To create spaces where others feel seen and heard, we must first recognize how our own presence, identity, and leadership shape those spaces. By leading from a place of self-awareness, we model the kind of reflection and growth we expect in our schools.
Leaders are often asked to understand their communities - but how often do we ask them to understand themselves? Is culturally responsive leadership about others, or about ourselves? Before we can lead inclusively, we must examine how our own identity and presence shape the spaces we create. This session challenges school leaders to reflect on their own identities, biases, and perspectives - recognizing the power of self-awareness. This session invites school leaders to cultivate self-awareness, leading with authenticity and inclusivity. By understanding ourselves, we become more effective in leading learning, supporting staff, and creating school cultures that prioritize equity and belonging.
This session will explore:
- How our background and lived experiences influence our leadership practices.
- The importance of self-awareness in building authentic relationships with staff and students.
- The intersection of identity, bias, and decision-making in schools.
School leaders attending this session will leave with:
- Strategies to engage in self-reflection and identity work.
- Approaches to model self-awareness in professional learning and staff collaboration.
- Tools to move beyond performative equity work and toward sustainable, meaningful change.
