After looking through all the Professional Leadership Skills for Growth, these are the three leadership skills I want to develop during my time as a graduate student. The first one element 2.3, which states, “Develop and supervise the instructional and leadership capacity of a school staff.” This is one of the biggest foundational pieces of being a principal. I want to make sure as I am growing as a leader that I focus on what is vital for your school and staff. The skill set that I want to work on is element 3.3, it states, “Promote school-based policies and procedures that
protect the welfare and safety of the students and staff within the school.” With the ever-growing need for a school safety plan, this skill will become more needed as we continue in the work of education. If I can learn and grow this area of skills now before being a principal, that will give me a better chance of developing the best safety plan when it is my time to put one in place.
The third and final element is 5.2, and it states, “Model principles of self-awareness, reflective practice, transparency, and ethical behavior as related to their roles within the school.” I believe as a leader; these character traits are vital to being successful at leading people. I want to take this time to grow and define these traits so I can be the best leader for my staff and students. For Alaska administrators you need a Type B Certification. Here are the requirements for your initial Type B Certification.
Three years' experience as a certificated teacher.
Complete an approved school administration teacher program
Master’s degree or higher from an accredited institution. With the recommendation of said institution.
Completed six semester hours or nine quarter hours of credit earning during the five-year period preceding the date of application. Three of the semester hours are to be completed in an approved Alaska studies course and the other three semester hours are to be completed in approved multicultural education or cross-cultural communications coursework.
A complete application packet that includes a signed and notarized application, your institutional recommendation form, official transcripts, two sets of complete fingerprint cards and all processing fees of two hundred and sixty dollars. The two professional organizations I have found through research that I want to join are Association of American Educators (AAE) and Computer-Using Educators (CUE). AAE provides resources, professional development, and a supportive community to enhance overall teaching quality. Simultaneously, CUE specializes in integrating technology into education, fostering digital literacy and innovation. By affiliating with both, principals gain access to a diverse range of educational tools, strategies, and networking opportunities. This dual membership equips leaders to address traditional teaching challenges while staying abreast of innovative technological advancements, promoting a well-rounded and forward-thinking educational environment within their schools. References
Grand Canyon University. (2023). Master of Education in Educational Administration Internship Manual
. GCU.edu. https://aws-files.gcu.edu/ssc/COE/master-education-admin-internship-manual%20(1).pdf
