Strong leadership drives the success of any organization, whether in government, business or education. When capable, dedicated leaders are in charge, schools become environments where both students and staff can excel. For educators looking to enhance their leadership skills to make a real difference in education, Northern Kentucky University’s (NKU) online Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.) in Educational Leadership program develops the leadership skills to succeed at the helm of any educational institution and effectively support teachers, staff and students alike.
Support Teachers and Students as an Educational Leader
Great leaders communicate clearly, solve problems creatively and make thoughtful, data-driven decisions. Regarding education, leaders with the right combination of these skills can create schools where students feel safe, welcome and secure and educators feel empowered, supported and motivated.
Educational leaders are responsible for more than just administrative duties and managing classrooms. In education, effective leaders must inspire and motivate others, create a positive learning environment and know how to use data to make continual improvements throughout the school.
A recent article from Schools That Lead referenced a Gallup poll showing only 33% of teachers feel engaged in their work, while 16% are actively disengaged. Unfortunately, the classroom has become a toxic workplace for many, with heavy workloads, lack of resources and low pay creating a situation where less than 20% of Americans would recommend teaching elementary or high school as a career. This response points to a growing need for educational leaders who can step in and address these challenges, offering guidance and support to teachers and creating a work environment where they can connect with students and make an impact.
When it comes to education, strong leaders listen to teachers and address their concerns, which helps create a collaborative and supportive atmosphere. Teachers who feel valued and heard are more engaged, and like in any field, engaged employees are more focused, productive and less likely to leave their current roles.
How to Develop Leadership Skills in Educational Leaders
Great leaders are continuously learning and growing. Becoming a great leader involves welcoming challenges, asking for feedback and taking the time to truly understand the team. Building effective leadership skills takes time and training, so professional educators looking to take the next step in their careers should consider investing in a formal education that teaches the skills to lead an educational institution.
According to Harvard Business Review, essential qualities of successful leaders include adaptability, empathy and resilience. The courses offered in NKU’s online M.A.Ed. in Educational Leadership program, like Leadership in a Diverse Society and Leadership in Contemporary Schools, are designed to help future leaders develop strategies to guide their schools. This program also teaches students to explore and apply these qualities in real-world educational settings. This hands-on approach ensures graduates are ready to take on leadership roles with the skills needed to create positive changes within their schools.
Educational Leadership Jobs: Where These Skills Can Lead You
Jobs in educational leadership often require the ability to manage teams, create policies and advocate for students and staff. An advanced degree in educational leadership leads to exciting career opportunities. These careers exist for educators focused on every grade level, from elementary and high schools to colleges and universities. Graduates can pursue a wide range of positions in student affairs, higher education administration, nonprofit leadership and other education roles.
Anyone aspiring to guide schools or educational institutions toward success should consider the online M.A.Ed. in Educational Leadership program at NKU. It provides a balance of theory and practical experience, ensuring graduates are prepared for the challenges ahead. With a focus on real-world applications and courses tailored to the needs of today’s educational leaders, this program empowers educators to make a meaningful difference in education.
Learn more about Northern Kentucky University’s online Master of Arts in Education in Educational Leadership program.
