What Type Of Person Thrives In The Education Industry According To An Associate Director Of Professional Learning At Rocketship Public Schools
Success in educational leadership requires a strong background in classroom and school leadership, understanding "what great instruction looks like," and critically examining past successes to avoid burnout. Long-term success hinges on individuals who can adapt their mindsets about learning, teaching, and leadership, moving beyond the "18-hour days" mentality.
Leadership, Instructional Design, School Management, Data Analysis, Critical Thinking
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
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Traits
Lauren Keough
Associate Director of Professional Learning
Rocketship Public Schools
UCLA - 2008
Lehman College - CUNY (2010) - Masters of Arts in Social Studies Education & Stanford University (2019) - Masters in Policy, Organization & Leadership Studies
History, Art History
Education
Education
Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School
Video Highlights
1. Strong classroom and school leadership background is essential.
2. Deep understanding of effective instruction and school management is crucial.
3. Critical self-reflection on past successes and a sustainable approach to work are vital for long-term success in the field.
Transcript
How would you describe people who typically thrive in your field?
People who thrive in my field have a solid background with success in classroom and school leadership. You don't have much credibility without that.
These are people who know what great instruction and good school management look like. This informs everything they do, even if it doesn't seem obvious. It grounds them in the outcomes we want.
This is true no matter what you're doing; if you're creating a data system, it still informs that. Often, these people can also be martyrs. They are used to working 18-hour days, thinking "it's for the kids, it's fine."
Those are people who burn out quickly. I think the people who have long-term success in this field have that experience and skill.
They've also critically examined their own prior success. They ask, "Was what I did transferable? Am I just going to teach a bunch of 20-year-olds to also burn out? Do I want to do that?"
They also push their own mindsets about learning, teaching, leadership, and education. I think that's what you need to be long-term successful in this field.