Educational Leadership
Purpose, People and Passion
Anna-Marie Boulding
Purpose
Why???
One can not presume to have high expectations without the appropriate scaffolding to cushion both students and teachers in their efforts to innovate. It is crucial that improvement strategies are intertwined in this process and that all learners are empowered with the necessary skills to meet and exceed expectations.
When learning is presented in a way that it unlocks puzzles, rather than further puzzling students, it is received with ‘aha’ moments. Inquiry inspires learners to unlock mysteries. These mysteries are not secrets owned by an intellectual minority. Rather, learners need to know that this knowledge is accessible to all, especially those who are able to ‘think out of the box’ and come at problem-solving from an open mindset.
Learners must be challenged to think and pursue their own solutions in order that they feel confident to risk independent and collaborative inquiry in our fast-paced, ever-changing world. They need to see themselves reflected in the curriculum and they need to feel valued for their success and set-backs. As Tony Wagner states in his commentary, schools intent on graduating all students innovation-ready have created a learning environment necessitating "collaboration in the classroom because they understand that innovation is a team sport". This is the culture of learning and spirit of inquiry that I would strive to foster for my school.
EVERY LEARNER, EVERY OPPORTUNITY, NO EXCEPTIONS!
Strong, trusting relationships built on mutual respect
Kaleidoscope
Credit: Michelle Mayers for the powerful analogy
Evolving, Open MIndset Philosophy
People
I still have a great deal to learn about courageous conversations. Strong leaders need to make decisions that don't always please everyone. It is my hope that I will be seen as one who makes decisions with integrity and the primary purpose of putting kids first. I will need to be honest, authentic, humble, and be quick to admit my mistakes (of which there are sure to be many...daily). I hope these traits will serve me well in terms of inspiring trusting relationships. I will lead by example, with the knowledge that the 'answer is in the room' and that it is just about asking the right questions.
Passion
Education is by far the most noble of professions. I am at a turning point in my career and I feel that all of my life experiences up to this point have prepared me for an opportunity to extend my learning and place myself in the service of others in a different domain with the opportunity to have more broad-reaching impact.