Evolving my vision as a leader - learning as I lead school
Aprajita Ralli
Principal Sreenidhi School,IB Examiner & Leader,NEASC visitor, Educational Change leader/trainer, Academic Coach,Instructional & Curriculum Design coach,Students/Teachers Mentor,Teach SDGs Ambassador,TechIntegrationist.
I am a trained Instructional Coach and a Teacher Trainer. For years I have trained several students and mid-level leaders to perform to their optimum best. Let me share bits of my reflective journey.? The first step towards becoming a teacher coach is to understand what excellent education for our students can look like.?
I have always thought and nudged others so much to meditate about the characteristics of an excellent education; what it consists of and how to reach a collective, evolving understanding. Our key cornerstones are?
I'll try and break down all of these components bit by bit-??
?Finding meaning in what you do and being clear about why you are doing something. When you visit a classroom, you would ask questions like - Do the children know why they are doing what they are doing? Do the teachers know why they are doing what they are doing?
When Rita Pierson in her famous TED talk said, "Kids don't learn from people they don't like," she's likely to have emphasized the significance of the emotional aspect of the learning process. The statement underscores the importance of positive relationships and connections between educators and students.?
In educational psychology, it's widely acknowledged that a supportive and positive relationship between a teacher and a student can significantly impact learning outcomes. When students feel respected, valued, and liked by their teachers, they are often more engaged, motivated, and open to learning.
So, if the teacher’s WHY is not just meeting the needs but engaging and exploring the essence of Deep learning with the students under her/ his care, we know that the purpose is met?
2. The way to achieve the WHY - the HOW-
Ensuring high-quality learning has been a core focus in our institution, and achieving this aim involves a multifaceted approach. We've diligently crafted a rigorous curriculum that serves as a robust framework, ensuring a comprehensive and aligned foundation of knowledge and skills by educational standards. Our team comprises skilled educators who are not only well-trained but also passionate about employing diverse teaching methodologies that cater to various learning styles. Continuous professional development keeps us updated with the latest educational practices, ensuring we deliver engaging lessons that stimulate our students' curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Leveraging technology effectively has enhanced the learning experiences and encouraged innovative teaching methods; Beyond academics, we foster holistic development by promoting social, emotional, and ethical growth through extracurricular activities, character-building initiatives, and community engagement. This collective effort ensures that our learning environment nurtures a love for learning and provides students with a comprehensive and enriching educational experience.
3. The implementation-
Empowering student agency brings forth a multitude of advantages that significantly amplify their potential. As students take ownership of their learning, they engage more actively, feeling motivated and enthusiastic about their educational journey. Encouraging agency nurtures critical thinking skills, empowering students to analyze information, solve problems, and apply knowledge dynamically. This approach enables personalized learning experiences tailored to their unique strengths and interests, fostering independence and effective self-directed learning habits. With increased confidence and a belief in their capabilities, students persistently pursue knowledge, driven by intrinsic motivation and a genuine passion for learning. I have seen that maximizing student agency goes way beyond academic success, laying the groundwork for lifelong learning and adaptability essential in an ever-evolving world. I am an enabler and I believe in providing opportunities for teachers and students. Getting the right kind of opportunities needs to be organically built in and will require leaders and teachers to patiently curate it.
4. Setting the goals and standards to achieve -
Rounding myself as a thinker and a perpetual learner has been the cornerstone of my approach long before assuming any leadership role. Prioritizing these roles has been instrumental in shaping my perspective on effective leadership. Thinking critically allows me to navigate complexities, consider diverse viewpoints, and craft innovative solutions. It's about delving deeper, understanding nuances, and being prepared for the challenges that leadership inevitably brings. Equally important is the commitment to continuous learning. Embracing a mindset of perpetual learning ensures I stay adaptable and updated in a world where change is constant. This ongoing growth empowers me to make informed decisions and, more importantly, inspires trust and confidence among the team. By recognizing myself as a thinker and learner first, I emphasize the perpetual journey of personal development and the significance of intellectual curiosity. This mindset not only enriches my capabilities but also sets the tone for a leadership style that values learning, open-mindedness, and considerate decision-making, fostering an environment where everyone's growth is encouraged and supported
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5. Integration to the Skills and attributes-
An important aspect of education is believing that ALL children CAN. Can you believe not only when it is easy, but also when it is not easy to believe??
A safe space enables this belief. It means that you can walk into a space willing to value different opinions, Are we ready to be challenged by students, and understand that you need to understand students and people?
An excellent education needs to be fun. Even as adults, we thrive on joy and fun; kids learn better when having fun. It also needs to be effective and fast meaning not too much time is spent on any one topic and learning happens effectively. An excellent education means that you have extremely high expectations of yourself and your students. You need to believe that it is possible - that they can achieve greatness. Mastery means doing something over and over again until you are perfect at it. We all need to understand that failure is okay, that it is a journey, and set high goals that inspire and drive us to do and be more.
To conclude, I would say that for me, what has always worked best is keeping my channels of communication open. Communication stands as a pillar of strength within my leadership journey. It's not just about articulating ideas but also about fostering understanding, connection, and collaboration. Being able to convey thoughts clearly, actively listen, and empathetically engage with others has been pivotal in driving alignment and inspiring cohesive teamwork. Effective communication isn't merely transmitting information; it's about building relationships, establishing trust, and ensuring that every voice is heard and valued within the team. Embracing this strength has allowed me to bridge gaps, resolve conflicts, and create an environment where transparency and clarity flourish, ultimately fostering a more cohesive and productive collective effort. Consciousness is an area I recognize as needing further development in my journey as a leader. It involves a heightened awareness of my actions, decisions, and their impact on others. Strengthening my consciousness as a leader will, I am sure entail fostering a deeper understanding of the implications of my choices and behaviors on the team's morale, motivation, and overall well-being. Developing this aspect will not only enhance my leadership effectiveness but also contribute to creating a more supportive and inclusive environment for the team to thrive.
Aprajita Ralli?
Principal Secondary school?
Sreenidhi International?
Hyderabad
#ibExaminer,#Mentor #thoughtleader,#teachertrainer,#Instructionalcoach