It is a transformative time for the world of education. As Sunbelt Staffing notes: “We are living through a time of rapid change in education, with reforms, policy changes, new mandates, and an evolving understanding of teaching techniques and approaches.”
Navigating these changing waters requires steady leadership, and for education professionals looking to take the next step and become effective leaders in their institutions, Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership – Principal & Superintendent Certification program is the perfect opportunity.
What Is Effective Educational Leadership?
School principals and superintendents often have a profound impact on the educational institutions they oversee. Thus, understanding what qualities can set you up for success in this role is vital. To help you on your educational leadership journey, here are 10 traits of effective educational leadership:
1. High Expectations
As a leader, you set the standard for how the rest of your team will perform. In education, this means setting high expectations for teachers, students and staff. According to New Leaders, this approach will instill “the confidence and agency needed for everyone in your community to strive for higher levels of performance.”
2. Creating Supportive Environments
A school principal or superintendent is responsible for their school’s culture. Creating a supportive environment is critical for helping learners of all backgrounds succeed. “This includes promoting mental health, ensuring safety, and fostering a sense of community within educational institutions,” according to adam.ai.
3. Vision and Inspiration
An effective leader in education possesses a clear understanding of their goals and the strategies to achieve them. Moreover, this kind of leader can communicate this vision to students and teachers. A leader should be able to inspire others to help bring a vision to life, as Sunbelt Staffing points out.
4. Supporting Collaboration and Teamwork
Every school is a team environment, and students only succeed with a strong group of educators and staff who are there to support them every day. According to Sunbelt Staffing: “It is important to include everyone, delegate responsibility, and support your team as they work together.”
5. Communication
Being able to communicate clearly with others is a critical quality of effective leadership in any field, but especially in education. In fact, it might be the trait from which all other successes as a leader flow. As per New Leaders: “Of all the qualities that a great leader possesses, very few of them would be able to be realized without a foundation of strong communication.”
6. Continuous Learning
According to New Leaders: “Great school leaders take their professional development seriously. They know, in the words of leadership experts and author John C. Maxwell, that ‘good leaders are always good learners.'” As leaders responsible for the education of others, it is essential for principals and superintendents to take this lesson to heart.
7. Time Management
Being an effective leader is largely about knowing how to best allocate your time. Your time is a precious commodity and should be used wisely. “Acquiring strong time management skills will ensure that this valuable resource is well-spent,” according to Sunbelt Staffing.
8. Data-informed Decision-Making
Data is increasingly important in the field of education, and leaders will need to understand how to utilize this crucial tool effectively. According to adam.ai, including data in the decision-making process can help leaders foster continuous improvement in their organizations, while also helping them ensure that all students receive equitable, culturally responsive opportunities.
9. Cultivating Trust
Education requires trust, as does collaboration with others. This starts with leaders who trust the people they work with. As Sunbelt Staffing puts it: “When you respect the talents and efforts of others on your team, they will respect and trust you as well.”
10. Passion
Good educational leaders need to genuinely enjoy their jobs. A passion for education will trickle down to teachers and staff and can improve a school’s overall culture, helping others to see your vision and prompting them to work together to achieve the best possible outcomes for students.
What Can I Do With a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership?
The future of education is uncertain, but there are ways for aspiring leaders to gain the confidence to meet the challenges ahead. Graduates of SE’s online M.Ed. program will leave with concrete skills and knowledge they can use in their jobs.
In addition, they will also be “academically prepared for the Oklahoma principal certification exam and the Oklahoma superintendent certification exam.” Graduates can take this important step towards securing the job of their dreams today.
Learn more about SE Oklahoma State University’s online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership – Principal & Superintendent Certification program.