Transformational leadership according to Leithwood (2007) is when a leader focuses on the "personal goals and values of their organizational colleagues and" works "to both elevate and transform those goals and values" in the shared vision. (Chapter 13, Section 2, para. 7) This type of leader will captivate and inspire others with a shared vision, model best practices, encourage and support others, give opportunities for growth, and challenge the thinking of those in the organization. (Leithwood, 2007)
This type of leadership can flourish in a learning environment by developing a shared vision with the school. The members of the organization must be able to participate in the creation of this shared vision and school values. With everyone working towards a common goal, there will be opportunities for others to take leadership roles and move everyone towards the common goals. Transformational leadership will impact the way an administrator leads the school. It definitely does not stem from a focus on the administration, the administrator's own personal mission, wishes, or plans. This type of leader helps others to see their strengths and then offers opportunities for them to share, collaborate, and model best practices so that others with different abilities can learn and grow. The administrator must always keep in mind the shared vision and be consistent with high expectations for meeting those goals.
If an administrator is truly leading in a transformational way, they will integrate technology with instruction in a purposeful and thoughtful manner. They will question whether certain tools and practices fall in line with the vision of the school. Professional development and collaborative learning will focus and support the common goals of the school. Surveys will be send out to see what the needs of the staff are. Teams and various leadership committees will be consulted to come up with meaningful goals for the school. Teachers as well as administrators will model best practices. I am seeing this first hand at a current school I am working with. Staff was surveyed at the end of last year. A team of administration and teachers got together over the summer to rewrite the Technology Plan for the school. I had the opportunity to be on this committee. The professional learning opportunities that are being planned this year go back to our goals that we set for students, teachers, and the community. Teachers will be leading some of the sessions for others in the school as well as the community. This is transformational leadership at work!
References
This type of leadership can flourish in a learning environment by developing a shared vision with the school. The members of the organization must be able to participate in the creation of this shared vision and school values. With everyone working towards a common goal, there will be opportunities for others to take leadership roles and move everyone towards the common goals. Transformational leadership will impact the way an administrator leads the school. It definitely does not stem from a focus on the administration, the administrator's own personal mission, wishes, or plans. This type of leader helps others to see their strengths and then offers opportunities for them to share, collaborate, and model best practices so that others with different abilities can learn and grow. The administrator must always keep in mind the shared vision and be consistent with high expectations for meeting those goals.
If an administrator is truly leading in a transformational way, they will integrate technology with instruction in a purposeful and thoughtful manner. They will question whether certain tools and practices fall in line with the vision of the school. Professional development and collaborative learning will focus and support the common goals of the school. Surveys will be send out to see what the needs of the staff are. Teams and various leadership committees will be consulted to come up with meaningful goals for the school. Teachers as well as administrators will model best practices. I am seeing this first hand at a current school I am working with. Staff was surveyed at the end of last year. A team of administration and teachers got together over the summer to rewrite the Technology Plan for the school. I had the opportunity to be on this committee. The professional learning opportunities that are being planned this year go back to our goals that we set for students, teachers, and the community. Teachers will be leading some of the sessions for others in the school as well as the community. This is transformational leadership at work!
References
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