What does it mean to be a leader in education in times of uncertainty? How do you support teams, motivate students and implement change when the world is changing rapidly? Ukrainian educators were looking for answers to these questions together with international experts during a series of guest lectures initiated by the Academy of Teaching of V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University in cooperation with the University of Warwick (UK) during the spring semester.
The lecturers were invited professors of Karazin University – Dr Gwen van der Velden, Professor at the University of Warwick, an experienced academic leader with almost 30 years of experience in higher education, and Dr Andy Hind, Head of the Centre for Teacher Education at the University of Warwick, an expert in crisis management in education and teacher training for international schools.
In his opening lecture, Dr Hind said: “I realise that we are not here to dictate what should be done and how. Every crisis situation is unique, and one-size-fits-all advice often does not work. Management, particularly in education, is primarily about cooperation and interaction. I will share my own experience of overcoming crises, but at the same time I am aware that the situation in Ukraine is special, and therefore your challenges are different.” The lectures covered a wide range of key issues, including:
- «Crisis management in education: strategies and approaches”;
- ‘Educational leadership under extreme stress’;
- “Motivation and support of students in times of uncertainty;
- “Innovative educational technologies for distance learning;
- “The role of educational leaders in supporting the team and community.
Participants had the opportunity to learn about examples of successful practices, join the discussion of change management strategies and share experiences on implementing effective education policy in crisis conditions. In addition, all those who successfully passed the test received certificates of professional development.
At a time when the educational space is changing faster than curricula and textbooks, leadership in education is gaining new meaning. The ability to navigate in the face of constant uncertainty, including supporting a team and ensuring the sustainability of the educational process, is becoming critical.
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The event was organised by the Academy of Teachers of V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University in cooperation with the University of Warwick (UK) with the support of EdCamp Ukraine and the International Renaissance Foundation.
Source: Civic Space
