Current Practices: How I Have Applied Inclusiveness

In my classroom, I apply inclusiveness by using leadership styles that prioritize the well-being of every student. As an Indigenous educator, I specifically use elements of Servant Leadership to create a supportive and respectful learning environment. Servant leadership focuses on serving others and putting their needs first, which aligns with my approach of listening to students, offering empathy, and encouraging their growth. By making sure all students feel heard and supported, I foster a positive classroom culture where everyone can succeed.

In addition, I integrate Transformational Leadership by inspiring students to reach their full potential. This style motivates students to go beyond what they initially think they can do and promotes both personal growth and collective change. I encourage students to see how their education can contribute to a better future for themselves and their community, especially within Indigenous contexts. By focusing on empowerment and fostering a sense of belonging, I ensure that each student feels valued and included.

Leadership Theory: Servant Leadership

Servant leadership is about putting others first. It’s based on helping people grow and ensuring that their needs are met. In my classroom, I use this leadership approach by creating a space where students feel safe to express themselves and where their personal growth is my priority. I listen to their concerns, offer support when needed, and try to create an atmosphere of empathy and care. This is particularly important in the context of Indigenous education, as it helps to align with cultural values of community and interdependence. For example, in Cree culture, the concept of Miyo-wicehtowin (good relations) emphasizes the importance of relationships and community, which I try to build in my classroom (Cardinal & Hildebrandt, 2000).

Leadership Theory: Transformative Leadership

Transformational leadership is about making meaningful changes, both for individuals and for the larger community. I apply this theory in my teaching by pushing students to think critically and challenge existing structures or practices that might not be fair. I encourage them to recognize injustices and to work together to create a more equitable and inclusive learning environment. This type of leadership helps foster an atmosphere where students from diverse backgrounds can thrive. It also supports the integration of Indigenous perspectives into the curriculum, making sure that the education provided is relevant and respectful of all cultures (Shields, 2011; Bainbridge, n.d.).

Comparing Servant and Transformative Leadership Theories

Both servant and transformative leadership are focused on making education more inclusive, but they do so in slightly different ways. Servant leadership focuses more on the well-being and growth of the individual, while transformative leadership works toward larger systemic changes that benefit everyone. Both approaches are useful in Indigenous education because they align with cultural values like community, equity, and mutual support. While servant leadership emphasizes serving others and listening to their needs, transformative leadership encourages us to challenge the status quo and create long-lasting, positive change (Shields & Hesbol, 2020; Green-Clemons, 2010).

Challenges and Solutions

One challenge I face in promoting inclusiveness is addressing the diverse needs of my students, especially in a classroom with many Indigenous learners who may come from different cultural backgrounds or face systemic barriers. A solution I’ve found is to use differentiated instruction, which allows me to tailor my teaching strategies to meet the varied needs of my students. I also incorporate culturally responsive teaching, making sure that lessons are connected to the students’ cultural backgrounds. This helps them feel more engaged and valued in the learning process (Lorenz, 2012).

Another challenge is overcoming the historical and systemic inequalities that affect Indigenous students. To address this, I use inclusive leadership practices, making sure Indigenous perspectives are incorporated into all subjects and not treated as an afterthought. This includes providing opportunities for students to explore their own cultural identities and encouraging dialogue about the importance of reconciliation (Eaton, 2024).

Future Plans: Expanding Inclusiveness

In the future, I plan to continue expanding inclusiveness in my classroom by further integrating Indigenous ways of knowing and being into all aspects of my teaching. I will also continue developing my leadership skills to better support the diverse needs of my students. This includes ongoing professional development in culturally relevant teaching practices and staying up-to-date with policies and resources that support Indigenous learners (Lorenz, 2012).

Cardinal, H., & Hildebrandt, W. (2000). Treaty Elders of Saskatchewan: Our dream is that our peoples will one day be clearly recognized as nations. https://openlibrary.org/books/OL28779044M/Treaty_Elders_of_Saskatchewan

Eaton, S. E. (2024, April 10). Deconstructing inequity and racial injustice in servant leadership for a just and inclusive future. https://prism.ucalgary.ca/items/8b5e1e9c-90cb-4b60-83a7-39173066ab5c

Greene-Clemons, C. D. (2010). An exploration of the relationship between transformational leadership characteristics and multicultural education practices in teacher educators. North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. https://digital.library.ncat.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1042&context=dissertations

Lorenz, D. (2014). Dream weaving as praxis: Turning culturally inclusive education and anti-racist education into a decolonial pedagogy. In Education, 19(2). https://doi.org/10.37119/ojs2013.v19i2.144

Shields, C. M., & Hesbol, K. A. (2020). Transformative leadership approaches to inclusion, equity, and social justice. Journal of School Leadership, 30(1), 3–22. https://doi.org/10.1177/1052684619873343

Susan Bainbridge - Author. (n.d.). Susan Bainbridge - author. https://susanbainbridge-author.blogspot.com/