Educational Leadership: How can an individual make a difference?

"I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do."
~Edward Everett Hale

This quote encompasses how I feel about education and my role as an educator. Although I realize that I am only one person, I know that one person can have a positive influence on a student, a school, school board and beyond. Therefore, I believe that individual leaders CAN make a difference. Being a leader is about taking a risk. It is about being creative, innovative, and wanting to make a change. Taking risks and participating in new activities are expectations teachers have of their students each and everyday. However, as teachers we owe it to our students to do the same. Taking a risk and trying something new, different, creative and innovative (even if it doesn’t always turn out as planned) is a chance that educational leaders take. It is what sets one apart from the status quo. However, I think that bringing about change in an environment in which people are used to routine can be met with some skepticism. This is why I think that many teachers try to play it safe (especially new teachers trying to establish themselves). However, if everyone always played it safe and never bothered to follow their visions and be innovators than we may never see any positive changes. Someone, somewhere needs to be willing to take that risk and try something new so that others are able to see the positive outcomes of change. Who knows, maybe by taking a risk you may inspire someone else to do the same?

The type of leadership that I most closely align myself with is moral leadership. I am a huge advocate of equal opportunities, inclusivity, and cooperation for everyone. I think that as role models in schools, teachers have the duty of presenting themselves in a moral manner and instill moral values in students. By instilling values of inclusivity, respect and equality, students will be accepting of others regardless of their beliefs. This is a characteristic that I feel ALL individual should possess. People are bound to have differing opinions and beliefs however how people handle these differences is an important skill that students need to observe and be taught. Although this is not something that is included within the formal curriculum, teaching students to respectful of others and be inclusive is something that I feel strongly about teaching. Students spends a great deal of time each day, week and year in school, so I feel that as a teacher I have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students.

Furthermore, I think technology can be used as a tool to facilitate equality in the classroom. More specifically, different technological tools can be used as a means to provide differentiated instruction for students with special needs or who simply require additional assistance. Technology can also be used to incorporate different learning styles as many technological tools appeal to kinesthetic learners and visual. These tools are also a great way to enhance learning for all as they may help students who require additional assistance but they also help to enhance the learning experiences of students who do not necessarily need the extra help.