Leadership Academy Vision and Implementation

Leadership Academy Vision and Implementation

Vanessa Vitiello
William Paterson University
EDLP 6050-60
Dr. M. Coviello

Leadership Academy Vision and Implementation

VisionandMissionNarrative

This image represents our vision in that it illustrates the surplus of knowledge that Leadership
Academy can provide when intertwined with the community.

The vision of Leadership Academy is to become national leaders in science, math,

technology, literature and the arts. All students will achieve excellence in the
twenty-first century by offering a differentiated effective and rigorous curriculum
to all enrolled. All students will graduate with 100% enrolling in a postsecondary
education program of their choice (ELCC 2.1). A professional and highly
motivated staff in partnership with parents will provide a disciplined and caring
environment while ensuring that students reach their potential (ELCC 1.4).

The mission of Leadership Academy is to engage our students in a passionate,

personal interest driven education with a focus on leadership in the twenty-first
century. We will provide students with rigorous academics while using community
and project based learning experiences that will integrate the following:
Common Core State Standards
21st century technology
Dual enrollment with accredited colleges and university

Leadership Academy Vision and Implementation

Internships

Actualizing Our Dream

When a person steps foot inside of Leadership Academy they are greeted by the guidance
counselor and myself. All students and parents are greeted with a smile and authentic concern for
their well-being. The first thing that you see is a display case of trophies and awards earned by
the school and its students. Above the display case hangs our schools emblem that depicts our
collaboration to achieve an abundance of wisdom. Everyones accomplishments are appreciated
and acknowledged as there is recognition displayed as far as the eye can see. Empty wall space is
few and far between.
At Leadership Academy all stakeholders of the school are leaders in their own way. The
administration leads teachers and staff, the teachers and staff lead each other as well as students,
while students, as mentors and tutors, lead classmates. Ultimately, the critical decisions are made
by myself but I employ the guidance of my teachers, parents and staff through delegation,
committees and conferences.
The key aspect to maintenance of Leadership Academys solidarity is our commitment to our
schools shared vision and mission. Inevitably we are aware of the fact that the success of our
school lies in the hands of all of us and for that reason we all strive for excellence. We try to
abide by a quote from an unknown author Nobody is perfect but if we strive for perfection we
can reach excellence.
A Touch of Reality

Leadership Academy Vision and Implementation

In reality my school district and my school are not in harmony with the community or
one another. In todays world educational laws and directives are changing at a fast pace. In
many instances a new directive is issued even before the previous one has had a chance to
succeed. In the revolving door that is education everyone has a different opinion. It has been
researched that a minimum of five years is necessary to effectively implement a change and
determine if it has been successful. In contrast to the consistency at Leadership Academy this
rarely occurs in Paterson. The school that I am currently assigned has just begun to attempt a
change to improve the climate and culture of the school with a new administration. Just as trust is
established, recent budget deficits are threatening to put a stop to our progress as the new
administration has been informed a reduction in force might be necessary.
Community and parental involvement is lacking in part because of inconsistency. When
parents become accustomed to the expectations and opportunities a school may provide, a
change in administration is an obstacle that can be difficult to overcome. Teachers and students
are overwhelmed with the state mandated changes and without stability they are likely to become
apathetic and reluctant to participate in a new agenda that will not likely last. In the ideal
environment of Leadership Academy parents are empowered and will fight for stability for their
children. Paterson schools have yet to build a strong enough connection with parents where they
feel entitled to fight for the school system.

The View of Our Future

Looking back on my imagined tenure at Leadership Academy I will be proud of my

accomplishments. The vision of our school was developed with and among the stakeholders of

Leadership Academy Vision and Implementation

our academic community. Parents, teachers, faculty and students collaborated with the
administration to create a vision and mission of which the school community would be proud to
uphold. A separate committee of parents, teachers and students assisted the administration as we
formed Leadership Academys parent teacher student association into a wealth of resources for
the school. To account for declines in the budget a minimum of five annual fundraisers were held
by the PTSA to ensure that students were privy to field trips that would contribute to their culture
and enlightenment.
As a result of our commitment to the vision of Leadership Academy the schools culture
and climate has improved significantly. The first step in changing the schools culture was
implementing a bureaucratic system where everyone had a voice. I am particularly proud of the
accomplishments of committees that were appointed to keep everyone informed. They collected
invaluable information as they consulted the staff and students regarding possibilities for
improvement. These actions introduced a culture of collaboration, trust, learning and high
expectations that has flourished after five years.
I am honored to admit that the school and neighborhood community perceive me as a
trustworthy leader who has the best interest of the children at heart. The climate of the school
changes every day as self-esteem improves. Parents are empowered by my open door policy both
before and after school hours. They have been essential to the change of the school culture
because students see how much they are cared for. The creation of a student committee to
eliminate intimidation and bullying has resulted in students becoming more aware of their own
value. In the end they know I am their advocate and can speak up about anything because it will
be addressed with respect and discretion.

Leadership Academy Vision and Implementation

References

Bridges, W. (2009). Managing Transitions: Making the most of change (3rd ed.). Reading, Mass:
Addison-Wesley.

Owings, W., & Kaplan, L. (2012). Leadership and organizational behavior in education: Theory
Into Practice (1st ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.