Why the Best Defense in Educational Leadership is a Good Offense

There has always been a political aspect to the job of superintendent, but what has been described as the extreme politicalization of education has upped the ante. Nowadays, superintendents must manage many competing interests from adults while also working to advance positive educational outcomes for all young people, according to the Collaborative on Political Leadership in the Superintendency. The group, co-chaired by Jennifer Cheatham, a senior lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a former superintendent herself, recently released a new guide with strategies to support district leaders in the current political climate. The manual encourages superintendents to:

• Critically reflect on how “their own political viewpoints and other identities and affiliations influence how they lead.”
• Work across differences at the school district and local community level in a collaborative manner.
• Follow what is happening in state and federal politics — considering “the impact of current events on the well-being of students, families, and staff.” 

Each of the practices in the guide includes fictional scenarios, tips for success, and additional resources. Cheatham and the collaborative have also created a professional development program, called Leading During Turbulent Times, which is offered at the Ed School to help superintendents further develop their civic leadership skills.