Leadership in Secondary and Extracurricular Education
When discussing the challenges modern Ukraine faces, we cannot ignore the environment that literally shapes the young generation, determining their abilities or struggles in realizing their potential. And this environment is the school. The burden carried by educators in secondary and extracurricular institutions is all the heavier because there were no ready-made solutions for overcoming challenges like ours until recently. Yet, the urgent need to build a team capable of setting the tone for contemporary education remains.
This makes it all the more valuable that educators recognize the depth of the Mission entrusted to them by society. They are seeking not excuses but genuine opportunities to create a “dream team.” The first example of such collaboration, inspired by the activities of the Center for Leadership of UCU, took place on October 31, 2024.
On this day, the research project manager of our Center, Taras Oleksyn, implemented the first step in our new initiative: a series of one-day trainings called “Leadership for Educators.” In collaboration with the administration, teachers, and assistants of Lviv Lyceum No. 15, our colleague explored aspects that could become the key to effective work for educational managers.
During the first training block, participants had the opportunity to delve deeper into the concept of the Leadership Character and the 11 Virtues that shape it. The second part of the meeting focused on practical skills for team interaction: onboarding and developing the potential of colleagues and students, types of feedback, and the rules for providing it appropriately.
The most valuable part of this session, as noted by the educators themselves, wasn’t merely the novelty of the information. Instead, it was how the session systematized the experience they already had. It helped them understand the reasons behind the success or failure of specific approaches and, most importantly, provided actionable tips for working with both colleagues and children. Feedback like this is what inspires us the most.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Lyceum’s principal, Bogdana Havrilik, without whom this pilot session would hardly have been possible. We also wish the participants success in the challenging task of nurturing the youth! After all, the future of our country genuinely depends on you!
We also want to remind you that it’s still possible to join the “Leadership for Educators” Program. To do so, reach out to us via social media or leave a comment under this post. Let’s build a new standard of education in Ukraine together!
Photo: Yulia Oleksyn
