A common phrase thrown at students is “Dream Big.”
Dreaming big is great, but what if there were guidance or a step-by-step approach to ensure that all your dreams become a reality?
Many institutions and organisations alike have developed structured approaches to doing this: dedicated coursework, mentoring programs, and leadership workshops all equip students with the skills needed to climb the ladder in the teaching and education industry.
In today’s busy world, many people find it hard to commit to programs that are designed to elevate their leadership prowess. So, this article will provide condensed ways of scaling from a student to a teacher and beyond effortlessly.
Network
Networking is vital for aspiring leaders. It entails building relationships that benefit both parties involved.
These relationships inspire and motivate you to become a better version of yourself.
Effective networking practices include:
- Being sincere.
- Sharing resources.
- Communicating skillfully.
- Negotiating effectively.
- Managing conflicts effectively and efficiently.
Great avenues for networking include career fairs, volunteering, conferences, and industry meetups.
There are some ‘don’ts’ you should keep in mind when networking:
- Don’t lose your composure, such as by interrupting people as they speak or by drinking too much at an event.
- Don’t forget to introduce yourself before initiating further conversation.
- Don’t come off too strong; it is fine to research someone in advance or show admiration, but don’t overdo either.
- Don’t act timid; networking is a fun and effective way to meet new people—don’t waste the opportunity.
Continue learning
Everything from engaging in more conversations to taking on further formal education such as a Doctorate in K-12 Leadership is crucial in climbing the leadership ladder.
Continuous learning expands your knowledge about a subject matter and refines your decision-making and problem-solving skills.
How to cultivate a continuous learning mindset?
- Set goals that encompass personal and professional learning goals.
- Prioritize learning in your schedule.
- Don’t ruminate on past failures—learn from them instead.
- Be curious and open-minded.
- Attend conferences and seminars.
- Listen to podcasts and read inspiring books.
- Join professional associations within academia/industry.
Become a trusted voice
Having a voice of your own helps improve self-esteem, connect deeply with others, communicate effectively, make a lasting impact, and pave the way for leadership opportunities.
How to have a voice of your own?
- Use platforms like LinkedIn to share ideas.
- Make yourself heard at community events.
- Be open to criticism from more experienced teachers and leaders.
- Speak with confidence and sincerity to both students and colleagues.
- Invite people to disagree with you.
- Take on volunteering opportunities like at school events.
- Start a blog or social media page to share ideas within the industry.
- Use clarifying questions to invite people to be more direct.
In your efforts to become a trusted voice, always remember the great poet Jalal ad-Din Muhammad ar-Rumi’s saying “Raise your words, not voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.”
Work with purpose
The most effective leaders and teachers are those who care about their work, their staff, and their students.
It is important to show care and purpose in all the work you do.
How to have work with purpose?
- Discover what motivates you.
- Reflect on your talents.
- Set goals.
- Practice self-care.
- Meditate.
- Volunteer.
Why is it important to work with purpose?
Working with a purpose in mind creates a sense of direction, alignment, and commitment to your job.
When you work with purpose, you will be poised to take the right action to mitigate the effects of accidents or challenges.
There is a strong sense of belonging when you work with purpose, thus you can become more aligned with the vision and goal of your workplace. This allows for smooth career progression to leadership positions and beyond.
In the 2015 Workforce Purpose Index, which reports on the work orientations of the U.S. workforce and associated predictive indicators of performance and wellbeing, employees in the United States who worked with a purpose had 64% higher levels of fulfillment in their work.
Becoming a leader in any industry is challenging, and the teaching and education sectors present their own unique opportunities—but with some hard work, and by following the advice in this article, you might just find yourself on your way from student to teacher in no time.
Also Read: The Heart of Quality Education: The Role of Educational Leaders
