowa Standards for School Leaders is important. Any educational leader in the state of Iowa must not only know the standards, but must also be able to demonstrate his or her ability to meet each one. The key phrase in each of the six standards is "who promotes the success of all students". This is what I plan …

A Preferred Vision For Leading Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Jon T. Flynn

Graduate Research Papers

Educational leadership is a calling that encompasses many responsibilities and numerous obstacles to overcome. The rewards associated with this profession, however, overshadow the potential challenges. Every child that finds success by way of a meaningful educational experience is a tribute to the work of an educational leader. Although a large portion of the educational leader's work is not performed directly in front of a classroom of students, the ramifications of his/her work can be seen throughout a building.

Like an orchestral conductor, the educational leader is responsible for synchronizing separate sections into one meaningful, fluid collection. This person is responsible …

My Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Angela J. Fowler

Graduate Research Papers

I believe the most profound experiences have been watching my mentor in her administrative style and comparing that to the style of my current and past administrators. Somewhere along the way I have taken elements from each one of their administrative styles, and shaped it into a style of my own. I believe I will be an excellent leader, largely due to the tremendous experiences along the way. I am excited to think about the successes and challenges I will encounter as I guide leadership capacity, and shape the culture of the people I lead.

This paper will be a …

What I Believe About Leadership And Education : A Reflective Essay, Todd M. Coulter

Graduate Research Papers

The key to leadership is confidence: not only in yourself, but those around you to get the job done to your satisfaction. Good leaders surround themselves with good people to whom they can delegate responsibility to and trust that it will be done satisfactorily. Leaders must not only bask in the glow of success, but also bathe in the spotlight of failure, readily admitting fault when necessary.

A quality leader possesses good motivational skills and is adept at "handling" people. In my experiences, good leaders remain calm under pressure and are constantly striving to improve not only themselves, but also …

A Preferred Vision For Leading Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Gerald W. Hatfield

Graduate Research Papers

Educational administration is an appealing career opportunity for me because it will allow me to put into action two core values that I learned in my early years - we all deserve the chance to succeed and that hard work toward a lofty goal is what leads to cherished success. I believe that if l continue to develop four personal characteristics, my chances of being an ; effective administrator will be greatly enhanced. First and foremost, I must act with integrity at all times. Second, I must present an organized approach to my school activities. Third, I must be a …

Leading An Elementary School To Excellence : A Reflective Essay, Christine L. Mccarron

Graduate Research Papers

The educational leaders of today have the potential to be a vital part of some of the greatest transformations of education in history. The new information that we are learning about the brain and how we learn, combined with ever-changing technological advances and political mandates, will cause us to reconsider all of our school structures and methods. That reform will not occur by initiating any single program, strategy or mandate. Instead, we must extend our picture of reality by finding powerful and all-embracing ways to perceive and describe trends and patterns over time.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary And Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Tim T. Moses.

Graduate Research Papers

As I think about the question of becoming an administrator, all sorts of things run through my mind. Things such as, am I really cut out to do this job ? Do I have what it takes to be an administrator? Will I fail or will I succeed? Will I have the support of my staff? Will I be able to perform the paper-pencil tasks of an administrator? Will I be able to handle the school's budget ? I mean the questions just go on and on. So, as I look at the driving forces behind my decision to become …

A Preferred Vision For Leading Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Mark R. Sade

Graduate Research Papers

I have chosen education as my lifetime career because I believe education is, perhaps, the most important occupation within our culture. I believe teachers, individually and collectively, not only change the world, but also improve it. In the service to children, I find personal and professional renewal. I am proud to be part of this noble profession and want to be counted among those in whom future teachers can say they found inspiration.

A Preferred Vision For Leading The Secondary School : A Reflective Essay, Chad David Wolf

Graduate Research Papers

As I reflected on past experiences in my life, I found myself in a position of leadership. Interestingly, one ofmy earliest leadership experiences happened around the age of ten. The neighborhood I grew up in had several families with children. It was natural back then for us to play outside most of our free time. As children, it was not unusual for us to have times when no one could make a decision on what we would do that day. On many occasions, I found myself being selected to make the decision for the group. My childhood years were the …

What I Believe About Educational Leadership: A Reflective Essay, Janet Young

Graduate Research Papers

Education, in my opinion, is one of the most honorable professions a person can experience. Each teacher or principal involved with educating children is someone that makes a difference in the lives of children and influences them as they become adults. It is amazing to think about the profound impact each educator has on others. No other occupation has such a responsibility. I believe that all children can learn, and I have had a passion for making that a reality since my childhood. I know that I can help children reach their potential. Parents must know that we cherish their …

A Preferred Vision For Leading Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Ellen M. Williams

Graduate Research Papers

This reflection paper affords the rare opportunity to sit back and think about this course of study and how I ended up at this particular juncture in life. I have completed many classes, and all I have taken away is a grade. This assignment has given rise to the discovery that there is a foundation and value system at the root of my professional life. That value system is mine, and I am building on an existing foundation that realizes the necessity of education and sound leadership.

A Preferred Vision For Leading The Secondary School : A Reflective Essay, Cory Williams

Graduate Research Papers

Why do I want to be a principal? When I started the UNI Educational Leadership program, I had no idea. I do now. I want every child to feel safe in my school. I want them to know they can come to school and learn without having to worry about being picked on. I want each student to be challenged and stimulated to learn with great teachers. I want the students to be healthy. I want to make a significant change in the lives of students. Teachers are not the only professionals who impact student's lives. Administrators can make an …

A Vision Of Elementary School Leadership : A Reflective Essay, Julia Lynne Zastrow

Graduate Research Papers

The smell of coffee and crayons has always warmed my heart. Coming home from kindergarten, I couldn't wait to join my mother and her perennial cup of coffee at our dining room table for a ritual of coloring and catching up. While I labored away with my Crayolas, my mother would ask me about my day at school, and we would talk together about the sound that a cardinal makes, or the color of our oak tree in the front yard. Through these conversations my mother fostered a joy of learning and sharing that would grow with me into adulthood, …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Timothy S. Harvey

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this reflective research paper is to articulate my fundamental values and beliefs that will guide me as I prepare to enter the professional field of educational administration. I will begin with a general overview of what brought me to this point in my life. The paper will then examine specific values and beliefs identified in the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium Standards, (ISLLC), of Visionary Leadership, Instructional Leadership, Organizational Leadership, Collaborative Leadership, Ethical Leadership and Political Leadership. My goal is to exhibit these leadership standards throughout my educational career.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Michael J. Panoch

Graduate Research Papers

My decisions to teach, and to now become, an administrator has received much thought. This thinking has caused me to evaluate my personal value system, identifying the beliefs that are important to me. This reflection has also identified individuals that have had an impact on the development of my value system. These people have molded, formed, shaped me into the person writing this today. The lessons have been many.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Rebecca Jensen

Graduate Research Papers

Developing a culture of trust is the first and foremost responsibility of the ethical leader, without which we will be unable to examine some uncomfortable truths about the systems we have in place to educate children. In addition, we must be willing to open the practices of the school to community scrutiny. The stories of documented educational achievements of poor and minority students have grown in number in recent years, leading Reeves, in Crusade in the Classroom (2001), to conclude that "Given the clear evidence that children can be successful, the focus of accountability moves from the consequences for students …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Gregory B. Semler

Graduate Research Papers

The principal plays a pivotal role in developing and unifying the core beliefs of a staff to put children first. At the heart of the school's philosophy there should be the core belief that students come first. Benefiting students must be the focus or foundation for all decisions made in relationship to the operation of a school. The Iowa Standards for School Leaders (ISSL) are excellent guidelines to be utilized when creating an instructional environment that benefits students. The strength of ISSL is they are guidelines that provide direction; an infrastructure that can be used in any school environment. Regardless …

Never Settle, Keep Exploring : A Reflective Essay, Brenton D. Shavers

Graduate Research Papers

I taught 3rd and 4th grades in an urban area in St. Paul, MN. This was an eye opening experience for someone right out of college. I was one of two African American teachers and one of only three males in the building. A principal, entering the building for her 1st time as their new leader, placed me into a leadership position immediately.I found myself spending countless hours in activities outside of school, in support of my students. It became increasingly evident that these supports needed to be in place for both students and their families in order for the …

An Administrator's Vision For Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Natalie A. Franke

Graduate Research Papers

A successful educational leader must have a passion for education and be an advocate for children. A well-rounded leader exhibits traits from all six Iowa Standards for School Leaders (ISSL). Having clear high expectations and setting clearly understood goals will help lead a school in the right direction. Clear expectations and goals will ensure that the learning climate and culture in the building will be supportive, caring, safe, and positive. Students and their families will feel a belonging and want to stay. Collaboration will be a priority for everyone. Working together as a team will create a positive learning atmosphere …