The Importance Of Transformative Leadership In Education

Transformative leadership, as its name indicates, means an absolute change in the very definition and application of traditional leadership. The study and practice of transformative leadership is, above all things, necessary for the future of education. Transformative leadership is valuable in that our education systems needs a complete and total transformation so we will not continue to provide a disservice to our students and future generations and leaders of the world. As with any type of transformation and change, it must begin with those willing to sacrifice and work for change, those dedicated to the betterment of a specific situation, idea or cause. We need to experience an Educational Great Awakening, bringing about an enlightenment

Specifically, how appropriately utilizing technology in the classroom can close achievement gaps, promote more individualized learning and engage students who might otherwise quickly lose interest in classroom activities. My leadership roles are teaching me that it takes more than one person to make a difference, it takes a collaborative effort from all those involved. However, I am also learning that it only takes one person, dedicated to making a difference, to start a transformative change in the way learning and teaching are presented. When dealing specifically with diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and interests in regards to technology in the classroom, one must focus on questions such as availability, student engagement, success rate and overall achievements gained due to technology integration. In addition, thought must be given to willingness of educators to change their mode of thinking in regards to student’s background versus achievement and

Personally, I have a great deal of experience in working with economically disadvantaged students and adults, a large number of whom are English Language Learners (ELLs). Due to these factors, I have seen first hand the lack of support given to these types of learners due to stereotypes, bias and ultimately lack of resources and funding. These factors largely contribute to the enormous achievement gaps among students. My background and experiences have made me determined to facilitate a change in the way of thinking in terms of these students. We must strive to give them every tool necessary for their success. Bias and stereotypes must be abolished and replaced with equal opportunity for all students regardless of diversity of backgrounds. Technology must have a more pronounced place in education; its benefits far outweigh its weaknesses. In addition to supplementing and classroom instruction, technology serves as a way to continuously assess and monitor students, allowing for appropriate intervention procedures. Teachers can use data from computer‐based curriculum to identify areas of weakness and work one‐on‐ one with the students who need it most. Data‐driven instruction means that teachers focus intervention in the areas it will do the most good (Clark, 1983). It is because of this that I desire to complete an EdD in Transformative Leadership, so that I may be in