Regardless of their position, educational leaders must understand the structure of an effective school organizational culture and the communities their work impacts. Those in leadership positions need to know how to foster partnerships and communicate with families and others within the community to meet the unique needs of distinct populations.
The online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) – Educational Leadership program from Youngstown State University (YSU) can prepare students for elevated roles in private, public and charter schools and health and human service agencies. Students in this online program will expand their expertise to apply educational management and leadership best practices in various organizational settings. Through this program, graduates are equipped and positioned to establish and grow organizational culture and community partnerships.
Aspects of Organizational Culture and Community Partnerships
Every organization has a culture — whether it’s a business, nonprofit organization or school. Organizational culture defines how people function and work within the organization. This culture comprises methods of interaction, beliefs and values that create the work environment. Also included in an organizational culture are the philosophy, expectations and fundamental values that spur and control the organization’s direction. In a school, the organizational culture is important since it forms and shapes patterns of behavior and learning standards, encourages achievement orientation, determines future growth and provides a sense of identity. In many schools, organizational culture is how school leaders promote inclusion and equity.
In many ways, a school’s organizational culture is what binds relationships between colleagues, builds a sense of community and forms teacher and student relations. Developing community partnerships is a significant role for school leaders by building relationships with community members to grow effective partnerships. Since schools exist within communities, those in leadership positions must identify resources in the community where students, families and faculty spend time, work, obtain services and play. These can include libraries, museums, shops, youth organizations, childcare facilities, zoos, local businesses and places of worship. Establishing community relationships requires that school leaders are proactive by instituting sustainable relationships while building trust, sustained outreach, stability and displaying strong leadership.
Getting the parents involved within the school is another way to improve community partnerships. A free exchange of information between teachers, school leaders and parents provides a sense of community and involves the parents in their children’s education. Connecting with community resources via parents results in a shared responsibility that can support students’ development and learning in a culturally respectful way.
About YSU’s Online Ed.D. – Educational Leadership Program
This innovative online degree program is flexible for working professionals. YSU’s Ed.D. program features a rigorous curriculum aligned with state and national standards that teaches those enrolled in the program to lead, design and implement a district vision, mission and process for continuous improvement that reflects a core set of priorities and values. Students will also learn to engage the community, families and other constituents in the work of schools and the district to advocate for district, community and student needs.
By learning how to cultivate relationships, lead collaborative decision-making and governance and represent and advocate for district needs in broader policy conversations, future school leaders can apply outcomes through sustained, substantial and standards-based work in real district settings.
Courses such as Building Organizational Culture & Community Partnerships, Perspectives on Leadership Among Diverse Populations, and Educational Politics & Policymaking in the U.S. are courses that prepare graduates learn to establish and grow organizational culture and community partnerships in their schools.
Learn more about Youngstown State University’s online Ed.D. – Educational Leadership program.
