Leadership 2.0

In trying to define what it means to be a leader, I came across the Leadership 2.0 Series offered/organized by George Couros similar to a Massive Open Online Course dedicated to Leadership. I unfortunately was unable to attend the Tuesday session (find the archive here) but was able to attend this evening.  Through nine sessions, the group focuses on the seven dimensions based on the Alberta Education Principal Quality Standard.  Although this is foreign to me, the principles are universal and I found the first session to be inspirational.  Part of what was discussed (and I encourage you to attend yourself!) was the need for a leader to share his/her learning, obtain feedback from a worldwide audience (their possible expanded PLN!) and reflect - just as we would ask of students.  It was a very simple concept, but one that offered deep ramifications when internalized.

Although it is not difficult to share ones learning, it does take an unusual leap of faith to put it online, at least for someone who has been more familiar with keeping a journal rather than a world accessible document.  However, the communication that I've had with my own new blogging experience (thank you Rob Darrow of iNACOL) has made me appreciate the power of this tool, and the ability to personalize ones learning through sharing.

For this week's assignment, we are to look at creating a digital portfolio - how a leader can use a blog to share his/her thinking.  One of the projects discussed was 184 Days of Learning from the Parkland School Division, where various stakeholders share their experience for the day, thus following the learning of a community for the entire year.

One of the most progressive movements our district, Quakertown Community School District in Quakertown, PA, has done, is opening up their required professional development/professional learning for teachers.  Although there are some required work sessions that must be attended, teachers are able to choose their own professional development, so that their learning is fully individualized.  One off-shoot of this with which I was involved was our Upper Bucks EduSummit 2012.  We partnered with two neighboring districts to offer technology based professional development to teachers within all three districts, taught by teachers and administration in the three districts.  This partnering between the districts was unprecedented, and allowed individuals to work together with others over common interest.  It was a small step toward individualizing teacher learning - but journeys always begin with one small step.

I look forward to the discussions we will be having as part of the Leadership 2.0 Series (#leadership20 on twitter) and building my own leadership PLN.  Join me - the journey is just beginning!