The Importance of Values-Driven Leadership
As educators, we all want our students to succeed. However, truly effective leadership must be guided by a clear set of core values that shape decision-making and ensure positive impact. When district leaders, principals, administrators, and teachers lead with shared values at the forefront, it provides a North Star for initiatives and helps create an environment conducive to student achievement.
What are some of the core values that exemplary education leaders embody? While the specific values may differ from school to school or district to district, some commonalities include:
Student-Centered Learning: The primary focus is always on what is best for students and their holistic development - academically, socially, and emotionally. Decisions prioritize student wellbeing, growth, and active engagement over adult preferences.
Educational Equity: An unwavering commitment to ensuring all students have the resources and support they need to thrive. This involves diligent efforts to understand and dismantle systemic barriers.
Continuous Growth: A culture of always striving to learn and improve as professionals is modeled and expected. There is no resting on laurels when it comes to evolving educational practices.
Community Partnership: Families and community stakeholders are invited to have an active voice and role in collaborating on the school's direction and initiatives. The school is a hub of the neighborhood.
Ethical Behavior: Education leaders walk the talk by exemplifying high standards of integrity, honesty, and ethical decision-making in all their actions.
At T.E.E., we firmly believe that adhering to our core values is paramount to our operational model's success. Our guiding principles – growth mindset, equity and opportunity, synchronous learning, and comprehensive excellence – form the bedrock upon which we build our work and base our decisions. Without this unwavering commitment to our values, we would falter in charting the right course, not only for our organization but also for the clients we serve.
Additionally, when core values are merely words on a page, they have little meaning or impact. However, when they become the animating force behind a school or district's strategic plans, resource allocation, hiring, professional development, and more - that's when positive change happens.
Needless to say, but we are going to say it anyway: Schools with values-driven leadership show clear results:
Increases in student academic achievement, attendance, and engagement
More cohesive, motivated, and satisfied staff
Stronger family and community partnerships and trust
Thoroughgoing equity and inclusion efforts leading to reduced opportunity gaps
A palpable sense of positive culture centered on continuous growth
In our years working in education, we've seen firsthand the powerful difference that values-focused leadership can make. It's what enables overcoming challenges, sustaining progress despite turnover, and realizing a shared vision of excellence. Do you have a clear set of core values driving decisions? If not, now is the time to collectively define and institutionalize them.
Need partnership in identifying your core values?
Reach out to us, we’re happy to help! Our team responds within 48 hours.