Thoughts on Leadership in Education

Learning to Lead with Ethics (and a Little Grace) This week in class, we dove into ethical leadership, and I have to say, it hit home in a way I did not expect. I have always known that being a leader is not just about knowing your stuff. It is about how you treat people, how you make decisions, and how consistent you are when things get hard. But reading about ethical principles and how they actually show up in real leadership really helped me see myself more clearly. The three ethical principles that stood out to me most were justice, beneficence, and fidelity. These are fancy words, but basically they mean be fair, do good, and keep your promises. That is how I try to lead. Whether I am helping a first-generation student figure out how to study for their first exam or standing up for a student who has been overlooked, these principles are part of everything I do even when I do not realize it. A quick story. Last semester, a student came to me in tears after a rough clinical day. She...

What We Took Away This Week: Social Justice + Leadership = Real Change This week’s readings honestly hit home in a big way. We focused on socially just leadership and organizational theory, and I feel like everything I read was speaking directly to what we’re trying to do in nursing education right now. One of the biggest takeaways was that leadership is not just about being in charge. It is about being ethical, inclusive, and really intentional about recognizing the systems around us. As educators, especially in nursing, we can’t just teach students how to lead on the floor. We need to help them understand how to lead in systems that aren’t always fair or equal to everyone. One idea that really stuck with me was the concept of “critical consciousness.” Basically, it is the idea that leaders need to be aware of social inequities and not just recognize them but actually work to change them. That’s easier said than done. It means being vulnerable and willing to admit when we’re part of ...

  This week’s discussion really got me thinking about the kind of leader I want to be and how much I’ve grown over the years. I shared that I connect most with transformational and servant leadership, and honestly, hearing from others just reinforced that for me. It’s clear that leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about lifting others up, creating a shared vision, and genuinely caring about the people you work with. One thing that stuck with me from the conversation is how many of us believe that leaders are both born and made. Sure, some people naturally step into those roles with confidence, but so much of leadership is learned through experience, reflection, and support from others. I’ve definitely had my fair share of learning moments (aka mistakes), but those have shaped me more than anything. It was also encouraging to see how many people highlighted the importance of empathy, consistency, and communication in motivating others. I left the discussion feeli...

Introduction This blog is where I’ll be sharing some thoughts each week about what we’re learning in class around leadership and education. Nothing too formal—just a space for me to reflect on the readings, connect them to my own work in nursing education, and maybe work through some ideas out loud. I’m looking forward to learning and growing through this process, and I hope it sparks some good conversation too.