With higher education month quickly approaching, it is a great time to highlight some of the ways that Christian educators can cultivate and showcase their skills when pursuing leadership positions.
One of the most vital skills that educators have is the ability to lead. Some of these portable leadership skills include decision-making abilities, problem-solving skills, productive collaboration, and adaptability. Stepping into a leadership role will come naturally to educators who are prepared.
Here are three ways you can build upon your skills to increase your chances of landing a leadership position:
1. Lifelong Learning. Improve applicable skills and gain additional certifications that relate to the leadership role you are seeking. Masters and doctorate degrees in relevant fields of study can increase hireability. University degrees and certificates prepare educators for leadership roles by solidifying an understanding of different industries. Employers seeking to hire educators value degrees/certificates that relate to business leadership, project management, and marketing. Many universities offer affordable evening and online classes that can help start the journey to a new career in leadership. The willingness to learn new skills is just one of many traits successful employees have.
2. Expand leadership experience within the school setting. Gain insights into a leader’s daily responsibilities by taking on a leadership role on campus. This provides the opportunity to study other leaders and ask for feedback. Administrative roles that educators can participate in include Community Outreach Coordinators, Induction Coordinators, or Data Team Leads. In this way, qualified teachers can exercise leadership abilities beyond the classroom and practice communicating effectively with a variety of stakeholders. Getting exposure to managerial and administrative tasks is vital to an educator’s success in pursuing a leadership role, and these positions are a great way to start.
3. Network and find a mentor. It is imperative to step out of your comfort zone and network with other professionals outside of the education field. Find a mentor who can model how to ask strategic questions. Focus on building fruitful relationships with leaders who can assess your strengths and weaknesses. Be intentional about solidifying professional relationships and actively communicate with the leaders you admire.
The Extra Step (An Insider Tip): Browse a search firm’s website. As an educator, it can be overwhelming to consider all of the steps you need to successfully switch careers. Revamping your resume from “school speak” to “corporate speak” will only get you so far. Search firms have access to companies that are oftentimes not listed on job boards. Consider visiting a search firm’s website where job postings are listed to explore different opportunities.
At Vanderbloemen, we are committed to ensuring that companies are hiring the right people. Search Christian jobs by practice to get an inside look at the opportunities we have to offer.
At Vanderbloemen, we help churches and faith-based organizations build their best teams by aligning their people solutions for growth: hiring, compensation, succession, and culture. If you’re looking to hire your next staff member, contact us. We’d love to help.
