Standard 2

Abstract

In Chapter 3, we examine Standard 2 of the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL), which includes an emphasis on professional norms and expectations of effective leaders to promote and act according to the professional norms of integrity, fairness, transparency, trust, collaboration, perseverance, learning, and continuous improvement. This standard promotes acting ethically and professionally in personal conduct, relationships with others, decision-making, stewardship of the school’s resources, and all aspects of school leadership. Principals should lead with interpersonal and communication skill, social-emotional insight, and understanding of all students’ and staff members’ backgrounds and cultures, while providing moral direction for the school and promoting ethical and professional behavior among faculty and staff. Effective school leadership requires ongoing self-reflection and growing self-knowledge concerning one’s values and motivations, and how these influence attitudes, beliefs, and actions. The goal is to always place students at the center of education and accept responsibility for each student’s academic success and well-being (PSEL, 2015, p. 10, National Policy Board for Educational Administration. http://www.npbea.org" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">www.npbea.org/psel/ ). Using the PSEL as a guide for self-reflection, aspiring and practicing leaders can envision ways that they can engage in more authentic and ethical ways of leading.