Philosophy of Education
Education is the enhancement of our lives. It gives us the ability to deduce, to reflect, to analyze, to grow, and to question our surroundings. All are equipped with the ability to learn to their own capacity and education is the catalyst that changes our lives. Education allows us to formulate questions, collaborate, to seek out answers, and learn from our mistakes and syntheses of information. It encourages us to gather knowledge, share it, and continually build upon it for the welfare of all.
Philosophy of Leadership
Leadership is accountability to those they serve. Leaders use insight, integrity, compassion, encouragement, and respect to direct others. They need to determine underlying needs and foresee possible problems that can disrupt an organization. Be honest and forthright, excepting blame when they have made a mistake. A leader has empathy for other’s needs; genuinely trying to understand their concerns and fears. They support others in the face of adversity, and if mistakes occur, they collaborate with others to develop a plan of action. They respect the group as well as the individual in their ideas and comments.
The leadership style that drew my attention was the Servant-Leader. I identify with the ten traits of Servant-Leadership: listening, empathy, healing, awareness, persuasion, conceptualization, foresight, stewardship, commitment to growth of people, and building community. These are the traits that I admire and would like to be able to personify in my leadership role. The detractors believe that leaders using this style will be left behind by the other more competitive leadership styles. Through my experience with other styles, I find Servant-Leadership to be the less stressful approach with a more cohesive workplace.
Vision of Learning
Learning is a gift for all. Everyone has the capability to accomplish skills at their own level. Although diverse in their individual style of learning, students can process information presented to them. They are continually changing, developing, and maturing with different skills and mindsets. Every student has a different learning aptitude as they advance through their school experience. This metamorphous, from childhood through adulthood, is a process of discovery with numerous challenges for all. Learning provides the catalyst for growth and development of our future.
Vision of Teaching
Instructors give the ultimate gift of knowledge. They create pathways for all other professions. The obligation for an educator is to prepare meaningful lessons that encourage students to think and apply information given to them. Their goals should be to create an atmosphere for learning, guide and nurture them, instill a desire for learning, and expand students’ knowledge. With 21st Century skills, teaching is continually evolving. As students discover and manipulate information, creating new thoughts and ideas, educators should also continue to grow.
Vision for the Organization
Vision of organization in education is everyone working for the benefit of the student. This begins with the janitors and ends with the parents of the student. An organization is successful when all stakeholders feel a sense of unity and satisfaction in the work they have produced. As the leader of this entity (it is living and growing), the responsibility resides in the ability to collaborate, delegate, monitor and direct the many facets that it is made up of. The organization defines the product.
Vision for Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Curriculum is the driving force of education. It must address the needs of students to allow them to be successful in their world. The strength of it will be how it improves student knowledge and its ability to expand diversely in their experience. Instruction is the vehicle in which curriculum is delivered. It is the key for students’ success. Meaningful instruction leads students to inquire, analyze, develop hypotheses, and syntheses. In addition, the instrument to determine the presentation and understanding of knowledge is assessments. They judge the deliverance of student instruction to be affective or not. One can address remediation through a refined and well-written assessment that reveals any gaps a student has within the curriculum.
Vision for Professional Growth
As the instructional leader of the school, it is essential there is provided equitable and appropriate professional development for the staff and for the leadership team. Professional development is an essential element for enhancing, diversifying, and engaging student learning in the 21st Century. We are all students and by setting the example to further educational practices, as a teacher or administrator, we show all stakeholders a willingness to give time and effort to the advancement of students’ education.
Method of Vision Attainment
Initially, complete a needs assessment. It is vital to the school that professional development aligns with gaps in the staff’s knowledge. Next, secure experts in the desired field of instruction to coordinate and collaborate with the superintendent and other principals to maximize efficiency. An appropriate method for attainment of effective professional development is by word of mouth. Contact other schools or colleagues that are experiencing positive results from their training and utilize their resources. Search Educational websites for appropriate pertinent programs. Above all, implement programs one-step at a time and follow-through with each one. Then, reflect and evaluate the instruction given.