8085mod1 disscus2
RESPONSE 1
Michele Whitten
RE: Discussion 2 - Module 1 Initial post
The leader’s role in creating an open, supportive, and challenging culture in the workplace at Valley Hill should begin with getting to know the faculty and staff. Research shows that a highly effective leader has a clear vision to improve children and family outcomes, engages with families, uses evidence to drive improvements, strategically uses business skills, facilitates communication, motivates and empowers staff, and is committed to their learning and development (Sharp et al., 2012).
Valley Hill is going down quickly without having a good leader. I think the Situational Theory could contribute to the effectiveness of this leader and improve the current culture and practices at Valley Hill because, with this theory, the leader will choose the best course of action based on the conditions or circumstances. Situational leaders are the most knowledgeable and experienced members of the group, and Valley Hill needs an authoritarian leadership style to get them back on track (Amanchukwu, 2016).
I do not see myself as a situational leader. My leadership strengths would fall more under the Participative theory. I like the input of others and want to consider what others think and feel. This type of leadership would inhibit a successful resolution of the presented scenario. There seem to be too many people wanting to do things their way without having the leadership in place to handle things outside of the classroom.
References
Amanchukwu, R. N. (2016). A review of leadership theories, principles and styles and their relevance to educational management [PDF]. http://site.iugaza.edu.ps/hsoofi/files/2016/08/A-Review-of-Leadership-Theories.pdf
Sharp, C., Lord, P., Handscomb, G., Macleod, S., George, N., & Jeffes, J. (2012, May). Highly effective leadership in children’s centres [PDF]. Inspiring leaders to improve children’s lives. https://content.waldenu.edu/d2532724477c5790a510391dcf616284.pdf
RESPONSE2
Julie Wright initial post RE: Discussion 2 - Module 1
Valley Hill is struggling with an acting director who lacks experience and knowledge in early childhood development and pedagogy. Dr. Daniel (Laureate Education, 2013b) noted that a strong background in child development and pedagogy along with good communication skills and a willingness to understand are requirements for leadership in education. Furthermore, in response to weak leadership, mid-level administrators have resigned and teachers have begun to handle other daily procedures, taking their focus away from interacting with children and their families. Quality care, engaging learning experiences, family involvement, and professional development have all suffered. At this point, the families have lost faith in the learning center and the children do not feel safe at school.
The Wallace Foundation (2013) produced a series of videos that focus on administrators' leadership experiences and strategies. A strong leader will create a vision of success, promote a healthy learning environment, cultivate leadership in others, improve instruction, and manage people, data, and processes to foster school improvement (Wallace Foundation, 2013). These qualities are evident in a variety of leadership theories. Tranformational Leadership Theory focuses on managing organizational change (Van Wart, 2013). As the newly-hired director of Valley Hill, my role would be to facilitate that change quickly. Non-negotiable goals must be identified with practical strategies to achieve them in place. Specific expectations must be communicated so all staff members are engaged in the process. Data should be collected and reviewed by all staff members so academic goals can be set with plans to improve student achievement. Horizontal and Collaborative Leadership Theory (also known as Distributive Theory) focuses on the process of management rather than on an individual (Van Wart, 2013). Teacher leaders collaborate, forming a less formal network from within the organization. They are more engaged and empowered with a sense of ownership and buy-in (Van Wart, 2013). Several teachers at Valley Hill have already taken a leadership role in the absence of an experienced director. These staff members might prove to be excellent resources in the process of restoring a safe and healthy learning environment to Valley Hill while re-igniting family involvement and faith in the program. My role would be to create professional learning groups led by strong teacher leaders, attempt to understand staff members' concerns and strategies for improvement, and facilitate, support, and provide resources as needed (Wallace Foundation, 2013).
Reflections on my own leadership strengths
As an early childhood teacher (both public and parochial) for almost 30 years, I can relate to many of the experiences described by Valley Hill's staff. I remember thinking that I could collect the tuition paid by the 28 families in my class and use the funds to provide a stronger program, purchase the materials, and receive a much bigger paycheck with the remaining money. In the public schools, I have been on the receiving end of new administrative policies and procedures that are not practical in the classroom. On the other hand, I have also worked on several committees to create support materials and professional development support. I have been one of the teacher leaders assigned to work with professional learning groups to analyze student data or implement new programs. I believe that these experiences would help me work together with the staff at Valley Hill to rejuvenate staff morale, re-engage families, and improve instruction to restore the safe and healthy learning environment the children need.
References
Laureate Education (Producer). (2013b). The characteristics of effective early childhood leaders and advocates [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Van Wart, M. (2013). Lessons from leadership theory and the contemporary challenges of leaders. Public Administration Review, 73(4), 553-565. https://doi.org/10.1111/puar.12069
Wallace Foundation. (2013, April 11). Great school leadership in action. The Wallace Foundation: Education Research, School Leadership, Arts, and More. https://www.wallacefoundation.org/knowledge-center/pages/video-great-school-leaders-in-action.aspx