An abundance of resources and tools online is available to help aspiring educational leaders like me to understand the roles and responsibilities of administration and leadership. Each website or online resource focuses on a specific area or perspective, which is why online field trips are helpful to evolve one’s professional competency and skills. Two of the online field trips I conducted this week include the ACSD (2018) educational leadership pages, and also the “Seven Sides of Educational Leadership.” These are two totally different places to visit and acquire knowledge and information about the culture of education and how to be an effective and student-focused leader.

The ACSD (2018) educational leadership pages include information about addressing the mental health needs of students. As such, the website is holistic, taking into account the whole student and the emotional and social needs that are as important as academic achievement. I also learned about how leaders can tackle tough issues and challenges like self-harm, depression, trauma, and racial discrimination in classrooms. Overall, this is a very important online resource that I will continue to use throughout my professional journey.

A totally different perspective is offered on the “Seven Sides of Educational Leadership” pages. This resource uses a seven-factor model based on metaphors. The seven metaphors are the sculptor, the parent, the gardener, the hill walker, the villager, the house builder, and the inventor. All of these roles or symbols can be applied to educational leadership challenges, particularly with regard to organizational culture and organizational change. When faced with cultural challenges and communications roadblocks, educational leaders can better understand their own roles and perspectives and thereby also understand their colleagues, the educators who they motivate through transformational leadership, students, parents, and community members. The seven sides model also enhances cultural awareness and cross-cultural sensitivity.

References

ACSD (2018). Educational leadership. http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership.aspx

“Seven Sides of Educational Leadership,” (n.d.). http://sevensides.typepad.com/seven_sides_of_educationa/contents/index.html