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Portrait of a Leader

For Educators, By Educators

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Cover to Portrait of a Leader, Shades of bright pink fading to sky blue with circle in the same color palette across it, some of the circles have portraits of adults
Lead for Learners
February 18, 2025

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • The Portrait of a Leader captures the essential knowledge, skills and mindsets educators need to lead sustainable, learner-centered change within educational systems.
  • The Portrait was created for district leaders, building leaders, instructional coaches, teacher leaders and other instructional leaders.

A transformative vision for education leadership begins here.

Creating sustainable, learner-centered system change requires continuous development of and support for educators. This Portrait of a Leader captures the knowledge, skills and dispositions educators need to drive innovation and lead education systems change through personalized, competency-based learning. By elevating these attributes, we can support, grow and celebrate the development of education leaders.

Circles with text inside, reading: 鈥淭ransformation: Inspiring bold action to drive positive, impactful change. Human-Centered Approaches: Centering people and relationships in all decisions. Authenticity: Leading with integrity, purpose and vision. Advocacy: Championing equity, access and opportunities for all. Collaboration: Working together to create systemic, sustainable solutions.鈥�

The Portrait of a Leader defines the attributes necessary for educators to effectively and sustainably lead systems change. Rooted in the principles of personalized, competency-based learning and collaborative, human-centered approaches, the Portrait serves as a guide for the qualities that will empower educators to drive innovation and make a lasting impact. Built to support those navigating today鈥檚 most complex educational challenges, it emphasizes:

  • Human-Centered Approaches
  • Transformation
  • Authenticity
  • Collaboration
  • Advocacy

As leaders, we've seen implementation of personalized, competency-based learning lose steam when a key person leaves. The Portrait is about creating a pipeline of school-, district- and classroom-level leaders who not only embrace a learner-centered vision but have the capacity to move the work forward. It's a critical step toward ensuring that the work we start today continues to serve students for years to come.
Dr. Jeni Gotto, Superintendent Westminster Public Schools, Westminster, Colorado
Lead for Learners Network Steering Committee

Download the Portrait of a Leader

Are you ready to take the next step in your leadership journey? Download the Portrait of a Leader to explore the attributes and reflect on your personal leadership journey.

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