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Annette Stelter
“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, then, you are an excellent leader.” – Dolly Parton
Just as the InstaPot makes pressure cooking even easier, having some suggestions about your leadership approach can make leading your team easier. As educators, we are role models every day for the students that we teach.
This alone is the most critical way that we demonstrate leadership in the classroom. Nevertheless, in what other ways do teachers demonstrate leadership in the school? I want to share the ways that I demonstrate leadership in the classroom. Here are some practical suggestions from an undergraduate classroom educator.
Conveying expectations is paramount. I make it clear from day one that the classroom is ‘ours’ and not ‘mine.’ Aligning with the learner that the pending relationship is a partnership. Partnerships in learning are one of the essential aspects of developing rapport with students. We are all leaders in this space, and we are all learners.
I listen first and speak last! (One of the vital qualities of a great leader)
I encourage them. I am a package of positivity! I assure them they are where they are because of their diligence, and they need to believe it! I encourage them to go above and beyond expectations. I draw on storytelling to get my point across.
I demonstrate what a learning environment looks like.
I show students that learning never stops and to make the most of all opportunities. I describe this by stepping outside my comfort zone and taking risks in my own learning. I explain that being a lifelong learner has transformed me as a leader. This is demonstrated by encouraging them to go to the local continuing educations conferences hosted by local professional organizations.
I ask for feedback. A great leader seeks input from their ‘tribe.’ I ask for opinions and provide opportunities to share. Students evaluate me toward the end of the term. Furthermore, I compile feedback from what I call an exam wrapper. Using a series of questions at the end of an exam packet. It allows the learner to reflect on what they did to become prepared for an assessment, what they would do differently in the future, and what I could do to help them.
I encourage questions.
Questioning allows the curious mind to grow.
I model mistakes and let the students know that mistakes happen, and that is how we learn.
Allowing myself to be vulnerable and letting the learner know it is OK to say, “I made a mistake, I am sorry.” Guiding the learner in character build is an essential lesson for an educator to provide for the learner.
As an educator, I am a leader, and so are you!
We make a difference every day, and the actions that we model make a huge difference in our learner’s future. Proven techniques and strategies for planning and preparation are presented and discussed. In addition, it offers effective methods for conducting the first-class meeting and delivering course content. Also, my hope is to provide a solid foundation for new instructors and serves as an excellent refresher for more experienced instructors.
From the first day you step into the classroom or laboratory, you will be fulfilling one or all three of these roles, and you will continue to do so each and every day you teach. Having a clear understanding of these three roles will allow you to deepen them as well as to enjoy how they can be used to assist students in the learning process.
Recipe for Leadership: Model
Dress.
You as an instructor should always be dressed in the appropriate clothing for the industry. If a uniform is worn in the field, then that should be what is worn in class. If business attire is appropriate, then wear that. Exceptions to the rule can always be made for special occasions, and in this case, the students should be informed about the change. The students need to know that their instructor will always be dressed in a manner that reflects the field in which they are training.
If there is a question about what is appropriate attire, dress as a professional and you will never go wrong. Many of your students may have never had role models to follow in areas such as this. You may be the first professional that they have encountered in their field, so they really don’t know what to expect.
Language.
This is a very difficult area for many students. Granted you may have come from a field where the everyday language is coarse and or even profane, but this language must not be used in the classroom. Experience has shown that many of the difficulties that students have entering their fields are based upon their language.
If students are preparing to go into homes and service appliances and they use language that may be offensive to the homeowner they are not going to last. The most frequent complaint made against service providers in homes and business is not the technical work, but their professional presentation, which includes language and dress.
Conduct.
As an instructor, you must always conduct yourself as a professional. A professional is one who does not compromise on honesty or integrity. The students must know that your behavior will be fair and consistent in all situations.
Time.
A model educator is one who conducts all class sessions in a timely manner. This means starting on time, being available for consultation with students when scheduled, and giving prompt feedback on all student assignments and tests.
When you model behaviors such as being on time, good hygiene, neatness, and getting along with others you are demonstrating what skills?
Leadership.
Someone will always take charge of a group situation. As the instructor, this has to be you. By standing in front of a class you are the leader; the real question is whether you will retain that leadership position as the class progresses. Of course, the answer must be yes. The students must focus on you and the expertise that you possess as the content specialist.
Confidence.
Approach the classroom with confidence. This will be a challenge when you first enter teaching, but as you gain experience you will find that your confidence will naturally grow. Be a leader, be positive and most important be a role model.