Leading Schools - A Vision

In this article, I will propose a philosophy for educational leaders - that leads to a positive learning impact.

Developing a shared vision for your leadership
​Develop a belief that in every child, there is a talent and that our role as leaders and teachers is to spark an interest and passion which leads to a lifelong understanding of
● How the world works,
● the relevance of the arts and sciences.
Developing your vision which is based on inspiring learners to use their creative processes through a hands-on learning approach, which:
● Nurtures their curiosity
● Helps them develop the skills they need to become self-regulated learners.
Having a clear vision of approaches to learning which teach students to learn how to:
● Analyze and interpret data
● Make informed choices
● Providing the learners with opportunities to become critical and creative thinkers
A vision for learning based on all students thriving and developing their strengths
Your vision should inspire teachers to have exceptional subject knowledge and to be able to plan creative learning experiences with rigor,
● Incorporating highly challenging learning experiences for all children to reach their full potential,
● using learner-led approaches to learning,
● using a transdisciplinary approach to teaching skills and concepts,
● expecting every child to achieve the highest standards in a learning environment that promotes curiosity and challenges to real-life questions.

Leadership style
Developing a leadership style that is collaborative and:
● Involves inspiring staff to feel they have a voice and have the power to lead change within the school, following their passions and expertise,
● empowers staff allowing for a bottom-up approach in leading professional development,
● involves staff running in-house professional development as a driving force in improving curriculum and teaching standards.
A leadership style that prioritizes the building of solid relationships with all stakeholders, from parents, staff, children, and governors, to:
● Make informed developmental and operational decisions related to all aspects of the school,
● Empowers teams in the process at all levels.
A transparent leadership style provides clarity and consistency of expectations to staff regarding all aspects of school improvement.
Ensuring a quality assurance approach to:
● Improving the consistency of planning and lesson delivery and a personalized learning approach,
● include target setting for all children on a continuous learning journey of improvement
● developing and reviewing specific planned programs of intervention for underperforming students,
● developing approaches to learning across all curriculum areas that improve literacy and oracy across the school,
● ensuring that the learning environment enables all teachers to drive reading, writing, speaking and listening, and interaction.

Success in leadership with impact
Using my 30-plus years of experience in international school leadership, I believe these key factors can improve teaching and learning across any school.

In addition to the above, having a high level of cultural sensitivity and the flexibility, resilience, and energy to thrive in a dynamic international environment is essential.

This is key in inspiring and motivating local staff and working at their level but still aspiring to high expectations with a philosophy of servant leadership, valuing the importance of working to support and serve others.

Summary
Collaboration and finding solutions together in teams, looking for the very best provision to develop the full potential of each, results in transformational leadership and a participative and democratic style where opinions are further developed and encouraged for the best possible outcomes for the students.
Other important considerations are:
Data
The use of data, for example, CAT4 and NGRT, provides valuable information for inspiring the creative process in any school.
Safety and well-being of students
As a leader, it is also essential to focus on safeguarding and delivering high-quality child protection training.
Views?
I would be keen to hear your views on your leadership philosophy and how we can improve the advice to aspiring leaders.

Dr. Tassos Anastasiades