What makes a CMS Leader?

CMS Leaders know and affirm through action that all children can and will achieve. They tie all decisions to the best interest of students and work urgently to close opportunity gaps. CMS Leaders advocate for those with minoritized gender, racial, ethnic, sexual, ability and class identities and model courageous decision-making on behalf of all students. 

CMS Leaders engage stakeholders to understand diverse perspectives. Influence and motivates others to get results. As an adaptable leader, create a team-oriented, inclusive, and engaged culture where all stakeholders have a voice. Engage in effective two-way communication to build trust and navigate conflict to build consensus through shared decision-making.

CMS Leaders create a culture that collectively sets and embraces ambitious goals, and continually monitor progress with transparency and celebration. They generate a sense of shared purpose and agency through mobilizing others in the pursuit of strategic priorities. CMS Leaders hold others accountable with both grace and resilience.

CMS Leaders apply research-based instructional practices to achieve results for all students. They keep focus on culturally responsive teaching, learning and other supportive practices at all times. CMS Leaders cultivate adults’ growth in instructional practice and mindset to effectively serve all students and promote equitable access and achievement for all students. They hold adults accountable for student learning and development.

CMS Leaders align actions and decisions with an equity-centered mindset. They promote and model honesty, integrity, fairness, stewardship, trust, respect and confidentiality. Their actions demonstrate consistency of language and action across all stakeholder groups. CMS Leaders consistently model ethical and moral behavior across actions and decisions. They are reflective and courageous in challenging one’s own mindset and modeling a growth mindset. 

CMS Leaders persist to overcome challenges, especially when working to disrupt inequitable systems and practices. They take action and go beyond what is expected to achieve the desired result. CMS Leaders model courage and resilience in navigating through complex issues, building the capacity of others to do the same.

CMS Leaders value a collaborative process to recruit, hire, onboard, grow and retain diverse and culturally responsive staff. They seek and grow talent in those who model self-reflection and growth. CMS Leaders create learning conditions for staff to thrive and grow in skill, mindset, and position. They coach staff to improve performance and retain highly effective teachers. 

CMS Leaders value a collaborative process to recruit, hire, onboard, grow and retain diverse and culturally responsive staff. They seek and grow talent in those who model self-reflection and growth. CMS Leaders create learning conditions for staff to thrive and grow in skill, mindset, and position. They coach staff to improve performance and retain highly effective teachers.