Learning and Leading - September/October 2012

A Leadership State of Mind

Join ISTE’s Leadership Forum (isteleadershipforum.
org ) October 21−23 for an opportunity to network,
glean ideas from other strong leaders, and reflect
on your own practice.

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Leadership has been on my mind a lot lately. With the increasing demands placed on schools, the transition of ISTE’s chief executive officer from Don Knezek to Brian Lewis, a U.S. presidential election on the near horizon, and the imperative for cooperation at all levels and in all corners of a highly interdependent and connected world, leadership is more critical than ever. With ISTE’s inaugural leadership forum rapidly approaching, now is a good time to reflect on our own leadership and what we want to see in those we choose to follow.

a school district, this translates to a focus on student learning with authentic assessments to give feedback about progress. It means creating a culture of excellence in professional practice, supported by collaboration, trust, and teamwork. It means mobilizing the entire community to bring about positive learning experiences and results for students. Finally, it means being resilient and having a strong professional will.

solving. Such is their environment outside of school and the reality of their future careers. Similar parallels can be made for each element of what it means to be an effective leader in today’s schools and in today’s world.

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Diana Fingal @dianafingal Managing Editor

Leadership and management is L&L’s target topic this issue. I hope you find many useful ideas inside that help you chart your own leadership path. I also invite you to join us at ISTE’s Leadership Forum (isteleadershipforum.org) October 21−23 for an opportunity to network, glean ideas from other strong leaders, and reflect on your own practice.

Paul Wurster @Paul_ Wurster Associate Editor

Andra Brichacek @andramere

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None of the attributes of this exemplary leader are specific to technology. And yet, how, other than making wise and effective use of technology, can a leader accomplish these goals? For students to learn in real-world environments, they must use technology to create and innovate, communicate and collaborate, conduct research, and engage in authentic problem

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tech we like

Here are a few of the L&L team’s favorite resources from this issue.

The leader I want to be and to follow is clear about goals and true to core purpose and values, creates a positive culture, builds capacity, is persistent, overcomes obstacles, and executes plans with skill. In

ARIS: arisgames.org

—Leslie S. Conery is ISTE’s deputy CEO and conference chair. She holds a PhD in curriculum and instruction, a master’s degree in computer science education, and a bachelor’s in elementary education, in addition to a certified association executive credential.

Andra Brichacek is intrigued by this augmented reality platform that lets you create your own AR simulations. Read about it in “Get Real” on page 16.

EdGames: www.uncw.edu/edgames Kate Conley enjoyed the EdGames site. Learn more on page 22.

H&R Block Dollars & Sense grant: www.hrblockdollarsandsense.com

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Tamara Kidd knows that good, strong financial knowledge leads to lifelong empowerment. Learn more on page 26.

Fotopedia: fotopedia.com

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“Dr. Edwards! You have to see this!” came their excited reply. Knowing
that the students had cut their recess short, the superintendent sensed
that something seismic was afoot. —See page 12 to read the full article.