Portrait of a Leader

For Educators, By Educators

Download PDF
Cover to Portrait of a Leader, Shades of bright pink fading to sky blue with circle in the same color palette across it, some of the circles have portraits of adults
Lead for Learners
February 18, 2025

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • The Portrait of a Leader captures the essential knowledge, skills and mindsets educators need to lead sustainable, learner-centered change within educational systems.
  • The Portrait was created for district leaders, building leaders, instructional coaches, teacher leaders and other instructional leaders.

A transformative vision for education leadership begins here.

Creating sustainable, learner-centered system change requires continuous development of and support for educators. This Portrait of a Leader captures the knowledge, skills and dispositions educators need to drive innovation and lead education systems change through personalized, competency-based learning. By elevating these attributes, we can support, grow and celebrate the development of education leaders.

Circles with text inside, reading: “Transformation: Inspiring bold action to drive positive, impactful change. Human-Centered Approaches: Centering people and relationships in all decisions. Authenticity: Leading with integrity, purpose and vision. Advocacy: Championing equity, access and opportunities for all. Collaboration: Working together to create systemic, sustainable solutions.”

The Portrait of a Leader defines the attributes necessary for educators to effectively and sustainably lead systems change. Rooted in the principles of personalized, competency-based learning and collaborative, human-centered approaches, the Portrait serves as a guide for the qualities that will empower educators to drive innovation and make a lasting impact. Built to support those navigating today’s most complex educational challenges, it emphasizes:

  • Human-Centered Approaches
  • Transformation
  • Authenticity
  • Collaboration
  • Advocacy

As leaders, we've seen implementation of personalized, competency-based learning lose steam when a key person leaves. The Portrait is about creating a pipeline of school-, district- and classroom-level leaders who not only embrace a learner-centered vision but have the capacity to move the work forward. It's a critical step toward ensuring that the work we start today continues to serve students for years to come.
Dr. Jeni Gotto, Superintendent Westminster Public Schools, Westminster, Colorado
Lead for Learners Network Steering Committee

Download the Portrait of a Leader

Are you ready to take the next step in your leadership journey? Download the Portrait of a Leader to explore the attributes and reflect on your personal leadership journey.

Download PDF
Lead for Learners by KnowledgeWorks main logo, navy blue with white letters

Learn and Lead with Other Educators

Lead for Learners is a national network supporting leaders in personalized, competency-based learning. Participate in leadership and learning opportunities and share strategies.
Learn More

Leadership for Personalized, Competency-based Learning

Learn more about the creation of the Portrait of a Leader over at FullScale.
Learn More
Three women of varying ages and race examine a chart on the wall with sticky notes attached

The Skills and Mindsets of Transformational Leadership

Behind the collaborative process of the Portrait of a Leader
Learn More

Related Resources

A group of adults sit at a table, attentive to one.

From Policy to Practice: Personalized Learning Takes Root in Pennsylvania

The 2025 Pennsylvania Personalized Learning Summit marked a pivotal moment in the state’s journey toward educational innovation. Held in June, the summit brought together educators,…
Emily Brixey, PhD
Senior Manager of Policy, Advocacy and Research
Here are four ways district leaders may use their budget as a communications tool to affirm commitment to the district vision for all learners – and share that commitment with the community.

How Aligning Budget Decisions to Your Vision Builds Trust and Greater Fiscal Responsibility

Many district leaders may not consider their budget a communication tool, but it’s one of the most powerful ways to affirm their commitment to the…
William Hite, EdD
CEO and President
Group of students around tables learning with their teacher guiding them independently

5 Strategies to Move from Teacher-centered to Learner-centered Classrooms

Preparing students for success means moving beyond traditional, teacher-centered instruction. Learner-centered approaches emphasize student agency, personalization and deeper engagement. But how can educators make this…

Explore All Resources

Menu

Search