Parents and teachers are not usually thought of in the traditional context of leaders.  However, both, parents and teachers, have a huge impact on the lives and education of children in the school system.  Therefore, parents and teachers can work together as school leaders.

Parents as Leaders

One of the most critical leadership functions within any society is effective parenting.  Parents leave an impact on the life-long actions and behaviors of their children, and generations thereafter.  Parents teach children values, principals and ideals, which are eventually passed on to their own children and so forth.

Teachers as Leaders

Likewise, teachers have a tremendous impact on the lives of their students.  Teachers are successful when they honor the individuality of each and every one of their students.  Teachers should also strive to instill a love of learning and respect in their students. One single teacher has the ability to touch the lives of hundreds, even thousands of students over the course of his or her teaching career.

Parents and Teachers as School Leaders

Therefore, parents and teachers play critical roles as leadership in the school system.  There are essential leadership skills that both parents and teachers should acquire, in order to be successful leaders in the lives of their children and students.

Two very important leadership skills that parents and teachers must possess, in order to be effective leaders, are well-defined listening and learning skills.  One cannot be a true leader, if he or she doesn’t listen and learn on a regular basis. Leaders must listen to learn.

Parents and teachers that want to become effective school leaders must develop and hone their listening and learning skills.  The Latino Literacy Project offers webinars and in-person seminars that can prepare parents and teachers to become effective school leaders or to advance the leadership skills, which they already possess.