Posted by:
Shirley Hord
K-12 Classroom teacher
Austin, TX

Topic:
Share Knowledge & Resources

Message:

Forgive me, I don't want to quarrel over words and quibble over terminology, but I interpret this question to mean: How do schools or districts build staff development leadership. I don't think there's any essential difference here, I'm just wondering, if we lead staff development or if we lead individuals into or in connection with staff development. In any case, I respond to this inquiry at several levels and I'm not sure which comes first, for they are interdependent. And, I might add, this is not an exhaustive list-- simply some things that come first to mind.

One of these levels is the policy level (in the district or at the state), for it is at this level that needed resources, such as time and materials and human expertise, can be legitimized. When the district develops policies for the direct support of staff development, the signal is sent that staff development has value, thus setting a "friendly" policy environment for the nurture of individuals to embark on developing their potential as leaders for staff development.

There is a growing research and knowledge base that provides rich and tested information about what works in staff development. Therefore, at the district or campus, potential leaders should be given access to this knowledge base in order to gain the background understandings and insights about what we know about staff development. This knowledge level is an imperative.

There is also a large amount of writing about models, philosophies, approaches, and other factors related to leadership. Ideas come from the corporate world in addition to a great number of theories and concepts from educational leadership. The message here is that an individual needs development in leadership as well as in the content knowledge noted above.

Outside of these more formalized items, a coach or mentor is essential ? at the personal level. This person guides, assists, and advocates for the novice staff development leader. The coach shares information, observes the novice and gives constructive feedback so that both content specific and interpersonal skills are developed and become honed.

And, of course, people in the district or at the campus will advise the developing staff development leader to become associated with the NSDC, its journal and other print materials, and its academy designed for developing leaders in staff development.

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