Leadership matters! Many educational initiatives can link their success (or in some cases, their failure) directly to the leaders that oversaw implementation. If these leaders are well prepared, supported, and ready for the challenge ahead, then they are much more likely to pull off a win for their students than those who are thrown into the deep end and told to sink or swim.
The LSU Gordon A. Cain Center for STEM Literacy, Capital Area STEM Network, and Louisiana Department of Education are partners in a collaboration to ensure that educational leaders in Louisiana have the preparation that they will need to be successful. Leaders are invited to participate in The Leadership Challenge™, an exercise in leadership development with almost 40 years of history.
Dr. Leslie Blanchard is a leadership and workforce development specialist with the Cain Center and will serve as the facilitator for this important work. Dr. Blanchard says this about the challenges of leadership:
“Leadership is not always easy, and there are often more questions than answers when we tackle a new scenario or project. In recent years, these situations have been named “VUCA events” where VUCA stands for volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. The term came from the US Army War College to describe challenges that are inherent when operating in an ever-changing environment like a war zone. Educational environments can sometimes feel like war zones, and being prepared to tackle leadership challenges is critical the meeting our targets and accomplishing our goals.”
The Leadership Challenge ™ is a landmark guidebook that illustrates what authors James Kouzes and Barry Pozner call the “5 Practices of Exemplary Leadership.” They are:
- Model the Way
- Inspire a Shared Vision
- Challenge the Process
- Enable Others to Act
- Encourage the Heart
During the event offered to educational leaders on February 7th, 2025, from 10:30-12:30, Dr. Blanchard will guide participants through a scenario-based examination of the challenges associated with implementing a new initiative like the impending Computer Science Educational Plan. Leaders will leave the event with a concrete plan and practical strategies to bring back to their schools to support their success. The event is virtual and is being offered free of charge to K-12 educational leaders across Louisiana.
To register, please visit this link.
