The Shared Leadership Initiative

2

Identifying Leader Positions

Darius Washington

Grand Canyon University

EAD 533

Professor Bebee

January 28, 2023

A principal can support the school's vision by assigning or identifying leadership responsibilities to individuals who possess the skills and dispositions that align with the school's mission and goals. By providing opportunities for teachers and staff to take on leadership roles, the principal is promoting a culture of collaboration and shared decision-making, which can lead to increased ownership and buy-in from the school community (Oplustic, 2020). Additionally, by assigning leadership responsibilities to individuals who possess the appropriate dispositions, such as a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and a commitment to student success, the principal can model and promote these dispositions throughout the school. Furthermore, by providing opportunities for teachers and staff to take on leadership roles, the principal is promoting a culture of learning and growth, which can lead to increased student achievement.

Assigning leadership responsibilities carefully and thoughtfully is important to ensure a positive school environment and learning culture because it ensures that the individuals selected for leadership roles possess the necessary skills, knowledge and dispositions to effectively carry out their responsibilities. Failure to select individuals carefully can be detrimental to the environment and learning culture in a number of ways. For example, if an individual who is selected for a leadership role does not possess the necessary skills or dispositions to carry out their responsibilities, it can lead to ineffective leadership and a lack of progress towards achieving the school's goals. Furthermore, if the individual selected for a leadership role is not a positive role model, they can negatively impact the school's culture and morale (Watson-Vandiver & Wiggan, 2020). For example, if an individual who is selected as a department chair and is not well-versed in curriculum development, it can lead to ineffective instruction, low student achievement, and frustration among the teachers. Additionally, if the individual selected as the department chair is not a positive role model, they may not be able to inspire and lead the teachers in a way that promotes a culture of excellence and a positive learning environment.

References

Oplustic, S. Y. (2020). Role of a Principal Supervisor in Fostering Principal Development to Support Instructional Improvement and a Positive School Climate - ProQuest. Www.proquest.com. https://search.proquest.com/openview/3076fcf59247a84a6cc259544da55e17/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y

Watson-Vandiver, M. J., & Wiggan, G. (2020). An Environment of Excellence: A Case Study Examining a High-Performing African American Urban School’s Learning Climate and Approach to Critical Cultural Care. Journal of Education, 201(2), 96–115. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022057420904376

Instructional and non-instructional leadership positions

Lead Teacher

Literacy Coach

Attributes

Strong knowledge of content area

Ability to lead and mentor other teachers

Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and administrators.

Attributes

Safety Coordinator

Attributes

Expertise in literacy instruction

Ability to provide professional development

Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) President

Technology Coach

Strong communication

Collaboration skills.

Attributes

Strong knowledge of technology tools and resources

Ability to provide professional development

Strong communication

Strong collaboration skills

Attributes

Strong leadership and organizational skills

Ability to work effectively with parents and other stakeholders

Excellent communication skills

Strong knowledge of safety protocols and procedures

Ability to work effectively with school administration and first responders,

Strong communication

Strong collaboration skills.

Counselor

Attributes

Strong knowledge of child development

Ability to provide individual and group counseling

Strong communication and

Strong collaboration skills