The world has radically changed in unprecedented ways. Educational leaders are now tasked with navigating uncharted waters that continually fluctuate as a result of COVID-19 and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Even with all of these challenges, opportunities have arisen to take education in a different direction to create a new normal that better meets the needs of learners and teachers alike. The time is now for leaders to be nimble and lead sustainable change in ways that empower people to embrace innovative pathways including remote, hybrid and personalized learning.
Eric Sheninger, an Associate Partner with the International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE) dissects the competencies and practices that leaders need to model in order to usher in a reimagined educational experience regardless of the challenges faced.
Pillars of digital citizenship: Eric discusses the elements that are embedded into already defined teaching practices (6:36). Eric explains that educators must be open-minded about implementing new techniques for teaching and learning. He encourages educators and administrators to be honest about what is and is not working to allow them to see where changes, if any, should be made. He reminds administrators of their roles as leaders and that their job is to be able to lead and direct where educators and learners need to be (6:40).
Examples of hybrid classrooms: Eric goes on to give examples of hybrid classrooms and different forms of blended learning that take place in order to give learners an equitable education (13:36). He shows pictures of the innovative ways that students are learning in different subjects at different schools that he has visited this past year.
Learning environment and spaces: Eric discusses the environments in which kids learn and how it impacts their learning experiences (21:00). He goes on to talk about the importance of proving equitable experiences for learners. He says, “When I go into a classroom to all kids doing the same thing, the same way at the same time, that’s not equitable everybody. Equity is all kids getting what they need, when and where they need it” (21:34).
Purchase Digital Leadership: Changing Paradigms for Changing Times by Eric Sheninger
Eric is an Associate Partner with the International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE). Prior to this, he was the award-winning Principal at New Milford High School. Under his leadership, his school became a globally recognized model for innovative practices. Eric oversaw the successful implementation of several sustainable change initiatives that radically transformed the learning culture at his school while increasing achievement.
- Twitter handle: @e_sheninger
- Website: www.ericsheninger.com
- Email: esheninger@leadered.com
Explore SEL strategies that will help you create a more positive and equitable school and district culture.
