Leadership for a new era: What does it mean to ‘prepare’ new leaders in a changing global educational landscape?

What does it mean to lead, to be a leader, and to exercise leadership? We are living in a time where societies across the globe are facing constitutional uncertainty, forced migration, environmental and health emergencies, all within the frame of a ‘post-truth’ era, and significant implications for schools and learning.

This presentation, drawing upon data from programme participants, will explore the development, impact, and possibilities of a unique leadership development programme aimed at aspiring and serving leaders in international schools, and how such a programme can equip leaders to face such persistent societal challenges. Now in it's third year, the programme is designed with a focus on developing a critical understanding of leadership in its range of forms, exploration of identity and community as it relates to leadership, and the role of broader concepts of agency and power. Rather than being solely about preparation, participants engage in critical self-reflection and sense making processes, with a focus on the specifics of how the complexity of leadership can be applied to their individual goals, aspirations, and practices as a leader.

Insights from this approach will offer prompts for reflection and a new framework for understanding leadership development. Copyright © 2023 AISC.