Chapter 5 The educator as leader
Chapter 5: The Educator as Leader
*E J Van Niekerk (1995) definition: “leadership is about inspiring persons or groups to such an extent that they willingly and enthusiastically work to accomplish set aims”
1. The functional tasks of the educator as leader
Educators core functions include;
They educate through their teaching activities which include the subject didactic but also the
They see that the school’s function of effective teaching and learning is done
They introduce learners to various aspects of reality that are linked in the personations of the learning programmes; with a view to their future participation in the maintenance and development of civilisation and to leading a meaningful life within the community
They assist earners to with their knowledge, skills and attitudes to develop into mature adults; which is the ultimate purpose of education.
Educator’s role as leader is to influence learners in such a way that they take up the challenges associated with their learning tasks in an appropriate manner so they can become reasonably independent
3. The long term leadership task of the educator
Effectiveness of the educator’s leadership is determined by evaluating their ability to positively influence the performance (that they show growth and development according to vision) of class as a whole in the longer term (like a school year)
Educator as leader influences learners by the circumstances under which leadership is provided by creating an environment within which learners can learn to the best of their abilities
The educator takes actions to empower and optimally develop learners
Thus educator as leader exerts an influence on the environment where earning take place by creating the best possible conditions for learner achievement; this is done with these tasks;
Creation of class vision
Effective communication of vision
Creation of desirable value climate to contribute to achievement of the vision
Training and
*E J Van Niekerk (1995) definition: “leadership is about inspiring persons or groups to such an extent that they willingly and enthusiastically work to accomplish set aims”
1. The functional tasks of the educator as leader
Educators core functions include;
They educate through their teaching activities which include the subject didactic but also the
They see that the school’s function of effective teaching and learning is done
They introduce learners to various aspects of reality that are linked in the personations of the learning programmes; with a view to their future participation in the maintenance and development of civilisation and to leading a meaningful life within the community
They assist earners to with their knowledge, skills and attitudes to develop into mature adults; which is the ultimate purpose of education.
Educator’s role as leader is to influence learners in such a way that they take up the challenges associated with their learning tasks in an appropriate manner so they can become reasonably independent
3. The long term leadership task of the educator
Effectiveness of the educator’s leadership is determined by evaluating their ability to positively influence the performance (that they show growth and development according to vision) of class as a whole in the longer term (like a school year)
Educator as leader influences learners by the circumstances under which leadership is provided by creating an environment within which learners can learn to the best of their abilities
The educator takes actions to empower and optimally develop learners
Thus educator as leader exerts an influence on the environment where earning take place by creating the best possible conditions for learner achievement; this is done with these tasks;
Creation of class vision
Effective communication of vision
Creation of desirable value climate to contribute to achievement of the vision
Training and