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Why does educational leadership matter?

There are lots of reasons for wanting to go into school and educational leadership.
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To me, I’ve always wanted to be a deputy head. This is something I’ve worked really really hard for. So, I thrive on knowing that I can make a difference to people, whether they’re pupils, parents or staff. This is something that I have worked towards, but I’ve always felt that was a natural leader and I thrive doing this job. I absolutely love being a head teacher, and it’s a real privilege not only to serve the young people in this school, but actually the community that I serve.
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The school is at the heart of that community and one of the benefits of being a small school head is you get to know your community very well, your families very well, and therefore, as a result, are able to give your very best to the young people in the school. I entered the profession because I wanted to teach and I wanted to make a difference and I think that’s an absolute truth of every teacher who comes into the profession. That’s why we’re here. That’s what attracts us to it to make a difference to young people, to their futures. So, I set out and I enjoy, I love teaching and became head of department.
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But it was only when I moved into aspects of senior leadership that I understood that you’ve got the opportunity to make a difference on a much bigger scale. So, my inspiration to becoming an assistant head teacher actually came from one of my previous heads. She’s a very inspirational woman and made a lot of changes. I worked in quite a diverse school in my previous role before I joined the leadership team and the change that was made and the opportunities given especially to students from difficult backgrounds really inspired me that actually I want to make that change across the board.
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Currently in our school, which is quite a high achieving grammar school, I want to be able to show these young students that actually women can be in leadership roles, they can be in esteemed rolls, and they can really make a difference. Being the head of a small school means that actually you’re responsible for everything. So on a day it can be everything from health and safety, observing a lesson, fixing the tennis court and a bit of gritting because there’s been a lot of snow. So, but that’s what I love about the job, because it means I’m very hands on. But also have the opportunity to develop the school and have that strategic view. I have passion for this job.
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I thrive, every day brings different challenges, highs and lows. But I don’t give up and I keep going. I keep improving myself. I believe in everybody around me and this is why I’m here.

There are lots of reasons for wanting to go into school and educational leadership.

Watch the video above in which senior leaders explain their motivations and why educational leadership matters.

Some of the motivations for pursuing leadership include a:

  • Sense of educational mission
  • Desire for status and the power that comes with being the leader
  • Desire for institutional achievement
  • Desire for freedom and autonomy

Your task

Having watched the video, reflect on your own motivations to lead. If you’re comfortable, share your thoughts in the comments below.
Have a look at what others have posted. If you can relate to something, ‘like’ it or leave a reply.
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Educational Leadership: Improving Schools through Effective Leadership

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FutureLearn - Learning For Life

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