How can a leader use the habit of mind of thinking flexibly to create a positive school climate focused on student achievement and professional growth?

“People who are crazy enough to think they can change the world usually do”

-Isaacson, 2011

Philosophy of Leadership

I always believed that education is the great equalizer. It should be the tide that lifts all sails. However, I have discovered not everyone even has a boat. My leadership philosophy centers around access and service. Without access, there is no education.


I am a servant leader, honoring all those around me by having a deep understanding of curriculum and content and transferring that knowledge to others. I need to surround myself with passionate people that are smarter than I am to ensure our organization is able to have an upwards trajectory. I am a leader that knows I do not know it all, but is willing to ask the tough questions, get involved in any way I can, and collaborate with others to ensure student success and teachers’ professional development.


I am a leader that believes that removing obstacles from my teachers is a top priority so they can impact student lives with minimal disruption. I am a leader that embraces and understands challenges so I can plan strategically, creating an organizational vision focused on personalized student success. I am a leader that knows how to access appropriate data to inform my decisions and I will never settle for less than the best from everyone, knowing that everyone’s best is different. I am a leader that believes in collaboration, knowing I have the final say and always keeping in mind the best interests of students and their achievement.


I am a leader that cherishes differences and welcomes varying perspectives. I believe everyone needs to have mirrors and windows in their lives in order to see the world from diverse perspectives and make informed decisions.


I am a leader that believes ensuring everyone has access to a high-quality education is paramount to the success of our nation. I am a leader that will do what is necessary to ensure every one of my students has a boat and I help create the conditions that allow it to rise with the tide.




Reflection

"... Education is positional. Benefits of education depend on how much and what kind of education others around you obtain (Ben-Porath & Johanek, 2019). I believe my job as a leader is to advocate for an equal education for all students, not regardless of contributing factors, but in spite of them. Being mindful of where systems of oppression emanate from and calling attention to it with school and community leaders is vitally important. If there is any crucial change that needs to take place, not only in our schools, but also in our communities, it is around racism..."