Strategic Leadership and Management for Principals, Vice Principals, and other School Policymakers
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Prioritizing leadership and management within educational institutions has gained global attention in education policy agendas. This domain significantly contributes to enhancing organizational outcomes by shaping the motivations and capabilities of staff teams, as well as the overall climate and environment. The effectiveness of organizational leadership is crucial for enhancing efficiency and equity in education across all levels.
This Erasmus+ KA1 course is crafted to empower school principals, vice principals, and other school policymakers with the essential skills and knowledge needed to excel in their leadership roles. Participants will delve into critical aspects of educational leadership, including the business organization of schools, strategic school visits, conflict resolution strategies, advanced communication skills, effective problem-solving techniques, stress management, relaxation practices, public relations (PR) strategies tailored for schools, and the nuanced art of leadership.
The course is designed to provide practical insights into the strategic and operational dimensions of educational leadership. From optimizing the business organization of schools to mastering conflict resolution, the course addresses the multifaceted challenges faced by school leaders. Participants will engage in hands-on learning experiences, case studies, and collaborative discussions to deepen their understanding of leadership principles and practices.
It is a comprehensive guide for principals, vice principals, and other school policymakers seeking to enhance their leadership ability and contribute to the success and well-being of their educational institutions.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
This course will help participants to:
- Master Conflict Resolution Techniques and Foster Collaboration, Teamwork and Teambuilding Development: Apply proven conflict resolution strategies to address interpersonal and organizational challenges within the school community. Foster teambuilding, collaboration, and teamwork development. Leaders should actively engage in creating opportunities for teambuilding exercises, workshops, and collaborative projects that encourage individuals to work together towards common goals. Emphasizing the importance of effective communication and mutual understanding contributes to the development of a cohesive and resilient school community.
- Empower your Team by Empowering Yourself: Work on your soft skills, skills that are essential for burnout prevention, learn successful soft skills strategies that allow you and your team to optimize day to day tasks and large-scale projects. Understand the importance of non-verbal communication so you can implement it within your team.
- Enhance Advanced Communication Skills: Strengthen communication skills for effective collaboration with staff, students, parents, and stakeholders, fostering transparent and positive relationships. Emphasizing positive communication fosters a supportive and collaborative environment. Leaders should model constructive communication behaviors, promote positive interactions, and provide guidance on resolving conflicts through effective dialogue. By enhancing advanced communication skills, leaders contribute to the development of a healthy and thriving school community that is built on trust, understanding, and positive relationships.
- Implement Effective Problem-Solving Strategies: Utilize critical thinking and problem-solving techniques to address challenges and enhance decision-making processes in the educational setting.
- Manage Distress through Mindfulness and Implement Relaxation techniques: Identify stressors and implement relaxation techniques to manage personal and professional distress, ensuring a balanced and sustainable approach to leadership. By incorporating mindfulness and relaxation techniques, leaders promote their own well-being, which, in turn, positively influences the overall work environment. This approach contributes to a leadership style characterized by adaptability, resilience, and a capacity to inspire and guide others even in challenging circumstances.
- Cultivate and Exhibit Strong Leadership Skills: Acquire and showcase leadership competencies that inspire and motivate teams, fostering a positive school culture that supports the growth and development of both staff and students.
- Strategize PR for Schools: Develop and implement effective public relations (PR) strategies tailored for schools to enhance the institution’s image, engage the community, and communicate successes. Leverage digital platforms to enhance the school’s online presence. Develop and maintain a user-friendly website, engage in social media campaigns, and utilize other online channels to share success stories, updates, and relevant information.
- Conduct Purposeful School Visits: Plan and execute meaningful school visits, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, observation, and collaborative learning. Through this Erasmus+ KA1 course, participants will learn about the Croatian educational system and its recent overhaul. Participants in the course will also gain knowledge of how schools are run, how classes, projects, and extracurricular activities are organized, and other aspects of daily life for principals, teachers, and students in Croatian schools. Teachers will tour a range of Croatian schools over the course week, including high schools, Vocational Education and Training School, Regional Center for Excellence, and other Erasmus very active primary schools in the area. Collaboration is fostered through partnerships with various secondary schools, where principals graciously host participants, providing an invaluable opportunity for a meaningful exchange of experiences.
THE COURSE FEE INCLUDES:
- Full programme of study sessions ( minimum 35 hours per week );
- Course materials;
- Certificate of attendance;
- Europass;
- Learning Agreement
- Quality Agreement;
- Visits to local institutions;
- Personalized support;
- Expertise of Local Provider on location during the mobility;
- Free WIFI internet;
- Coffee and tea breaks;
- Administration costs.
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Work on your professional and personal development under Erasmus+, network, build strong relationships with your colleagues from all over Europe and explore amazing culture and nature in Croatia’s beautiful city of Split!