In the evolving landscape of education, teachers’ roles extend beyond imparting knowledge; they also entail modeling leadership. Leadership within a school involves engaging with peers and students alike to build an effective and warm institution for the development of young minds. Moreover, leadership skills can be nurtured through practice and introspection. Here are seven essential tips for teachers to enhance their leadership abilities.
7 Tips on Leadership Training for Teachers
1) Respect Over Popularity
As a leader in a school, you are inherently at the top of a hierarchy. This is within the nature of the position, and it comes with a number of responsibilities. Most notable is the importance of giving and earning respect. This does not mean acting as if you deserve respect simply for being in a leadership position but fully embodying the virtues of a leader and behaving respectfully.
It is often forgotten, but leadership is not a popularity contest. For teachers, earning respect is more beneficial than seeking to be liked. This starts with setting clear boundaries and expectations in the classroom. A respected leader is consistent, fair, and transparent. By demonstrating these qualities, teachers can create a positive and productive learning environment where respect is mutual.
2) Goal Setting
A core skill taught within a Masters in Educational Leadership, is the ability to effectively set goals for both students and teachers alike. For teachers, this means not only setting academic targets for students but also personal professional objectives. Goal setting in an educational context should be a collaborative process, involving students to encourage their investment in their learning journey.
Many students don’t have an adequate conception of goal setting. This is a great opportunity to teach them how to imagine a future they would be inspired to achieve, and help them build a plan to realise that world.
3) Seek Feedback from Everyone
A hallmark of strong leadership is the ability to seek and value feedback from all sources. Whilst it is important to receive feedback from peers and personal mentors, feedback from students is often neglected. Simply because you, as a teacher in a leadership position, are ‘above’ the students within the institutional hierarchy, does not mean they don’t have an important and unique perspective on your teaching and leadership. Embrace this feedback. It will at least provide good role modelling for the students.
4) Provide Regular Feedback
Parallel to receiving feedback is giving feedback. Just as seeking feedback is crucial, providing it is equally important. Regular, constructive feedback helps students understand their progress and areas for improvement. For teachers, this means taking the time to offer personalised feedback that is technical and honest.
For students, the three-pronged method of feedback is a good tool to remember when providing feedback. Firstly, mention what they did wrong and how to do better next time. Students aren’t made of glass, they are both resilient and capable of growth. They can handle this kind of feedback. Nonetheless, ensure you mention what they did well. This helps them know which direction to aim for. Finally, and this is often neglected, remind them that you believe in their potential. It sounds cliché, but this little note goes a long way for a student trying to stay motivated.
5) Empathise and Care
Empathy is at the core of effective leadership. Teachers who show genuine care and understanding towards their students foster a supportive and trusting environment. This can be as simple as acknowledging student struggles and offering support. Empathy also means being attuned to the diverse needs and backgrounds of students, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued.
6) Embody Values
People respect those with strong values and a commitment to those values. Students especially respect teachers who are willing to reject cynicism and fully embrace what they believe. Teachers should embody the values they wish to instil in their students. By modelling these values, teachers not only teach them but also inspire students to adopt them in their own lives.
7) Inject Meaning and Purpose
Finally, effective leaders are able to infuse their work with meaning and purpose. For teachers, this means connecting the curriculum with real-world applications and helping students see the value in what they are learning. It also involves inspiring students to think beyond the classroom and consider their broader impact on the world.
To conclude, leadership is a wonderful opportunity for teachers to both extend themselves, and to be a model for students. It can be a chance to go beyond the pedagogical requirements of the position and help shape students to themselves be the leaders of the next generation. By focusing on respect, goal setting, feedback, empathy, embodying values, and instilling purpose, teachers can elevate their leadership and make a lasting impact on their students. The journey of becoming a leader in education is ongoing, but these seven tips provide a solid foundation for teachers aspiring to lead with effectiveness and heart.
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