A learning leader

“LEARNING LEADER”, these words caught my attention when I was designated as TeacherIn-Charge of Bauko Central School and Cotcot Primary School in S.Y. 2017-2018. Though I have apprehension I accepted the challenge to be a learning leader.

I encountered different challenges as a new learning leader. There were expectations from various stakeholders. I also have to comply with unending reports aside from being a classroom teacher. I faced these positively since I know these challenges will help me grow as a person and as an educational leader. Knowing that being a Teacher-In-Charge is an opportunity to serve the future leaders in other ways motivated me to learn, unlearn and relearn.

Good leaders continuously learn. I learned about maintaining humility in order for me to learn and relearn from others. This is also needed for me to unlearn a lot of things and embrace change and lead change in school. I learned also that avoiding display of arrogance is critical in order to win the stakeholders such as the parents and the community to support the programs of the school. Open-mindedness is also needed especially in looking at situations objectively and in accepting feedback from others.

It was emphasized in the School Heads Development Program that a learning leader models the way, encourages others to act, inspire a shared vision, and encourages the heart and challenge the process. This is aligned with what Saint Euphrasia, the founder of the Religious of the Good Shepherd, said “Do well all that you do”. By serving with a heart, a learning leader can accomplish a lot.

There are a lot of things that I still need to improve. There are many things that I need to learn. What is good is that learning leaders are lifelong learners. Hence you and I will make a difference for the development of our learner’s 21st century skills.