Empowered Leader
The definition of empowered educators has undergone significant changes over the past decade. Collaboration and a student-centred approach have driven this change away from the traditional method in which teachers were the sole source of knowledge and control. Nowadays, learners are encouraged to take an active role in their learning. Consequently, there has been an increased emphasis on teacher professional development, specifically developing 21st-century skills, such as collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving. The use of digital tools and resources in education has played a significant role in this shift. As a result, an empowered educator should be capable of utilizing technology to enhance students’ learning and engagement.
Teachers are empowered when they possess the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make informed decisions regarding their teaching practices, curriculum, and classroom management. It is also imperative that they actively seek out opportunities for professional development and growth. These educators are responsible for engaging their students in meaningful and relevant learning experiences while establishing a positive and inclusive classroom environment for all students. Moreover, they should be able to collaborate effectively with colleagues and communicate effectively with parents and other stakeholders to support student success.
As someone who has mentored programmers and served as an instructional designer, I believe the same values that apply to developers’ work/lifestyles also apply to educators. Providing professional development and growth opportunities is critical to helping individuals stay current with the latest tools and technologies. Various workshops, conferences, and online courses could be offered to cater to the needs and interests of educators. Collaboration is another crucial component of both programming and education. Working together and sharing expertise is an effective way for educators to learn from one another and improve their abilities. Educators can collaboratively develop lesson planning and instructional strategies. The ability to innovate and be creative is also essential in both fields. Also, they can be provided with access to cutting-edge technologies and tools, so they can develop their skills and experiment with creative ideas. As educators, we can explore our interests and ideas, thus fostering a lifelong love of learning. It is essential to recognize and celebrate achievements in both fields. Feedback and recognition for educators’ dedication and hard work can be extremely motivating. This may include celebrating successfully creating personal development plans, and annual objectives or recognition could be given to educators who excel in specific areas.
Finally, supporting a work-life balance is crucial for both programming and education. Educators need support and resources to manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance. It may be necessary to offer educators mental health resources and time for self-care, mindfulness, or yoga classes. These principles should be considered when guiding teachers and other educators toward success in their fields. By providing growth opportunities, encouraging collaboration and innovation, recognizing achievements, and supporting work-life balance, we can empower our educators to achieve their full potential.
References
- National Education Association. (2018). Empowered educators. Retrieved from https://www.nea.org/home/72280.htm
- U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Professional learning for empowered educators. Retrieved from https://www.ed.gov/professional-learning-empowered-educators
- Borko, H., Jacobs, J., Eiteljorg, E., & Pittman, M. (2008). Video as a tool for fostering productive discussions in mathematics professional development. Teaching and Teacher Education, 24(2), 417-436.
- Guskey, T. R. (2014). Professional development and teacher change. Teachers and Teaching, 20(6), 731-747