What_Is_Educational_and_Administrative_Leadership_

As one reflects on the term, “Educational Administration and Leadership,” it brings to mind the idea of the effective management of an institution and the director(s) role in it. However, it would be presumptuous of me not to consult with a dictionary for the meaning of the words, “administration” and “leadership” and use it as a premise for my discussion. The Encarta Britannica defines administration as the service that is rendered, or duties assumed, in conducting the affairs of an office or place of employment. In other words, it is the management of the affairs of a business, organization, or institution. The Britannica also states that leadership, speaks to an organizational role which involves (1) establishing a clear vision, (2) sharing (communicating) that vision with others so that they will follow willingly, (3) providing the information, knowledge, and methods to realize that vision, and (4) coordinating and balancing the conflicting interests of all members or stakeholders. Hence, the term, “Educational Administration and Leadership,” speaks to the ability of the directors of an institution becoming experts in areas of organizational leadership, decision-making, design and implementation of instruction and in addition focusing on student achievement, educational, organizational and operations management, human resource development, and community-building. Abraham Lincoln once said, “The whole is greater than the parts,” so I could look at Educational Administration and Leadership in two ways When one heads an administration or is a part of an administration of an institution, there are certain roles and responsibilities that come with the job. Broadly speaking, educational administration and leadership entails education administrators setting educational standards and goals and establishing the policies and procedures to achieve them. They also supervise managers, counselors, support staff, librarians, teachers, coaches, and other employees. They develop academic programs, monitor students’ educational development, train and encourage teachers and other staff, manage career counseling and other student services, administer recordkeeping, prepare budgets, and perform many other duties. They also handle relations with parents, prospective and current students, employers, and the community. In schools the administrators, that is the principal and vice principal separately or together, set the academic tone and actively work with teachers to develop and maintain high curriculum standards, develop mission statements, and set performance goals and objectives. Principals confer with staff to advise, explain, or answer procedural questions. The principal hires, evaluates, and help to improve the skills of teachers and other staff. They visit classrooms, observe teaching methods, review instructional objectives, and examine learning materials. Principals must take an active role to ensure that students meet national and local academic standards. In some areas, growing enrollments also are a cause for concern because they lead to overcrowding at many schools. When addressing problems of inadequate resources, administrators serve as advocates for the building of new schools or the repair of existing ones. Principals are responsible for planning for the upcoming school year, overseeing summer school, participating in workshops for teachers and administrators, supervising building repairs and improvements, and working to make sure the school has adequate staff for the school year. Vice-principals aid the principal in the overall administration of the school. They are primarily responsible for scheduling student classes, ordering textbooks and supplies, cafeteria, and other support services. They usually handle student discipline and attendance problems, social and recreational programs, and health and safety matters. They also may counsel students on personal, educational, or vocational matters. The senior teacher also forms part of the administration of a school and their prime responsibility is to maintain expertise and skills by attending professional development activities, undertaking related course administration, curriculum development and quality assurance activities as required and agreed in advance by the institution. The senior teacher is also expected to make a significant contribution outside as well as inside of the classroom, utilizing their skills, qualifications and experience to the benefit of the institution, participate in the maintenance of a safe and healthy work environment, and fulfill other duties as required by the institution. When one thinks of Educational Administration and Leadership, these are the people that readily come to my mind and their job descriptions. Consequently, organizational and managerial skills are required to effectively cope with these responsibilities. It is a lot to handle, especially for someone who has had no training or experience. Hence the term and need to study Educational Administration and Leadership becomes paramount to anyone who wishes to take on these responsibilities.