EDUC 340.NO1: Special Topics in Education

(Aim4Excellence Modules 1, 2, and 3)

After completing Module One: Leading the Way, you will be able to:

• Identify and describe the skills and competencies required for effective leadership
• Examine the values and beliefs that shape leadership behavior while also determining a compelling program vision and mission statement
• Interpret one's unique leadership style
• Identify and apply ways to use your influence to empower others
• Recognize ethical dilemmas related to leading others
• Examine and apply one's own leadership essentials within the framework of Whole Leadership

After completing Module Two: Recruiting, Selecting, and Orienting Staff, you will be able to:

• Recognize issues related to employee recruitment in the field of early care and education
• Develop and implement a model of continuous recruitment
• Review strategies to empower staff by involving them in the hiring process
• Examine strategies when screening, interviewing, and selecting candidates
• Apply fit criteria when selecting the best applicant
• Design and recommend a phased orientation of new employees

After completing Module Three: Promoting Peak Performance, you will be able to:

• Recognize and apply the concepts of motivation theory
• Apply a developmental approach to supervision which includes the use of coaching/mentoring and individualized professional development plans
• Use performance appraisals based on observation of practice to support reflective practice
• Promote a positive work environment based on embedded norms of communication, collaboration, and shared leadership
• Identify strategies for managing conflict and difficult people
• Describe the importance of a professional learning community to high-performing teams