The leadership gap in education
Research consistently tells us what many educators already know from experience: leadership matters. A landmark review of research commissioned by The Wallace Foundation concluded that leadership is second only to classroom instruction among school-related factors influencing student learning. While leadership accounts for approximately three to five percent of the variation in student achievement, that represents nearly one quarter of the total influence schools have on student outcomes after outside factors are considered. In other words, leadership is one of the highest-leverage investments a school can make.
The challenge is that most educators are never given a practical leadership framework. They are promoted because they are exceptional teachers, instructional coaches, or administrators, then expected to navigate communication, conflict, collaboration, trust, and team development with little formal preparation. Good people are often left trying to solve leadership problems through trial and error.
That is exactly why I created the Educator Leadership Series.
This three-part leadership development experience is built on the proven 5 Voices framework by GiANT. Rather than offering another motivational workshop or a collection of disconnected leadership ideas, the series provides educators with a practical framework they can immediately apply within their schools. Participants first discover their own leadership voice and better understand how they naturally communicate and make decisions. They then learn to recognize the voices of those around them, creating a shared language that improves communication, strengthens relationships, and reduces unnecessary conflict. Finally, they learn how to apply those principles to build healthier teams, increase trust, and create cultures where both educators and students can thrive.
Leadership is not about having all the answers (trust me, you don’t). It is about creating an environment where people can do their best work together. Research continues to reinforce that when leadership improves, schools improve. The question is not whether leadership development matters. The question is whether we are equipping educators with the right framework to lead intentionally. Every journey begins with self-awareness. One of the first steps in the Educator Leadership Series is completing the 5 Voices Assessment, helping each participant understand how they naturally lead, communicate, and contribute to a team. Self-awareness becomes the foundation upon which stronger leadership is built.
If you're looking to strengthen communication, develop stronger leadership throughout your school, and create a shared language your staff can use every day, I'd love to start a conversation. Reach out to learn more about the Educator Leadership Series and discover how the 5 Voices framework can help your team lead with greater clarity, trust, and impact.
Connect with me via email at will@willashby.com to schedule a discovery call with me.
God bless.