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Abstract
“… a wise man, which built his house upon a rock” (Matthew 7:24, KJV)
Options are always available. In a culture as wealthy as ours, choices abound. When a person is
under pressure, whether it be from the winds of trouble, the rains of cultural conventions, or
other factors, their foundation determines whether they survive or fail. We are reminded that a
wise man builds his house upon a rock, while a foolish man builds his house upon the sand in the
book of Matthew. The results are clear-cut and straightforward: either you survive, or you die.
The promise that "thou save me from violence" (II Samuel 22:3, KJV) is given to people who
believe that "The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliver" (II Samuel 22:2, KJV). I can
stand, but only with my feet firmly planted on the rock.
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Built Upon the Rock
“The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer” (2 Samuel 22:2, KJV)
Personal Ethics Paper
This essay examines the idea of moral leadership from the perspective of disengaged
students' academic reengagement. This study will establish and explain the numerous necessary
components of an effective and godly educational leader leadership principles, ethical attitudes,
ethical relationships, and ethical decisions through a review of recent literature. Working with
disengaged and at-risk high school kids requires educational leaders to exercise informed, moral,
practical, and compassionate leadership. To help students and families identify and remove the
obstacles that put them at risk of dropping out of school, leaders must intentionally develop
collaborative partnerships with both internal and external stakeholders. This job of educational
re-engagement cannot be done in a silo. As a result, relationships are the core of leadership, with
one's relationship with God being the most significant.
Leadership Principles
A servant leader must prioritize the needs of their professors, staff, and students while
expressing this leadership style in the context of education. To enhance the educational
community, such leaders should aim to share authority among their peers and subordinates.
According to Wyatt (2018), pedagogical procedures, competent school leadership, and an
enthusiastic and engaged teaching staff are all critical to a pro-learning school culture. As
Solomon states, "For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and
understanding," in Proverbs 2:6 of the English Standard Version. This biblical commandment
begs you to never forget that you need God's knowledge to accomplish God's will.
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Blackaby and Blackaby Text
Blackaby and Blackaby (2011) note that, "The world needs professionals who know how
to apply their faith in the boardroom, in the classroom, in the courtroom and the operating
room" . A true leader is one who submits his duty to the will of God. This also applies to leaders
in education. Therefore, the only way to lead effectively, no matter what role you play, is to show
that you are obedient to God's desire. This kind of obedience necessitates learning about God's
will and how to effectively apply it to one's own life. Blackaby and Blackaby (2011) add that
leaders ought to surround themselves with the most qualified individuals for advice and
collaboration. Therefore, it is crucial that leadership responsibilities be distributed or shared.
Rebore Text
According to Rebore (2014), ethics is a component of a much broader tradition. It is an
academic field that is taught alongside other philosophical fields at colleges and universities.
When considering ethics and the educational system, we must keep in mind that we are the ones
who set the example for the next generation and must instill morality and ethics in our pupils.
Considering the ethical topics that Rebore discusses, it is critical that we recognize that ethical
traditions date back many years and that, as spiritual teachers, we must continually reflect on our
behavior and discern between the sacred and the profane. If we want to live a life that is centered
around God, then each one of our everyday acts must demonstrate our truthfulness.
Prayer Reflection Report
To retain, reclaim, and re-engage their pupils, educational leaders have been compelled to
employ creative and collaborative leadership approaches because of the disastrous COVID-19
outbreak. As a result of the economic, social, and health pandemics, the Superintendent of
Charles County Public Schools is still in charge of a horde of leaders. For the Fall semester,
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Charles County launched a 75 to 25 (75% virtual and 25% in-person) delivery model for courses.
Principle I of Maryland’s Licensure Code of Professional Conduct highlights that "Educators
must behave professionally, realizing that one's actions reflect directly on the status and
substance of the profession" (MSDE, 2019). This ruling perfectly embodies this principle.
Therefore, educational leaders who recognize and address students' needs are upholding the
ethical principles of their profession.
Proverbs Readings and Presentations
Shepherd leadership is equivalent to ethical leadership, according to Dr. Karen Parker
(n.d.). To engage in such leadership, one must adhere to biblical precepts to find, connect with,
mentor, reprimand, and coach followers. As a leader in education, you must fulfill all your
obligations with the same consideration and care that a shepherd shows to his sheep. Treating
each case individually, wisely, and with judgment must be one's top focus. To be a vessel for
God, one must submit to Him to guide His people in an ethical manner.
Related Reading Assignments
Whether leading in the classroom, on the playing field, or running a business, a leader
must avoid having a "my" centric mindset. The many phases or stages of leadership are
explained by the authors of the book Tribal Leadership: Leveraging National Groups to Build a
Thriving Organization (Logan et al., 2011). A "stage three" leader is mostly preoccupied with
themselves. But it takes deliberate effort to prioritize creating a corporate culture that puts
organizational success ahead of individual accomplishments.
Course Presentations
Biblical themes pertaining to Christian educational leadership are highlighted by Dr.
Pearson (n.d.). She pointed out that a leader must be a disciple of Christ and submit to God's will
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for their life to be a successful and moral leader. She adds that it is simpler for a leader to make
moral choices if they are aware of and abide by biblical principles. Expanding on that idea, she
said that Christian leaders should behave according to the unwavering authority of God's Word
rather than according to social norms.
Ethical Attitudes
Blackaby and Blackaby Text
Setting a good example is especially crucial for educators. Students face several obstacles
and come from a variety of backgrounds. They are searching for someone who can serve as a
steadfast anchor during life's storms (Blackaby & Blackaby, 2011). To be the spiritual mentor
that students need, one must remain consistent via the power of the Holy Spirit. The primary
attitude is one of genuine submission to God and His ways. Following are the following: having
knowledge and insight; acting morally and with integrity; and showcasing determination and
focus. Submission to God is a prerequisite for all these essential qualities (Blackaby & Blackaby,
2011).
Rebore Text
The Holy Spirit can utilize education and formal and informal learning experiences,
including professional development, to increase one's wisdom and insight in a similar way that
He can use a spiritual leader's experiences, triumphs, and failures to teach them to be submissive.
But far more crucial is carrying out actions and choosing paths that honor God. This emphasizes
the fundamental role that submission plays in the life of a spiritual leader: one must yield to
God's guiding to recognize, comprehend, and follow it (Rebore, 2014).
Prayer Reflection Report
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Recalling the sudden passing of a leader serves as a more potent reminder to submit to
the Lord's direction. It is important to stay focused on doing God's will even when leadership
shifts. The promised crop of obedience will never fail to come to leaders who respect God by
being submissive. The promises made by God will also benefit those who are led by submissive
leaders.
Proverbs Readings and Presentations
The first and most important step in assuming any function as a spiritual leader is
submission to God. Leaders can only be spiritually authentic when they recognize that they are
merely God's tools for His use. The only logical conclusion is that the one who will lead the
leader must submit the leader's will to Himself. According to Solomon, "Trust in the LORD with
all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and
He shall direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:5).
Related Reading Assignments
Educational leaders need to go beyond delivering education as efficiency, evaluation, and
performance for students to succeed in the quickly evolving 21st-century environment (Starratt,
2012). Additionally, "ethical school leadership becomes imperative in a context of increasing
performance-driven accountability," according to Ehrich, Harris, Klenowski, Smeed, and Spina
(2015) (p. 197). By doing this, educational leaders will have the necessary base from which to
lead initiatives to give students suitable learning opportunities, even in the face of obstacles
brought about by laws requiring stringent accountability measures (Ehrich et al., 2015; Starratt,
2004, 2011, 2012). This is particularly true when overseeing a community of disengaged and
vulnerable pupils in a school.
Course Presentations
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Blackaby & Blackaby (2011) state in the presentation "How Does This Relate to the
Educational Leader" (n.d.) that the foundation of ethical leadership is the unquestionable idea
that a leader's choices must be grounded in the Bible. As a result, leaders need to act in a way
that honors God. One must try to act morally because we are made in God's image. As a result,
we need to ask Jesus to lead us through every difficulty we encounter. The basis on which all
moral decisions are to be made is God's truth. Therefore, to be ready to apply God's standard of
leadership, leaders must respect God by making a commitment to study God's Word.
Ethical Relationship
Blackaby and Blackaby Text
The job of leaders is to cultivate future leaders. Setting an example for others to follow
by living up to the values of cooperation and communication (Blackaby & Blackaby, 2011). As a
result, in the way that they establish and preserve their relationships with faculty, students, and
families, leaders must imitate Christ. The Maryland (MSDE) Code of Professional Conduct for
Teachers expresses this idea. It specifies that "Educators shall maintain a professional
relationship with all students at all times, both in and out of the classroom" (ODE, 2019, p. 1).
Leaders can cultivate ethical and cooperative relationships with students and subordinates by
using communication that is acceptable, succinct, and clear.
Rebore Text
Educational leaders need to have conversations to recognize the distinctive qualities that
come from a variety of cultural backgrounds, according to Rebore (2014). Therefore, leaders
must endeavor to comprehend by "holding values in relationship with the values of other people
and not in isolation from them" (p. 60) without compromising their own beliefs and convictions.
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One must be able to relate to another to respect their values. Relationships in leadership are
mutual.
Prayer Reflection Report
Praying for all leaders especially those in the educational field must include asking for
self-control and an inclusive mindset. Leaders who submit to the guidance and authority of the
Holy Spirit will recognize the unique characteristics of their pupils and tailor their leadership
style accordingly, particularly in situations of extreme difficulty. A teachable mentality, spiritual
insight, and an openness to many points of view are essential components of good leadership.
Christ is the ideal representation of a successful leader. His approach shows how leaders should
handle unanticipated loss, start the recovery phase during a moment of transition, and foster a
collaborative culture.
Proverbs Readings and Presentations
Proverbs 4 makes it abundantly evident to godly leaders that upholding moral principles
is the most crucial component of ethical leadership using a reciprocity framework. Leaders must
so provide an example of behavior that they want to be followed in return. They must act in a
way that pleases God in every relationship they establish. Regardless of a student's origin or
circumstances, the interactions between educational leaders must constantly aim to maintain the
overall safety and well-being of all their pupils.
Related Reading Assignments
Model Code of Ethics for Educators, Principle III (2015) states that "the professional
educator promotes the health, safety, and well-being of students by establishing and maintaining
appropriate verbal, physical, emotional, and social boundaries." This also applies to disconnected
or impaired students. According to the news article on Harvest Deaf Ministries, its leaders made
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improper relationships with their students (Massey, 2020). Coercive, abusive, and humiliating
relationships are not divine.
Course Presentations
Leaders are urged by Dr. Ackerman (n.d.) to never forget that people come first. To
guarantee that they give students with disabilities equitable access to school, leaders must
become knowledgeable about and implement the laws governing this matter. As a result, leaders
need to set an example of godliness for all pupils, even the disengaged and impaired ones. To
establish fruitful and beneficial relationships with their staff, students, and families, leaders must
make the required efforts to comprehend their individual requirements. This can be achieved by
adopting an inclusive approach.
Ethical Decisions
Blackaby and Blackaby Text
The spiritual leader must follow the guidance of the "Holy Spirit [who] reveals God’s
will through four primary avenues: prayer, Scripture, other believers, and circumstances"
(Blackaby & Blackaby, 2011, p. 221) rather than basing their decisions solely on human norms.
Leaders will concur that gathering all the information with thoroughness is crucial to making the
right choice. It is crucial to exercise care in upholding one's own moral principles and ethics in
addition to the knowledge and insight that can only be obtained by surrendering to God's plan.
Rebore Text
Rebore (2014) promotes the deontological method to ethical decision-making, which asks
the decision-maker to identify the issue, consider the available options, compare those options to
norms, and select the option that most closely complies with the highest norm.
Prayer Reflection Report
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Before opting to offer a hybrid model of education, the Superintendent of Charles County
Public Schools and other Superintendents and their members of her COVID-19 team took their
time to compile all the information that was available. Thorough study, staff and student input,
budgetary modifications, and a thorough evaluation of all potential consequences were all
necessary for this decision. It was not a one-person decision. The president and his cabinet have
effectively safeguarded student safety and wellbeing while offering the Sinclair community a
demanding and superior education by working together.
Proverbs Readings and Presentations
According to Proverbs 18:1-24 (ESV), fools find unhappiness in wisdom, while those
who see to isolate themselves pursue their desires. Therefore, godly knowledge and insight are
necessary for godly decision-making. When making decisions, wise leaders don't isolate
themselves from other people. Since only God is omniscient, leaders must share the burden of
decision-making by enabling others to offer insightful commentary.
Related Reading Assignments
Educators are expected to foster acceptable and productive interactions with their
students, families, and colleagues, according to the Model Code of Ethics for Educators. These
connections can result in fruitful collaborations that provide children the security they need to
succeed academically. Therefore, while making decisions that will affect a student's academic
and personal success, families, coworkers, and students must be involved and taken into
consideration. A common vision that represents the values of internal and external stakeholders
might help achieve this.
Course Presentations
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Godly wisdom is necessary for making ethical decisions. To those who beg for wisdom,
God will grant it. According to Dr. Hawkins (n.d.), decisions must be made promptly and
appropriately for the situation at hand. As a result, one needs to be well-versed in God's Word,
able to give instruction, and able to rely on biblical principles. Additionally, one needs to be able
to apply biblical truth to specific circumstances. To achieve such aims in an ethical manner, one
must set goals and utilize knowledge when making the necessary judgments. The best way to
achieve objectives or deal with problems as they arise must be determined by using godly
wisdom and principles as a guide.
Conclusion
The fundamental requirement for becoming an ethical leader is the idea of subordination
to God. Serving God as an educator serves as a stimulus for students' learning and character
development. Leading kids through a maze of internal and external obstacles is a challenge for
leaders who engage with disconnected children. Their leadership is not limited to what is inside
their premises. It can be transformative, so it's critical that educators learn how to use their
leadership to its fullest potential despite the many obstacles they encounter without losing sight
of the goal for their students. When used correctly, ethical leadership may give leaders the
foundation they need to lead in a way that transforms.
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References
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Blackaby, H. & Blackaby, R. (2011). Spiritual Leadership (Rev. ed.). Nashville, TN: Broadman
& Holman Publishing.
Ehrich, L. C., Harris, J., Klenowski, V., Smeed, J., & Spina, N. (2015). The centrality of ethical
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Massey, W. (2020, September 5). Deaf school in North Georgia faces allegations of harsh
treatment from former students, staff: Chattanooga Time Free Press.
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https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/local/story/2020/sep/05/deaf-school-north-
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