Digital-Age Leadership

Today in Digital-Age Leadership Academy II we reflected on where we are as 21st century leaders in applying the ISTE standards for leaders.  As leaders in schools we must equip ourselves with the knowledge and practice before we can empower others to lead 21st century schools.  Creating Lifelong Learners is what our district strives to embed daily in our classrooms - so I must ask myself am I modeling this for those I lead.......

The ISTE includes Visionary Leadership; Creating a Digital-Age Learning Culture; and Excellence in Professional Practice.

Visionary Leadership - I am an active advocate for the infusion of technology into our curriculum.  With this commitment comes the expectation that I must have the digital skills to facilitate growth within those that lead our campuses.  I am proficient in this area working towards becoming transformative.

Creating a Digital-Age Learning Culture is something I am committed to.  The first step in my district was to create an ongoing collaboration between the curriculum and technology departments. Teachers need support in understanding the "when and how" of infusing technology to meet the state standards.  The dialog must be open, safe, and creative in order for our teachers to feel empowered to think differently about activities that utilize technology.  I am proficient as a builder of a digital-age learning culture, and I am committed to lead the way for my self and my district to become a 21st century school district.

Two years ago I attended TCEA in Austin - wow was I blown away by the ease as which educators were using technology activities in their classrooms.  I made a commitment at the point that I would immerse myself in the digital world and grow my skills so that I could lead this transformation in my district.  My PLC is my go to for professional growth-this includes infusing technology, leadership, professional development, and adult learning.  Through this commitment I feel that I have been able to lead excellence in professional practice in my district.

I encourage all leaders to rate themselves on the ISTE National Technology Standards for Administrators and create a plan to become transformational leaders within your district.

I remember as a kid running out of the school building the last day of school as if I had been freed from time-out.  As I watch students leaving for the year I think back to all the teachers that have had an impact on me - boy, do I wish I knew then what I know now.  Along with these great teachers I also remember the great school leaders who worked daily to create a school I looked forward to going to each day. I realize now that I did not know how hard they worked to ensure every student had the best opportunity to learn as possible. 

The final school bell has sounded for the year yet the race is not over for campus leaders.  I say thank you for your work ethic, for enduring the stress, for keeping students your number one priority, for getting home late, and for being the professionals you are.  The campus is only as good as its leader - Stand up and give your self a pat on the back.  

Kids may not tell us but each one of them eagerly will await the start of school in August - which means that campus leaders must look ahead to a "new" year.  Take an honest look at what you need to keep, what needs to be changed, and who you have on you bus with you.  The old saying of "we are what we repeatedly do" is never truer than when planning for the start of a "new" school year. As you reflect on where your school is and where you want it to be, have an open mind, be optimistic, and don't be afraid to try something new.  After all, your kids are counting on you!