The world is constantly evolving and schools must adapt to keep pace with social and technological changes. Innovative leaders can help schools remain relevant and prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Innovation in school leadership can lead to the development and implementation of new teaching methods, curriculum designs, and educational technologies. These innovations can improve the quality of education and improve student outcomes.
To prepare for the job market of the future, students must develop adaptability, creativity, and digital literacy skills. School leaders should introduce programs and initiatives to foster these skills.
Innovative practices are also required to generate creative solutions for those hard-to-reach students who do not fit the mold of regular schools. Equally important is modeling these practices so that teachers accept the need for education to function differently than in the past to adapt to present and future needs.
With more than 20 years of experience in district leadership behind us, these are some of our leadership actions to consider to promote innovation.
Embracing technology is essential for both leaders and students if both want to succeed in an era focused on the importance of individual needs. Leaders should use data similar to a marketing strategy to meet the needs of both staff and students. This could include the use of digital tools, online resources and innovative ways of holding meetings.
Encouraging a combination of traditional classroom instruction and online learning provides flexibility that allows students to learn at their own pace and style, while also providing teachers with data to personalize instruction.
Feedback for teachers
We have found a tool like Voxer be of great use when it comes to feedback, based on your ability to reach teachers more effectively and avoid becoming defensive. Gone are the days of reading between the lines of assessment checklists or skimming through reports that are too dense (or boring) to read. Recorded voice or video allows messages to be absorbed on demand as you go about your other tasks.
Individualized instruction
Instead of failing students and forcing them to attend summer school, we decided to help students who were having difficulty passing their courses by instituting what we call Winter School. This has students review critical concepts they fell short on through an online platform and at their own pace. They can enroll throughout the year as usual if they successfully complete those concepts. Online platforms also serve as avenues of exploration in courses where there are no instructors or when students cannot attend school for medical reasons. Google Classrooms are now the norm, but they are just the first step in truly using technology to innovate for the benefit of students.
Support professional development
It is key to invest in professional development for teachers and staff, focusing on innovative teaching methods, technology integration and new educational trends.
The most meaningful PD is relevant, ongoing, and rooted in the work. It is key for leaders to discover creative ways to achieve these three indicators of success.
For example, we held a staff-created and led conference at a district professional development day. Staff members submitted proposals for sessions they would host and then people attended based on their needs. There was a high level of personalization and sessions included current topics that needed support, topics for deeper discussions as we progress, and all staff positions from paraprofessional to nurse to art teacher. This event created an environment that allowed for exploration of current topics, constant follow-up with presenters, and the ability for teachers to coach each other in their areas of expertise.
Create flexible learning spaces
Redesign classrooms and learning environments to be flexible and adaptable to different teaching and learning styles. This can encourage creativity and collaboration.
It’s not just that everyone learns differently, but students can also maximize their learning based on their environment.
For example, knowing and understanding this, we changed the structure of our library. We eliminated large, stationary desks that once housed desktop computers and bookshelves that took up most of the space. These elements were replaced by a large central area containing high bistro-style tables and rolling chairs. We also put all the shelves on wheels. The result has been an area that hosts mini concerts, luncheons, multi-classes, after-school programming and more. And now we have a flexible space that can be reconfigured to meet the different needs of students and staff during the day and night. Students can collaborate constantly or work individually based on their unique needs.
stay informed
School leaders must stay up-to-date with the latest educational research, trends, and best practices to identify opportunities for innovation.
It is also essential that leaders hear multiple perspectives on every aspect of the educational experience so they can help make it what it needs to be in the future. In addition to reading non-education-based books on leadership, consider being part of a professional growth organization like Best Leaders Best Mastermind Schools.
Innovation comes from surrounding yourself with other leaders who will challenge what you are doing, support you through obstacles, and hold you accountable for ensuring the success of all those you serve by creatively meeting their individual needs.
It is important to know and understand that innovation does not arise by itself. It is the result of transforming current ideas into a reality that achieves the goal of continually moving forward in a way that effectively supports, engages and empowers students and staff to achieve their highest level of success.
By fostering a culture of innovation and providing the necessary support and resources, school leaders can contribute to the development of effective and forward-thinking educational practices.