Menu

Safe Passages

Journal process inspires competence and confidence in emerging leaders

By Learning Forward
Categories: Learning designs, School leadership
April 2014
Beginning school leaders’ lives are stress-filled and lack support. When asked how they are doing, novice leaders often say they are fine, even when they aren’t. A candidate in the principal leadership program at Dominican University, who rarely spoke up during formal meetings, is a prime example. While it appeared on the surface that everything was going well, a journal entry she submitted as part of the program told a different story. “When I left class on Monday, I was still extremely frustrated,” she wrote. “It seemed most people had already had their paperwork completed and their projects mapped out. I really hate feeling behind. It’s one thing when you are behind because you are procrastinating, but when it is something beyond your control? Well,

Read the remaining content with membership access. Join or log in below to continue.

Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem.

Log In
   

Authors

Karen Glinert Carlson, Kathleen Ann Harsy, and Susan M. Karas

Karen Glinert Carlson ([email protected]) is assistant professor and division chair of educational leadership programs at Dominican University.

Kathleen Ann Harsy ([email protected]) completed the school leadership licensure program at Dominican University and is an English teacher in Riverside Brookfield District 208 in Riverside, Ill.

Susan M. Karas ([email protected]) is a graduate student in the educational administration program at Dominican University and a special education teacher in Manheim District 83 in Melrose Park, Ill.

References

Bolman, L.G. & Deal, T.E. (2008). Reframing organizations: Artistry, choice, and leadership (4th ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Schön, D.A. (1987). Educating the reflective practitioner: Toward a new design for teaching and learning in the professions. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.


Learning Forward is the only professional association devoted exclusively to those who work in educator professional development. We help our members plan, implement, and measure high-quality professional learning so they can achieve success with their systems, schools, and students.


Categories: Learning designs, School leadership

Search
The Learning Professional


Published Date

CURRENT ISSUE


Recent Issues

APPLYING THE SCIENCE OF LEARNING
April 2026

Cognitive science illuminates how people learn. This issue shows how...

LEARNING WITH AI
February 2026

Generative AI can be a powerful tool for professional learning design and...

WHAT STUDENTS NEED NOW
December 2025

For all students to thrive, we need to understand who they are and what...

LEARNING COMMUNITIES FOR LEADERS
October 2025

Leaders need opportunities to connect, learn, and grow with peers just as...

×

Register your interest

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.