Leadership Framework

Jennifer Johnson
February 18, 2014

Philosophy of Education
I believe that each child is deserves a secure, caring, and stimulating classroom
environment where they can grow socially, emotionally and intellectually. I believe
that these goals can be accomplished by providing a classroom that is driven by
data, students are given a safe facilitated environment where they can explore,
create and apply meaning of concepts, and where respect is not only required but
modeled appropriately. The teacher's role is to facilitate learning by providing
students with 21st century access to information rather than acting as the only
source of information. Students search for knowledge is met as they explore, create,
and apply meaning of concepts. For students to construct a knowledge base they
must be allowed to explore through authentic situations, where multiple learning
modalities are embedded. As I share my own passion for learning with my students,
it is my hope to instill in them a love for learning and continual growth. When
students know that their teacher is compassionate and dedicated to the education
that they are providing then they too become vested in the learning process. I am
such a person and will always strive to be an educator that continues to change and
adapt their environment to the needs of the students and the needs of the world in
which we live.
Philosophy of Leadership
My philosophy of leadership is built on a strong belief in respect. I believe that if I
am respectful of others, I in turn will gain their respect. To create a collaborative
work environment, it is essential that there is mutual respect.
I believe that effective leaders learn from those around them, and adapt their
leadership style as necessary to deal with diverse personalities and changing
situations. No leadership style is best in all situations; an effective leader must be
flexible and willing to change when necessary.
A leader must secure staff that fit the position and organization. They must define
performance standards, and maintain accountability among the staff. A leader is
responsible for ensuring that staff understands what is expected of them. If
expectations are clearly defined, then staff should be allowed the freedom to
determine how a task or project will be completed. A good leader acts as a mentor
who coaches and counsels their staff. They offer guidance by identifying strengths
and weaknesses, and through a collaborative effort they determine areas of focus.
This method is an effective way motivate, and to enhance the knowledge base of
others.
Communication skills are essential to being a strong leader. A leader must be able
to relay their thoughts clearly, concisely and accurately, both verbally and in
writing. Open communication two-way communication is critical for a leader; a
good leader communicates their vision and strives to reach a common ground by
actively listening to their faculty and staff.
Vision for Learners
My vision for learners is that they will be allowed the opportunity to learn in a way
that is beneficial for them. Learners should be given the opportunity to close their
achievement gaps, which requires their instructor to meet them where they are and
build them at a confortable pace that allows mastery of concepts. Learners should
be given the opportunity to prove mastery in multiple ways as many times as
needed while learning how to apply the knowledge in a variety of ways.
Vision for Teachers
Teachers should strive to produce a classroom climate that fosters thoughtful and
respectful consideration of varying viewpoints and ideas, personal accountability
for learning, and individual development of personally meaningful knowledge that
is applicable in a variety of settings.
Vision for the Organization
To empower the community, families, students, and teachers through qualitative
and quantitative data that will be the driving force behind all decisions made for the
betterment of the school, and or district, that will assist with the design of
professional development, parental involvement activities, as well as classroom
lessons.
Method of Vision Attainment
Visions for the organization, teachers, and learners will be attained through a
partnership with the Site Based Decision Making Team with inclusion of students.
The voice of everyone will be attained through surveys as wells as accountability
data, which can sometimes speak volumes about the success of the organization.
Accommodation, and adaptation will be the motto that drives our vision attainment.