Transformational Educational Leadership Practices

(Grades K-12) / Flex Course

PDI Course Number: 129T02 / UCSD Course Number: EDUC42385

Course Description

As a person in a position of leadership, do you sometimes find it difficult to “walk the tightrope” between being a boss and a mentor? With all the plates you need to keep spinning, are you finding it difficult to express your expectations and mission/vision to your staff? If so, look no further! Whether you are a long-time leader, a new leader, an informal leader, or an educator who strives to be a leader, understanding the underpinnings of what it takes to be an effective, respected, and strong educational leader takes time, practice, and persistence. This online course is designed to take you through the best practices of educational leadership. The course begins by teaching the basics of how to create and implement a shared school mission/vision by setting goals and branding their mission/vision. From there, you will learn how to cultivate a strong, positive school climate so that staff are more confident and independent in their ability to manage their own classrooms. The course then takes a deep dive into the four “non-negotiables,” or four foundations upon which academic success is built — standards-based curriculum, data-informed teaching, expecting quality work, and differentiated instruction as the default. You will also learn what it takes to successfully develop and employ professional development, as well as how to build strong professional, community, and student relationships, all without taking it personally. The “nuts and bolts” of school leadership is saved for last, as you learn how to manage meetings and stay organized, all while keeping the big ideas of evaluation in mind as you strive to create a safe school environment. By the end of this course, you will feel more confident and successful in your quest to become an effective and inspirational leader. This course is worth 3 ⅓ semester units/5 quarter units (50 hours of training) from University of California San Diego (UCSD) Division of Extended Studies. For detailed information on university credit, click here.

"The numerous resources, including websites and graphic organizers, are invaluable. The course provided useful strategies that could be immediately implemented. I would recommend this course to all educators, not just those seeking an administrative position." - Nancy Indelicato