Leadership and literacy go hand in hand in the educational world
In today’s fast-paced educational landscape, literacy leaders play a critical role in shaping the future of our students, teachers, and communities. At the heart of impactful leadership is resilience—the ability to navigate challenges and emerge stronger, wiser, and more connected. Drawing from themes in my book, Leadership Resilience: Path to Possibilities, I explore how literacy leaders can use resilience to create transformative, lasting change.
Importance of Literacy
Leadership in literacy is more than guiding instructional practices. It’s about creating a culture that values empathy, dignity, understanding, and shared experiences. Literacy is the foundation of connection. As literacy leaders, we have a unique opportunity to foster resilience in our schools and communities. One story from my book illustrates this through a remarkable community’s silent strength. It is a lesson I learned from visiting the Uyghur community in China. This experience reinforced how resilience can be quietly powerful. It reminded me that sometimes, true leadership involves listening deeply and supporting others as they find their voices.
Effective literacy leaders also know the value of small actions that lead to greater change. During an Oakland A’s game, many many years ago, one individual invented the “wave”. As Crazy George lifted his arms, the wave traveled through the crowd, igniting a sense of unity and shared experience. Leadership, much like that wave, begins with a single act of courage that can inspire widespread impact. By leading with authenticity, transparency, and humility, literacy leaders can spark these ripple effects within their schools and communities.
Value in Storytelling
Storytelling, as highlighted in Leadership Resilience: Path to Possibilities, is a transformative tool that bridges divides and fosters understanding. By integrating storytelling into literacy instruction, we can inspire students and educators alike, creating spaces where empathy and resilience can flourish. For literacy leaders, this approach strengthens our connection to the people we serve, allowing us to empower others in meaningful, lasting ways.
As we continue this journey, let us remember that our resilience as leaders shapes the resilience of those around us. Literacy leadership is more than an educational pursuit; it’s a calling to uplift, inspire, and create possibilities.
Want in?
Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.
This blog was written by Dr. Steven Witt, Professor of Education-Graduate