Running head: PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION 1

Philosophy of Education

Yessica Lozano

EDUC 6331

Dr. P. Huff

January 31, 2018

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Philosophy of Educational Leadership

Beliefs about educational leadership

All of us have a responsibility to educate our future. We’ve heard the saying, “it takes a

village to educate a child.” Literally, it means just that. As a mandate from the U.S. education

secretary on down, it is the responsibility of the parent, neighbor, community, janitor, cafeteria

personnel, coaches, librarians, counselors and the like, to help improve our schools and make

them a better, and safer place where ​all​ students learn and succeed. I believe leaders must ensure

every student gets an equal and fair education. To ensure success, it begins with an effective

principal leading her school to success. We also know that successful leaders cannot do it on

their own. They must motivate groups to buy into a vision. Let’s take the “carrot and stick”

theory of human motivation. What skills must a leader possess to motivate teachers to want

success from ​all ​students? Will bonuses and incentives work? Not always. For that reason, an

effective leader must create ownership. Just like teachers mold students to the curriculum,

leaders must provide learning opportunities for teachers to gain new knowledge about the

changing world. Leaders must stay current and share the knowledge in how our society has

changed and the implications it brings to education. For that reason, it is important that

educational leaders involve all groups to problem solve issues as they relate to student

achievement. Research indicates that when a collective group of school, family, and community

stakeholders work together; achievement gaps decrease (Byan and Lynette, 2011). Effective

leaders are able to make decisions based on relevant, reliable and valid data. Educational leaders

know how to plan strategically and carry it forward with the support of all members. I believe
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that a leader is the single most important element to a school community. Leaders must be able

to look forward toward the future with a vision and mission in mind. Essential traits to possess as

an educational leader are: being able to think strategically, understand the needs of the campus

culture (students and staff), communication, planning, evaluating, leading, negotiating (two-way

street), and being an active listener. In the future, I hope to be equipped with the necessary tools

to run a successful campus. Being able to demonstrate competence in the various areas of

leadership, will help me gain the trust and loyalty of all members.

Educational leadership activities and initiatives

Over the years as a classroom teacher, I have had multiple opportunities taking on

leadership roles. Some initiatives I was fortunate to be part of were:grade level chair, Key Leader

(subject areas), Teacher Mentor, Health Insurance Representative, LPAC member, and

Curriculum Writer, to name a few, were some of the most rewarding experiences that led me to

pursue a leadership degree. I’ve always been eagerly humble to acknowledge when my

principals recognized leadership attributes in me. Their trust and confidence in me to lead and

make things happen, was always a welcome opportunity. The closest leadership role to that of a

principal was when I was assigned to be the U.I.L. Coordinator for my campus. I was responsible

for overseeing the entire program. From setting up time schedules, ordering materials, making

P.O’s, scheduling meets, fundraising, budgeting the U.I.L. budget, parent contacts, medications,

transportation and much more, This leadership activity was by far the greatest. Working closely

with the parents, students, teachers and the community gave me the most engaging and

affirmation that I indeed possess educational leadership attributes. Both my principal and parents

always reassured me of that. As the U.I.L. leader I had to lead by example and support/guide my
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campus to success by bringing in 1st place trophies. It didn’t always happen, but when they did,

the community showed their recognition by joining us in celebration with trophies and ribbons.

These experiences and many others have given me hands on opportunities in building

relationships with people who think, act and solve problems differently. I’ve learned to

understand that leaders know how to establish a campus culture where mutual respect and trust is

portrayed. One of many accomplishments I have received public recognition of was when I had

to present in big crowds of educators, sharing with them the different strategies that could be

used for bilingual education students. This occured one summer during a staff development

week. Many colleagues came up to me and congratulated my presentation skills. While these

opportunities kept coming my way, my interest to pursue a leadership role became clearer and

clearer.

Impact and Influence

The ability to be able to work with people, communicate effectively, listen carefully and

solve problems were always constant reminders that as a leader, one must be able to do all

simultaneously. Being able to take a democratic approach towards all of the leadership roles I

have held, proved that people do “buy-in” to leaders’ ideas, suggestions, or recommendations. I

believe it is a strong indicator of how teachers will react to a leaders’ vision. I could see many

times how teachers, parents, and students took to heart the messages I shared and felt compelled

to understand and follow. I could also see how some people were easier to motivate than others.

My overall goal in taking on these leadership roles were to create ways to motivate individuals to

think and act differently by encouraging them to look at situations in new ways. When I was able

to see this transforming before me, I knew then, that I could influence people to see what I see. It
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always felt good to know that my principal could put her trust in me to guide others, give

direction, motivate individuals, mentor and lead by example. These leadership roles were the

beginning to my future aspirations in educational leadership.

Future Aspirations

I have always known that school leaders start with classroom teachers. Classroom

teachers are the seed to leadership because of their vast experiences in the educational realm. The

best leaders are grown from experienced classroom teachers who have walked the talk. As a

teacher I have learned to accomplish a vast majority of work through the positive influence of

my principal. Although I am aware of the abundance responsibility to lead a campus, I also know

that someone needs to get the job done. I am currently on my way to graduating with a Masters

in Educational Leadership in the Summer of 2018. I am looking forward to continuing to grow

professionally and be given other leadership positions that will prepare me for a leadership role

one day. For now, I will continue to develop, grow and improve my leadership skills. I believe I

will one day develop to be the next generation of leaders that will be able to effectively facilitate

an administrative vision through a learner -centered environment, demonstrate concern for all

students’ learning, be able to relate to the faculty and staff, and ensure that the community is

involved in some of the decision making. I will one day be able to establish positive conditions

where individuals will be enabled to be effective. In the meantime, I will stay current with state

mandates, and build on my knowledge to improve student success.