21st Century Leaders in Education

Over the span of my teaching career, I have worked with new, keen teachers eager to try the latest and greatest, willing to take a risk and change their teaching practice to include new technologies like iPads and Smartboards and I have worked with teachers who stick firmly to the "If it ain't broke, don't fix it' mentality and really struggle with the 'whys' of technologies in the classroom. I have also been able to sit at the table with Trustees, Admin and IT Leaders to discuss the bigger picture about technology and the road we are on in education.  

The speed at which new technology is rolling out and into the hands of our teachers and students is alarming -no wonder many teachers are put off by it! By the time you have mastered one, something new has appeared. It is crucial that school leaders promote and encourage growth mindsets in their staff, just as we hope our teachers are encouraging their students to think "yes I can, i just need to keep at it". But staff must also feel like there is accessible support and colleagues to turn to with questions as the venture into something 'new'. This is where Teacher leaders and Coaches can have a great impact on reaching some of the bystanders and resistors of technology!

21st Century Leaders in Education must take into consideration curriculum needs, security and privacy of information, staff development and support as well as how best to engage and promote 21st Century skills in students. This is a huge undertaking and requires some serious foresight! My feeling is that Leaders need to provide a clear and stable foundation regarding expectations for use and security of information. With this in place, leaders can support and provide direction to staff about the pedagogy that supports the integrated use of technology in education. Hopefully in doing so, teachers will feel comfortable enough to begin examining their programs and implement pieces of what has been shared. The key is for the leaders to recognize the need for patience! Quality change will not happen overnight.

I think this video sums up 21st Century students in a great way -and is a great visual to remind teachers and leaders in education about the world we live in now and what is coming for our students!!