Professional Growth Plan
My goal as an educational leader is to be able to provide the equal opportunity for all learners to succeed at any level of education or career path in the 21st century. Technology is at the core of success in the 21st century world and all educational leaders should seek to ensure its equal access and proper implementation. Without equal access or successful implementation of technology tomorrow’s leaders will be at a disadvantage in the modern world.
Leadership is defined, described and conceptualized in many different ways making it difficult to articulate with words. However, leadership is very easily seen in individuals through action. When individuals are perceived as possessing certain traits, qualities or skill sets while exhibiting and influencing positive behaviors in a group or organization, the individual is exhibiting emergent leadership (Northouse, 2019). For this reason regardless of an individual's title, leaders will emerge, allowing them and their leadership to be easily seen.
In my time as an educator I have always exhibited my leadership through my actions with the goal of motivating colleagues and learners alike. My philosophy of education and leadership style both are founded on the same four principles that are pillars of the path goal theory. Both in education and in life there are paths to success. Likewise, both in education and life there are obstacles.
The four pillars foundational to the path goal theory states that first you must clearly define your goals, second make a path, third clear the path by removing any obstacles and lastly providing or seeking support to finally meet your goal (Northhouse, 2019). As a teacher I always communicate my goals clearly through effective communication with students. I often set high goals to mirror the high expectations I have of them. Second I set a path for each individual student because they all have their own educational journeys. This is reflected in the detailed lesson plans and tailored lessons I deliver. Through assessment and reflection of data points I analyze strengths and weaknesses, without this critical step obstacles on the path to success can not occur. This third step as an educator is critical because without the knowledge of which tools or skill set can best conquer an obstacle, the less likely it is you can overcome an obstacle. Lastly, even once an obstacle is conquered or removed it takes grit and determination to achieve success. As an educator this means providing encouragement and a suitable learning environment that will motivate ultimate success.
In my personal life, I have also used these four pillars to become a leader and achieve success. Often I will set measurable and specific goals for myself by writing them down clearly and placing them in a visible location, like my calendar. My next step is always to set a path by chunking my large goal into much shorter and attainable goals, to serve as stepping stones on the path up from success. Obstacles will always happen along the way and for this reason after each stepping stone or hurdle I face I self evaluate by making pro/cons lists. Not knowing your strengths may hinder your ability to use them to your full potential. Likewise, not knowing your weaknesses may hinder your ability to improve them. Once strengths and weaknesses are assessed often I will seek additional support or motivation to continue on my path to success. Often this final step includes manifesting my success through everyday and consistent actions which allow success to be achieved.
Example
The Goal: To provide guidance, knowledge and work to inspire the next generation of leaders in educational technology and the education sector as a leader in a prominent role *To be met by 2032
The Path:
- Enrich and acquire new knowledge on topics, but not limited to: Instructional design, digital learning spaces, technology in education, educational practices *To be met by 2024
- Use best practices learned to integrate technology into lessons in current role as social studies teacher *To be met by 2024
- Participate, share and host professional development on technology integration with educational community *To be met by 2024
- Determine topic for dissertation *To be met by 2024
- Complete doctoral program *To be met by 2025
- Advance career and seek leadership title positions *To be met by 2026
- Implement policy and continue to integrate technology into education from leadership title position *To be met by 2028
- Met and establish rapport with the next generation of technology leaders *To be met by 2030
- Develop and inspire next generation of technology and educational leaders *To be met by 2032
Obstacles I will likely face:
- Meeting deadlines at work and academics on time
- Balancing work, academics, and personal life and time
- Inexperience or lack of knowledge on a particular skill or subject
Traits that will allow me to conquer obstacles:
- Clear and effective communication
- Time management and organization
- Willingness to seek guidance
- Open to acquiring new skills and knowledge
- People person, relatable, networking
Support and Motivation to achieve success:
- Using resources available to me both academically and professionally
- Fostering personal and professional relationships to remain in communication
- Observing and communicating with role models and other leaders
- Keeping daily reminders and motivational literature at hand at all times