Ohio-based education professional Rebecca Lowry has previously worked in senior leadership and consulting roles in school districts in Cleveland and in Montross, Virginia. Rebecca Lowry obtained a PhD in educational leadership and went on to serve as superintendent of Westmoreland County Public Schools from 2011 to 2015.Entering the educational leadership field is a great choice for experienced teachers looking for a new challenge. Educational leaders work in all educational institutions, from early elementary to higher education. Most positions involve a combination of administrative duties , teacher coaching, and program or department oversight. Educational leaders are often responsible for setting and carrying out department goals and are accountable for teacher development. Some leaders may also be responsible for managing budgets and reviewing curricula. They play important roles in school boards and committees and often serve as department heads or oversee entire programs. Besides extensive teaching experience, most educational leaders hold master's or doctorates in educational leadership, or may even possess advanced degrees in subject-specific fields.
As the former superintendent of Westmoreland County Public Schools in Montross, Virginia, Rebecca Lowry, PhD, coordinated and otherwise oversaw academic and non-academic programs in the district. While serving as a superintendent, Dr. Rebecca Lowry drew upon her formal education, including an MS in school psychology and a PhD in educational leadership.Educational leadership refers to the process of improving the educational system and the quality of education it provides by working with a wide variety of individuals, including educators, parents, policymakers, and students. The process combines the vision, skills, goals, and capabilities of key individuals, leading to the creation of educational programs that provide students with a positive academic environment.Educational leadership involves the following key characteristics:- Instructional leadership, which is the ability to devote time and energy for improvement fueled by a commitment to enhance students’ academic success. Instructional leaders spend time analyzing situations and providing feedback that will encourage teachers and students alike.- Community building also assumes an important role in educational leadership. An educational leader knows how to bring community members together to achieve the school’s goals.- Another characteristic of educational leadership is establishing a clear vision and plan for achieving it. An educational leader knows how to communicate this vision and is prepared to face the risks associated with realizing it.
