By SchoolSims
The Power of Summer Professional Development for Aspiring School Leaders
July 6, 2023
As the academic year draws to a close, the summer break presents a valuable opportunity for aspiring school leaders in school districts to invest in their professional development. While many educators may view this period as a well-deserved break, dedicating time and effort to continue learning during the summer can profoundly impact one’s growth as a school leader. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of summer professional development and its myriad benefits to those aspiring to lead and transform schools.
Enhancing Leadership Skills
Summer professional development allows aspiring school leaders to refine and enhance their leadership skills. Educators can access the latest research, best practices, and innovative strategies for effective leadership through workshops, conferences, and seminars. Topics such as instructional leadership, data-driven decision-making, community engagement, and fostering a positive school culture can be explored in-depth, equipping aspiring leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed.
“Newly appointed assistant principals are exposed to simulations at our monthly cohort sessions to get ‘real-life’ experience in situations that are taking place in schools across the country. The simulations provide a safe space to practice decision-making and apply what is being taught in instructional sessions to develop the skills to be an effective leader.” – Dr. Reginald Pierre-Jerome, Leadership Coordinator, The School District of Broward County
Staying Updated with Educational Trends
Education is a rapidly evolving field, with new research, technologies, and approaches emerging regularly. By engaging in summer professional development, aspiring school leaders can stay up-to-date with the latest educational trends and advancements. This knowledge empowers leaders to make informed decisions, implement evidence-based practices, and guide their schools toward positive change. Additionally, staying knowledgeable about emerging educational policies and initiatives ensures that leaders are well-prepared to navigate the evolving educational landscape.
Watch here as Dr. David De Jong (Dean of the College of Education at Dakota State University) discusses his research on asynchronous experiential learning experiences using simulations.
Networking and Collaboration
Summer professional development opportunities often bring together educators from diverse backgrounds and experiences. This provides aspiring school leaders with invaluable networking and collaboration prospects. Connecting with like-minded individuals, sharing ideas, and engaging in meaningful discussions can form supportive professional networks. These networks offer ongoing support and foster collaboration, enabling leaders to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and gain fresh perspectives on leadership challenges.
Time for Reflection and Goal Setting
Summer break allows aspiring school leaders to retreat from their day-to-day responsibilities and reflect and set goals. Through professional development activities, educators can evaluate their leadership practices, identify areas for improvement, and set meaningful goals for the upcoming academic year. This intentional reflection helps aspiring leaders develop a clear vision, establish priorities, and create actionable plans for driving positive change in their schools. Additionally, it allows them to align their professional growth with the broader goals of the school district.
“SchoolSims empowers aspiring school leaders to evaluate their leadership practices by providing realistic simulations, reflective opportunities, and actionable feedback. By engaging in these simulations, aspiring school leaders can identify areas for improvement, set meaningful goals, and ultimately enhance their leadership effectiveness in real-world educational settings.” – Ginger S. Watson, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Instructional Technology/Learning Sciences/Simulation Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education, School of Education and Human Development at the University of Virginia
Empowering Others through Shared Learning
Investing in summer professional development benefits aspiring school leaders personally and creates a ripple effect throughout their schools and districts. By staying current with the latest research and trends, leaders can bring new ideas and strategies back to their teams, empowering their colleagues and fostering a culture of continuous learning. Sharing acquired knowledge and experiences enhances the collective capacity of the school community and ultimately contributes to improved student outcomes.
Aspiring school leaders in school districts should view the summer break as a prime opportunity to invest in their professional development. Summer professional development activities can significantly enhance leadership skills, keep leaders abreast of educational trends, provide networking opportunities, facilitate reflection and goal setting, and empower others through shared learning. By embracing the power of continuous learning, aspiring school leaders can strengthen their capacity to transform schools, positively impact student achievement, and create thriving educational communities.
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Sprankles, William. “10 Things Great School Leaders Do over the Summer.” Edutopia, 11 July 2017, www.edutopia.org/discussion/10-things-great-school-leaders-do-over-summer.
Naesp, and NAESP Staff. “Soak up the Sun with PD.” NAESP, 14 Jan. 2021, www.naesp.org/resource/soak-up-the-sun-with-pd/.