11. Values & Ethics of Learning
a. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of education in a democratic society
b. Model democratic system values, ethics, choices and moral leadership
c. Demonstrate the ability to balance complex community demands in the best interest of all learners
d. Help others grow and develop as caring, informed citizens
e. Demonstrate an understanding of Code of Ethics for Minnesota School Administrators (MN 3512.5200)
Reflection
The effective school leader is able to help staff and students grow as citizens by modeling systems and values that are ethical and moral. School leaders are role models for staff and students and each decision that they make must be done so with the schools mission and purpose in mind. Student achievement is built on the schools foundation with the leader’s direction and without it; the school community may not survive.
It is the mission of the school leader to help lead our followers with ethics and morals. We also must ensure that we are practicing shared decision makings and democratic values, as well as advocating for all learners and holding one-self to the highest standards. By doing this, the school leader will demonstrate core values of honesty, integrity, responsibility and respect.
Through my field experience, I had the opportunity to practice my skills in the area of democratic and moral leadership. I did this through serving on the district calendar committee. As seen in the attached artifact, staff was allowed to have input on how the calendar would be set for the next few years. I had to communicate with the Director of Human Resources on how the staff at Eagle Ridge Junior High voted.
I also had the opportunity to demonstrate this through gathering input on what the staff needs at Eagle Ridge Junior High are for gifted and talented training. Knowing that we were going to be implementing a new program into our school, it was my charge to identify what the staff needs were regarding training for the new program. I did this by surveying the staff on their background knowledge of Gifted and Talented learners and identifying what their needs were for training. I was then able to recommend what training and professional development our staff needed in order to effectively implement this new program.
Both of these experiences helped me gain the knowledge in making democratic decisions, by allowing the staff to have a voice in how we move forward. It has also reminded me of the importance of making decisions in the best interest of all stakeholders, because by allowing staff to have an input, will help keep the opinion and ideas of all parties at the forefront. In looking forward, when I am a school leader, I know that it will be important for me to continue to ensure that I am making decisions that are in the best interest of all stakeholders. I need to hold myself to the highest moral standards and keep the schools mission and goal in mind. It is important to remember that student achievement is always at the forefront and that each decision we make must align with that standard. I look forward to being able to put my skills into practice and to serve as an effective role model for staff and students.
Artifacts
Calendar Voting
RE Calendar Vote 2010 -2011.txt (801 B)