Building Spaces for Success: My Leadership Goals in Education

When I entered my master's program, my main goal was to become a leader in education who could help create spaces where Black students feel supported, seen, and able to reach their full potential. I wanted to understand how leadership, policy, and school systems work so I could use that knowledge to challenge the things that hold students back. At the time, I wasn’t entirely sure what that would look like, but I knew that I cared deeply about equity and that I wanted to show up for students in a real way.

Over time, my goals have become more specific. I’ve grown a lot as a thinker and as a person throughout this program. Through readings, class discussions, and my own reflections, I’ve developed a stronger sense of what it means to lead with purpose. I’ve realized that leadership isn’t about being in charge. It’s about being grounded in what matters, making decisions that align with your values, and knowing when to speak up or listen.

Working as a full-time as a teacher while earning this degree has shown me what my strengths are. I’ve had to manage a lot at once, stay focused, and find meaning in the work that I do every day. I’ve learned that being steady, thoughtful, and reliable is its own kind of leadership. I try to show up in ways that are useful, whether that means helping a student navigate something tough or figuring out a better way to plan a lesson. I lead by example more than anything else.

Something that has remained the same since the start of the program is my focus on supporting Black students. That goal has only deepened. I want to be someone who helps create and protect learning environments where Black students feel comfortable enough to grow, take risks, and be fully themselves. I want to continue developing the tools and mindset it takes to build those spaces, not just in classrooms, but anywhere decisions are being made about kids.

Now that I’m at the end of this program, I feel like I have something to show for all the work I’ve done. I’ve gained new knowledge, sharpened my thinking, and become clearer about how I want to show up in the field of education. I’m not walking away with all the answers, but I am walking away with direction. My next steps will be rooted in what I’ve learned here and driven by the same vision I started with: to make education a place where Black students can thrive.