Educational Leadership Conceptual Framework

Disposition • Practices • Understandings

Educators and leaders seek to define and enhance their identification with leadership values and characteristics, and:

Act in an ethical manner with integrity and fairness; practice equity, respect individuals, and demonstrate a caring attitude;
Take responsibility for personal actions and behaviors;
Work collaboratively with colleagues; demonstrate social and relational skills;, and understand and use team-building strategies;
Demonstrate willingness to explore and understand personal cultural competence and biases, to be self-aware, and to demonstrate self-regulation in these matters;
Demonstrate an understanding and commitment to a democratic society and democratic discussions;
Have habits of mind that
- Demonstrate persistence and commitment to continuous learning;
- Demonstrate listening with understanding;
- Demonstrate flexible thinking and the ability to take multiple perspectives;
- Demonstrate the willingness to take responsible risks;
- Demonstrate independent thinking with accountability;
- Demonstrate appreciation, empathy, and celebration;
- Demonstrate energy, enthusiasm, and hopefulness.

A professional educator and leader develops the ability to:

Use written, verbal, and non-verbal communication effectively;
Assume stewardship of the vision of the educational organization;
Act with a reasoned understanding of major historical, philosophical, ethical, social, and economic influences affecting education in a democratic society;
Shepherd the planning process through consensus building and delegation;
Initiate, manage, and evaluate the change process;
Use motivational theory to create conditions for change and improvement;
Frame, analyze, and resolve problems using appropriate problem-solving techniques and decision-making skills.

A professional educator and leader develops a deep understanding of:

Leadership theory, the nature of vision-based leadership, and the role of leadership in developing effective educational environments;
Education systems in a democratic society;
The influence of law, policy, and politics on education and leadership;
The application of learning theory, assessment, and group processes in the educational environment;
The role of leadership in advocacy for just, humane, ethical, and equitable educational environments;
Organizational theory and development; change theory and change management;
The impact and strategic use of resource allocation and human resources;
Principles and practices of effective communication, interpersonal relationships, and public relations;
Design of inquiry and the use of information management in the conduct and application of research and decision-making;
Apply a systems perspective to education, applying operational plans and processes to accomplish strategic goals;
Use appropriate interpersonal skills and promote multicultural awareness, gender sensitivity, and racial and ethnic appreciation;
Apply and assess current technologies for educational improvement;
Accept responsibility for the improvement of the educational setting for all learners, taking appropriate action to create those environments;
Align resources with the organizational vision and develop accountability systems.