The educational professional models Christian servant leadership through consistent, moral, and ethical behaviors, and by example, inspires others to do likewise in their personal, professional, and community lives.
This standard calls educational professionals to lead with humility, integrity, and a heart for service. This begins with modeling the teachings of Christ through consistent moral and ethical behavior. It emphasizes that leadership is not about authority or control, but about lifting others up, guiding with compassion, and inspiring transformation through example. It is a deeply relational and spiritual approach to leadership that centers the well-being of students, staff, and the broader community.
This standard offers a powerful framework that places leadership as ministry. It means embodying the values of grace, patience, justice, and forgiveness in every interaction. A Christian servant-leader listens before speaking, seeks understanding before judgment, and prioritizes the needs of others above personal gain. This approach fosters trust, cultivates community, and creates a school environment rooted in love and respect.
The Christian Servant Leadership Standard is reflected in daily decisions and long-term vision. By ensuring that strategic practices are based on restorative alignments that build a strong foundation of healing, compassion, and hope, the community will be brought together aligning with a singular moral compass that reflects Christian values.
This standard also means leading with ethical clarity. This includes honoring tribal sovereignty, integrating cultural knowledge, and building relationships with tribal elders and families in ways that reflect mutual respect and shared stewardship.
Christian servant leadership also extends beyond the school into the community. Leaders must be visible, engaged, and responsive to the needs of families and local organizations. Whether organizing service projects, supporting families in crisis, or partnering with churches and tribal councils, the servant-leader acts as a bridge between the school and the community they serve.
Leadership is a sacred responsibility. It is about modeling Christ-like behavior in every aspect of professional life and inspiring others to do the same. Through this lens, educational leadership becomes a transformative force. A force that nurtures academic success, spiritual growth, and communal well-being.
Artifacts:
Artifact Introduction: This artifact is part of a larger set of artifacts. Many years ago, I was a classroom teacher. I taught fourth grade at the time, and Earth Day was coming up. I wanted to take my students out into the community and do a service project of picking up trash in a nearby walk trail and park. When we did this project, I had several parents come as chaperones. The parents commented on how engaged the students were with the project and I noted it as well. It got me thinking about my students and how by doing this simple act of service not only had benefitted the community, but also them. As a result, I spoke with my students about what they felt and how they responded to our service project. Their comments all revolved around a similar thought, “the ability to help and care for something.” As fourth graders, they felt too young to affect change, but this service project gave them the opportunity to affect positive change. They were experiencing a compassionate state, and it was opening their eyes to simple acts of kindness they could do regardless of age. As a result, I created a year long calendar for students in the 3-5th grade area of Learn and Serve projects. I no longer teach in that area, but those service projects continue to this day. The artifact below is one of the service projects the students decided on this year. They chose to do a fundraiser to raise money for their Alaskan counterparts to help with repairs after the typhoon in their village. They raised over $2000. This artifact shows that one good act when done with compassion and good intention can create a ripple that lasts forever.
