In educational leadership and administrative management in general there are so many facets and means for providing a quality outcome. Nevertheless they must all begin with an appropriate vision which is based on research, faith to do what is right, and collaboration among stakeholders. These are a few qualities that I have used and found to be successful. Educators often share a common vision; however without communication and the sharing of concepts we tend to practice in isolation. In my efforts towards expanding greater successes in education I practice open communication via effective communications. Very simply, there must be ongoing developments to improve and maintain effective educational programs and administrative services. Specifically, professional growth and retention within student organizations can lead to successful outcomes. May of which are impacted by other professional actions in education. Student leadership in CTSOs - Career Tech Student Organizations is a emergent topic of discussion as it is the focus for this post. Student Development and Adult Development mirror similar outcomes, preparations, and focus. Please see the following.
Educational Planning:
- Strategic Development.
- Organization Structure.
- Identification of Resources.
- Authentic Partnerships.
- Expected Outcomes.
- Communicating the Vision.
- Addressing Problematic Matters.
- Providing Corrective Action and Meaningful Support.
- Delegation of Authority Roles and Responsibilities.
- Empowering students and subordinate staff by understanding the psychology of leadership to include professional growth and organization retention.
The areas of focus for this article are not limited to understanding the nature of leadership in all education settings. The identification of resources should include your human factors; these are your students and adults. The many dispositions that leadership carries may vary as we have many different messengers. Leadership is shared and it must be shared equally if it is to be effective and without bias and motive actions. An ideal leader is transparent and unyielding to common beliefs and practices. Having said, best practices guide uniform decision making and program outcomes. As I have researched the concept of intuitive leadership, it is measured differently based on ones understanding of educational psychology. In the process of employing the above Educational Management Outcomes based on the Educational Planning Goals there must be equity within the organization. Having said, shared leadership and value towards internal strengths should be a vital resource.
Where do we begin our leadership practices, why and how? This can be interfaced by all individual in educational settings. Students, Teachers, Counselors, Administrators, Stakeholders, etc can all ask this question. We will find that the responses may vary but should all impact educational growth and development. As a practitioner of best practices, I make it my best effort to empower those that I supervise. I encourage educational development as a first in my leadership regimen. Equally, I recognize the efforts of those who seek and have sought educational advancements. This is done with promotion in the workplace and added and shared responsibility. More directly, the same applies to student learning, leadership and growth. CTSOs provide opportunities for student growth which will improve college and career readiness among high school students. Student leaders should also have added responsibilities in the school setting.
All organizations of greater impact, employ these dispositions. Not all at the same time or in the same manner but equally towards accomplishing the same goals. From my readings of the references posted I have found these methods and recognition of these strategies to be effective in my leadership. Organizational development is only as strong as the planning and vision of the leadership in front of it. Therefore the question is asked, where do you begin our leadership? If not founded on principle, it should not temper discussion. Why and how we develop our programs and organizations will be determined from the leader. The outcomes either good are bad can also be pre-determined in cause by the leadership actions taken. As educational director in my current school district, I lead the effort in developing student potential within our CTE CTSOs. This is what is expected of me in regards to my professional role and responsibilities. All organizations should manifest and promote professional growth as a means of reaching higher goals and obtaining greater resources.
In good keeping, CTE programs will only be as strong as their CTSOs. Similarly, teachers will only be as strong as their principal's leadership, principals will only be as strong as their district's leadership, and district leaders can only be strong when effective strategies for their leadership are in place. This will include but is not limited to the recognition of educational accomplishment, value and worth in the organizational structure, etc. In doing so, organizational management should embrace an open perspective towards achievement and outcomes. The links between leadership and how to obtain leadership are common among entities. As I continue to explore these and other methods I will continue to encourage and promote my students, teachers, and staff. I will support professional advancements in education. Furthermore, in my role, I will maintain the efforts of proving professional experiences designed to increase membership in CTSOs and professional organizations among teachers and staff. With this I will provide a balance for this connection which will allow professional success for all.
Resources:
Gardner, H. (1995). Leading minds: An anatomy of leadership. New York: Basic Books.
Northouse, P.G. (2004). Leadership: Theory and practice. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
The Future of Higher Education: Rhetoric, Reality, and the Risks of the Market
Chapter 12, "A Decade of Opportunity"
Posted by:
Melvin Alonza Lowe, III, EdD, EdS, M.Ed., M.S. B.S.
Educational Director -
Career Technical & Workforce Development
Macon County Public School District
