Some of life’s most crucial decisions are made by people that are selected to lead us as a society. However, a lack of quality leadership has become increasingly apparent, particularly in education.
We see it in sports, politics, education and our social groups — the characteristics of leadership are intertwined into every aspect of our lives.
Being the one to have the final say or the person everyone looks to for guidance is no easy task. Many place absolute trust into specific leaders, hoping they won’t be led astray.
Having individuals with strong moral character in leadership roles is pivotal to achieving success in everything we do.
One of these is in education. Administrative departments throughout America’s educational institutions tarnish the concept of leadership.
It is ironic that those entrusted with shaping future leaders of the United States are the ones who betray their own ideals.
True leadership takes courage because everyone’s trust lies within the one in charge. Mistakes are inevitable; we’re all human. However, we are raised from a young age to take responsibility for those mistakes.
A courageous leader would take responsibility for their mistakes, yet leaders in education seem to shift blame. Instead of taking responsibility for their faults, they rely on their public relations team to sweep it under the rug.
Most administrators avoid acknowledging problems. They’d rather protect their image than admit to any flaws in their leadership and decision-making.
This is evident both locally and nationally. The U.S. Department of Education’s poor decisions showed in their execution of the new FAFSA process. Students and college institutions alike were left confused and in financial uncertainty as the school year began.
However, the Department of Education gets off the hook. Where is the accountability?
Locally, the lack of leadership is just as glaring. The denial of safety within Edwardsville’s District 7 is appalling. Even if the cases were isolated incidents, the administration’s refusal to address simple questions is deeply troubling.
People across the country and in small communities like Edwardsville look to these administrations to help protect, serve and educate their children. Most administrators are paid by taxpayer dollars to carry out these tasks.
While the consequences may not be fatal here, they can be in other districts’ cases. Administrative negligence can indirectly lead to tragedies like school shootings and bomb threats. By then, the ability to hold the leaders responsible is too late to before lives are lost.
A lack of accountability in these incidents has led to a larger, national issue when it comes to violence and school shootings. Leaders have to be proactive to prevent lives from being lost.
That is why it’s crucial for those who appoint and oversee these administrative leaders to hold them accountable when they fail.
Leaders must also remember that their role is to serve those they represent. They should be transparent in their decisions-making process that impact many lives and be prepared to face the consequences when decisions lead to negative outcomes.
