The Most Impactful Leader In Education To Look For In 2024​

1. THE MOST IMPACTFUL LEADER IN EDUCATION TO LOOK FOR IN 2024 The way of business solutions www.insightssuccess.com VOL: 09 ISSUE: 10 2024 Santarvis Brown Graduate Business Chair Excelsior University Dr. Brown The Leader's Edge

5. People-First Mindset: More Than Just a Trend eading with a people-first approach is essential for creating a thriving workplace. This leadership style prioritizes the well-being and L development of employees, recognizing that they are the backbone of any organization. According to a study by MIT Sloan, a toxic corporate culture is the leading cause of employee turnover, ranking 10.4 times higher than compensation issues. This statistic underscores the importance of fostering a positive environment where employees feel valued and engaged. A people-first culture encourages open communication and mutual respect. When employees feel heard, they are more likely to contribute ideas and take ownership of their work. For instance, companies that implement regular feedback mechanisms, such as pulse surveys, often see increased employee satisfaction and retention. In fact, 57% of employees have left jobs due to poor management, highlighting the need for leaders to adopt a more empathetic approach. Moreover, organizations that prioritize mentorship and professional development tend to cultivate stronger teams. By investing in their employees' growth, companies not only enhance individual performance but also build a loyal workforce. Celebrating achievements, no matter how small, reinforces a sense of belonging and motivates employees to strive for excellence. Lastly, adopting a people-first mindset is not just a trend; it is a strategic imperative. By focusing on the needs of employees, organizations can create a more engaged, productive, and loyal workforce, ultimately leading to greater success and sustainability. Highlighting one such exemplary leader, Insights Success features Dr. Santarvis Brown in its latest edition, “The Most Impactful Leader in Education to Look For in 2024.” Acknowledging this philosophy, Dr. Santarvis Brown, Graduate Business Chair at Excelsior University, leads with empathy and understanding, fostering an environment where both students and colleagues feel genuinely valued. Have a great read ahead!

6. Editor-in-Chief Merry D'Souza Managing Editor Preston Bannister Executive Editor Eva Miller Visualizer Michael Warner Art & Design Head Donna Claus Co-designer Yasmin Nasser Business Development Manager Sherin Rodricks Marketing Manager Jenny Jordan Business Development Executives Reem Almasoud, Sheldon Miller Digital Marketing Manager Isabel Barnes Technical Head Phil Simon Research Analyst Helena Smith Circulation Manager Finn Wilson sales@insightssuccess.com September, 2024 Corporate Ofce Insights Success Media Tech LLC 555 Metro Place North, Suite 100, Dublin, OH 43017, United States Phone - (614)-859-2600 Email: info@insightssuccess.com For Subscription: www.insightssuccess.com www.twitter.com/insightssuccess Follow us on : www.facebook.com/insightssuccess/ We are also available on : RNI No.: MAHENG/2018/75953 Copyright © 2024 Insights Success Media and Technology Pvt. Ltd., All rights reserved. The content and images used in this magazine should not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from Insights Success. Reprint rights remain solely with Insights Success.

7. Dr. Santarvis Brown: The Leader's Edge 06. The Impact of Educational Leadership on Teacher Development 14. The Intersection of Educational Leadership and Community Engagement 18. Innovative Business Approaches to Eduction: How Schools are Adapting to Digitization? 20.

8. Dr. Santarvis Brown The Leader's Edge It's hard to believe it's been over 18 years now, marking my 22nd year in education. I've been fortunate to hold various roles throughout my journey, each contributing to the leader I've become today.

9. Santarvis Brown Graduate Business Chair Excelsior University

10. Leading With a People First Approach! e often think that possessing extensive knowledge and expertise is enough to gain Over the years, I've come to W respect and have an impact. However, the understand that people don't reality is that people are much more likely to be receptive to truly value your knowledge what you know if they first sense that you genuinely care until they feel your genuine about them. Knowledge alone can come across as cold, arrogant, or self-serving if it is not accompanied by warmth, care. While it may sound like a empathy, and good intentions. cliché, it rings profoundly true in my experience. When you take the time to listen, put yourself in someone else's shoes, and express authentic concern for their wellbeing and success, you create an environment of trust. It's in that space of trust that your knowledge and advice hold real weight and value. People don't just want to be told what to do; they want to feel understood, supported, and that you have their best interests at heart. Lead first with care and compassion, and your knowledge will be received as the gift it truly is. Believing in this philosophy, Dr. Santarvis Brown, Graduate Business Chair at Excelsior University, leads with empathy and understanding, creating an environment where students and colleagues alike feel truly valued. It's a lesson that has taken Brown 22 years in the field of education to fully grasp. He reflects on his journey, from being an instructor to a program director and now leading Excelsior's graduate business programs. Each role has contributed to shaping the leader he is today, guided by the core principle of prioritizing people over all else. Brown's student-centered approach has allowed him to build meaningful connections throughout his career. While positions provided the foundation, it was the people who truly made the experience worthwhile for him. Brown has maintained strong relationships with many former students, even assisting some in their career advancements and educational pursuits down the line. There's no greater reward for Brown than witnessing the success of those he has guided. Encountering former students who still vividly recall the positive impact he had on their lives fills him with immense joy and a sense of fulfillment. For him, a leader's greatest achievement is when their people know, without a doubt, that they have someone

11. who genuinely cares about their well-being. As he looks ahead, Brown hopes to inspire the next generation of business leaders to adopt a similar philosophy – one that prioritizes people over metrics and bottom lines. In the business world, it's easy to get caught up in numbers and percentages, but Brown believes overlooking the human element of any organization is a surefire path to failure. By taking care of people first, Brown argues, the rest will inevitably follow. It's an approach that has served him well throughout his career, allowing him to make a lasting impact on countless lives beyond just imparting knowledge. For him, true leadership is about empowering others and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. Let us explore his journey: Transforming Education As a thought leader in education, Brown takes pride in his role at Excelsior, where he is able to harness his passion for progressive change and innovation to drive meaningful transformations. As the leader of the Graduate Business Department, he is dedicated to nurturing a culture of ingenuity within education. Although he is based in Albany, New York, like many of his colleagues and all their students, he currently works remotely. Currently, the team is engaged in a comprehensive overhaul of their MBA program, aiming to pioneer a groundbreaking approach to the MBA degree that will revolutionize the way students learn and grow. A Leader's Perspective As a respected figure in the education sector, Brown believes that the most pressing challenges currently facing the industry are funding and regulation. In his opinion, the regulation of education is a highly contentious and politicized issue, with many educators leaving the profession due to the political factors driving these regulations.

12. According to Brown, a love for people is crucial for effective leadership in education. This sentiment encompasses a desire to see individuals thrive and reach their full potential. Reflecting on his career in education, he notes that many students who are now successful and influential, including a school board chair, celebrities, and even a mayor and fellow preachers/ and pastors, all remember him for never giving up on them. Furthermore, a love for the profession is vital. As Brown observes, this is not a career pursued solely for financial gain, but rather for the profound impact it has on individuals and society. Those who serve in education must have a genuine love for the profession, as it is often underfunded, undervalued, and underappreciated. Despite these challenges, it is the love for the profession that motivates educators to continue their work, inspiring them to rise each morning with a renewed sense of purpose. For Brown, the intersectionality of faith, service, education, and vision-driven leadership is not a balance to be achieved, but rather a seamless integration that has become an intrinsic part of his being. Over time, these elements have One area of regulation that has garnered significant attention is assessment. While Brown supports education accountability, he believes that the current focus on data- driven metrics has led to a diminishing of the transformative impact that teachers can have on students. This shift away from transformative teaching has resulted in many educators seeking alternative methods to achieve their goals. Funding is another highly politicized issue, as those who control the purse strings hold significant power. He has observed that funding is often removed from areas that are not favored by certain leaders. As educators, it is crucial to As a leader, my greatest find ways to ensure that students are educated holistically successes have always and prepared for the world, despite financial constraints and been when those I've led political perceptions. Ultimately, educators must equip students to lead and navigate the complexities of the world knew without a doubt that ahead. they had someone who genuinely cared about their A Love for People and Profession well-being. In the realm of education, impactful leaders are distinguished by two essential qualities: a profound affection for people and a deep passion for the profession.

13. become intertwined, forming a harmonious whole that is leaders in driving innovation and progressive change in deeply rooted in his identity. education. He firmly believes that leaders must be prepared and inspired to bring about meaningful change in the A Leader's Approach to Education education sector. As a renowned speaker and researcher, Brown maintains his The book offers practical leadership principles that can expertise in education leadership by actively engaging with foster a culture of innovation and progressive change in education. Additionally, Brown has another book scheduled the latest developments in the field. He achieves this by consistently reading and staying updated on the current for release this fall, which he expects will contribute trends and best practices, ensuring he remains well-versed significantly to the ongoing leadership discourse in in the ever-evolving landscape of education. education. Wisdom for Aspiring Leaders Reimagining Education For aspiring leaders in education seeking to make a lasting Brown envisions a future where the traditional education impact, Brown offers the following counsel: find your space undergoes a profound transformation. He believes unique voice, identify your niche, hone your skills, and that the current model needs to be reimagined rather than strive to transform the world. Above all, cultivate a daily simply redesigned or redefined. As a key player in this shift, mindset of purpose, driven by the intention to make a Brown hopes to contribute to the ongoing conversation meaningful difference. about the future of education. Leadership for Progressive Change in Education Brown has authored a book on leadership, "Leading While Limping," which provides valuable insights into the role of

14. , , , , Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Epictetus

16. The Impact of Educational Leadership on magine an institute where who recognize the immense potential By creating a culture of continuous professionals feel empowered, within their teaching staff. By learning, these leaders encourage I inspired, and supported in their implementing effective professional teachers to engage in reflective professional growth. Where students development strategies, these leaders practice, seek out new challenges, and thrive in an environment that fosters can unlock the innate talents and skills collaborate with their peers. This their unique talents and passions. This of their teachers, enabling them to culture of continuous learning not only vision is not just a dream; it's a reality reach new heights in their practice. benefits individual teachers but also made possible through the Through targeted workshops, strengthens the entire school transformative power of educational mentorship programs, and community, as ideas and best practices leadership. As we delve into the impact collaborative learning opportunities, are shared and implemented across of educational leadership on teacher educational leaders can create an classrooms. development, prepare to be inspired by environment where teachers feel the remarkable ways in which effective empowered to experiment, take risks, Empowering Teachers to Lead leadership can shape the future of and grow as professionals. education. In addition to providing direct support The Impact of Educational and guidance, educational leaders also The Transformative Power of Leadership on Teacher Development play a crucial role in empowering Educational Leadership teachers to take on leadership roles The impact of educational leadership within their schools. By recognizing In this ever-changing landscape of on teacher development is undeniable. and nurturing the leadership potential education, the role of educational A study conducted by the Wallace within their staff, educational leaders leaders has become increasingly Foundation found that school can create a distributed leadership crucial in shaping the professional leadership is second only to classroom model that taps into the unique growth and development of teachers. instruction among school-related strengths and expertise of each teacher. These leaders, often serving as factors that contribute to student This empowerment not only fosters a principals, superintendents, or learning, accounting for about a quarter sense of ownership and investment department heads, possess the power to of total school effects on student among teachers but also ensures that inspire, guide, and empower their achievement[1]. This statistic the school's vision and goals are teaching staff, ultimately impacting the highlights the critical role that consistently implemented across all quality of education delivered to educational leaders play in fostering an classrooms. students. As educational leaders environment conducive to teacher navigate the complexities of modern growth and, ultimately, student The Importance of Emotional schooling, their ability to foster a success. Intelligence culture of continuous learning and support has become a driving force in Fostering a Culture of Continuous As educational leaders navigate the the success of both teachers and their Learning complex and often emotionally students. charged world of education, the Effective educational leaders importance of emotional intelligence Unlocking the Potential of Educators understand that professional cannot be overstated. Effective leaders development is not a one-time event, must possess the ability to understand Educational leaders are not merely but rather a continuous process that and manage their own emotions while administrators; they are visionaries requires ongoing support and guidance. also being attuned to the emotional 14 September, 2024 www.insightssuccess.com

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18. needs of their teachers. By fostering a supportive and empathetic environment, educational leaders can help teachers navigate the challenges of the profession, reducing burnout and promoting job satisfaction. Conclusion In conclusion, the impact of educational leadership on teacher development is undeniable. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, empowering teachers to lead, and prioritizing emotional intelligence, educational leaders can create an environment where teachers thrive and students succeed. As the demands on educators continue to evolve, the role of educational leaders will only become more critical in shaping the future of education. By investing in the professional growth and development of their teachers, educational leaders can ensure that every student has access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success in the 21st century. 16 September, 2024 www.insightssuccess.com

19. , , Coaching is unlocking a person's potential to maximize their growth. - John Whitmore www.insightssuccess.com

20. The Intersection of and Community Engagement n recent years, the concept of Understanding Community-Engaged Effective leaders must prioritize community-engaged leadership Leadership understanding the unique perspectives I has gained traction, emphasizing and experiences of their community the importance of collaboration Community-engaged leadership (CEL) members. By actively listening, between schools and their surrounding is an approach that emphasizes the educational leaders can identify the communities. This approach challenges importance of collaboration between strengths and resources within their traditional top-down leadership schools and their surrounding communities, which can be leveraged models, advocating for a more communities. This model challenges to enhance educational outcomes. This participatory framework where traditional top-down leadership approach not only fosters trust but also students, families, and community structures, advocating for a more empowers community members, members actively contribute to the inclusive process where students, making them feel valued and heard. decision-making processes that affect families, and community members their educational experiences. By actively participate in decision-making. Advocacy is another key component of valuing the knowledge and expertise of Research indicates that when community engagement. Educational community members, educational educational leaders adopt this leaders must advocate for the needs of leaders can create a more equitable and approach, they can better reflect the their communities, particularly for just educational landscape that reflects needs and aspirations of the historically marginalized groups. the diverse needs of all stakeholders. communities they serve. Statistics show that students from marginalized backgrounds often face The relationship between educational Institutional-focused engagement often significant barriers in educational leadership and community engagement involves school-led initiatives, such as settings, leading to disparities in is increasingly recognized as a vital cultural events or literacy nights, aimed academic achievement and graduation component of effective schooling. As at bringing families into the school rates. By advocating for equitable educational leaders strive to create environment. In contrast, community- resources and opportunities, inclusive environments that cater to the focused engagement actively involves educational leaders can help bridge diverse needs of their students, they community members in shaping school these gaps. must also engage meaningfully with policies and practices. This could the communities they serve. This include participatory budgeting Building Partnerships for Success intersection is not just beneficial; it is sessions where students and families essential for fostering a sense of have a say in how school funds are Partnerships between schools and belonging and ensuring that all voices allocated. community organizations play a vital are heard in the educational process. role in enhancing educational Schools are no longer isolated The Importance of Listening and leadership. By collaborating with local institutions; they are integral parts of Advocacy businesses, non-profits, and civic the communities in which they exist, organizations, schools can tap into a and their success is intertwined with Listening is a crucial element of wealth of resources and expertise that the well-being of these communities. community-engaged leadership. 18 September, 2024 www.insightssuccess.com

21. can benefit students and families. For meaningful dialogue, advocate for their towards dismantling systemic barriers example, partnerships with local needs, and build strong partnerships. that hinder student success. This not businesses can provide students with By following this framework, only benefits individual students but internship opportunities, while educational leaders can create a more also strengthens the community as a collaborations with community inclusive and responsive educational whole, creating a more equitable organizations can offer additional environment that reflects the values society. support services, such as tutoring and and aspirations of their communities. mentoring programs. Conclusion The Impact of Community Moreover, these partnerships can foster Engagement The intersection of educational a sense of shared responsibility for leadership and community engagement student success. When community Research consistently shows that is a powerful force for positive change members see themselves as schools with strong community in schools. By embracing community- stakeholders in the educational engagement tend to have better engaged leadership, educators can process, they are more likely to invest educational outcomes. For instance, a create inclusive environments that time and resources into supporting study found that schools that actively empower students, families, and schools. This collective effort can lead involve parents and community community members. Through to improved student outcomes and a members see increased student listening, advocacy, and partnership, stronger community overall. attendance, higher test scores, and educational leaders can foster a sense improved behavior. Additionally, of belonging and support that The LEAP Framework students who feel connected to their ultimately leads to improved schools and communities are more educational outcomes. As schools To facilitate effective community likely to succeed academically and continue to evolve, the importance of engagement, educators can adopt the socially. community engagement will only LEAP framework, which stands for grow, making it an essential Listening, Engaging, Advocating, and Moreover, community engagement can component of effective educational Partnering. This model encourages lead to greater equity in education. By leadership. leaders to actively listen to their prioritizing the voices of marginalized communities, engage them in groups, educational leaders can work 19 September, 2024 www.insightssuccess.com

22. Approaches to Busine? Innovative Education How Schools are Adapting to Digitization? he education sector has This approach to learning revolves Adaptive learning technologies are transformed significantly, as around a few principles, primarily other powerful tools for personalizing T learning institutions globally student agency, and flexibility. The the learning experience. These adapt to digital demands and agency essentially means giving platforms automatically adjust material opportunities. Traditional teaching learners control over their educational difficulty based on individual student approaches, which have long been the progress. This might mean allowing performance, ensuring that learners gold standard, have been re-evaluated them to decide the learning methods, consistently work at the edge of their in light of new technologies. Modern pace, and what they learn. On the other learning capabilities. The tools collect innovations enhance learning hand, flexibility is adjusting the performance data and use various experiences and improve accessibility. learning environment to meet algorithms to determine the best next These changes have brought along individual needs. step for the student’s learning journey. innovative business models that have redefined how education is delivered The other principle of personalized The personalized learning approach and managed. learning is data-driven instructions. also integrates gamification. This This requires teachers to use real-time approach makes learning engaging and The introduction of blended learning data when adjusting teaching strategies enjoyable. Converting lessons into a and virtual schools are examples of and monitoring student progress. These game-like experience makes students how schools use digital tools. principles combined help create a more motivated and invested in Personalized learning platforms also student-centered and adaptive learning learning. better serve students and educators. experience. For instance, students Below are a few innovative business struggling with specific concepts The Rise of Hybrid and Micro- approaches schools have made. receive targeted support and additional Schools resources. This dynamic approach Personalized Learning ensures that students of all levels Hybrid schools and micro-schools have achieve their full potential. also gained attention in the modern- Personalized learning has gained day education sector. These approaches significant popularity in the education Technology is crucial in making to learning have reshaped the sector. Unlike traditional instruction personalized learning a reality in traditional schooling concept. They models, personalized learning tailors learning institutions. Advanced tools offer a flexible and community-focused education to individual needs and like Teach 'n Go can easily analyze learning environment that can’t be learning styles. This approach large amounts of data to track students’ compared to previous learning styles. appreciates the unique needs, strengths, progress. These tools also make it easy The adoption of these two models and weaknesses of students. for teachers to identify learning gaps reflects the increasing demand for and suggest beneficial learning paths learning models that cater to the for individual students. student’s diverse needs. 20 September, 2024 www.insightssuccess.com

24. Hybrid schools essentially bridge the and offers more intimate and • Corporate partnerships: Most gap between in-person and online personalized learning experiences. online platforms partner with learning. They create a flexible businesses to offer professional learning model that allows students to The most notable benefit of micro- development courses for their capitalize on the benefits of both schools is their emphasis on employees. Platforms like approaches. Hybrid schools typically personalized education. With small- LinkedIn Learning have mastered mean students split their study time sized classes, teachers and instructors this trend and offer tailored between attending physical classes and can focus on every learner’s unique learning solutions for businesses. joining online coursework. needs. Learning in these schools is also project-based, meaning students While this approach is beneficial, it The most notable benefit of hybrid engage in hands-on projects that are comes with several challenges. For schools is they allow students to pace deemed relevant to their interests. instance, businesses can’t be sure of their learning. The online part of the quality and credibility of the course learning has self-paced courses, which The Business of Online Education content offered by some platforms. students can repeat until they Platforms With the proliferation of these understand before moving on. This is platforms, maintaining high standards overly beneficial to students with Introducing online education platforms is crucial. difficulties in specific subjects. is also an innovative approach to Similarly, hybrid schools provide business education. While it began as a Endnote perfect opportunities for personalized supplementary tool to traditional instruction. Educators can use data to learning, online learning platforms The digital age has brought endless track student progress. With this, they have grown to become key players in changes to the education sector. can easily tailor in-person lessons to the global education system. These Modern innovations focus on meet the specific needs of all students. platforms have democratized access to personalization and accessibility. education and introduced innovative Unlike before, schools aren’t confined The hybrid learning approach also business models in this sector. The to traditional classroom environments. meets the demands of parents and success of these platforms is attributed Schools have embraced innovative students looking for a balanced to various innovative models that cater business models that use technology to learning approach. This option to users with different needs. These meet the pressing needs of modern perfectly balances the convenience of models include: students. online learning and social interaction provided by physical classes. In-person • Freemium models: Most classes allow students to interact and platforms offer a combination of build relationships with teachers and free and paid learning materials. other students. They participate in This allows users to access a group assignments, improving their limited number of courses at no social skills. On the other hand, the cost. However, they should pay a online component provides unmatched subscription fee to unlock flexibility, allowing them to pursue premium content like advanced other extracurricular activities and courses and certifications. family obligations. • Subscription-based model: Some platforms, like MasterClass, have Micro-schooling is the second concept subscription packages. Interested that has gained immense popularity. learners should pay a recurring This is primarily a return to fee for unlimited access to the community-centered education. These learning materials. are schools with few students, typically • Marketplace model: These less than 100, and operate in co- platforms allow educators to working spaces and other non- create and sell their courses. The traditional settings. This approach platform deducts a percentage of differs from large, centralized schools the revenue earned by instructors. 22 September, 2024 www.insightssuccess.com

26. Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality. - Warren Bennis