For over 30 years international school leaders, teachers, and counselors have come together for PTC professional learning experiences. Each day of every program begins with a “pearl of wisdom,” a “nugget of knowledge,” or a “gem of inspiration” from one of the participants. We are delighted to offer our readers around the world these powerful stories, insights, and strategies, all dedicated to our shared mission of ever more and better learning for our children.
In this Pearl, Loretta says that while she has had many incredible leaders along her journey, she chose to share a story about her mother from her childhood. Four decades later, this experience continues to remind her “how much children are watching us and learning from what we do.” She discusses many essential qualities of effective leadership but emphasizes that most importantly, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, to do more, to be more, and to do better, then you are a leader. It is not our credentials, it is not our offices, it is not our titles; it is our actions that make us leaders.”
Professional positions cited were the ones held at the time of recording. The positions and schools of those quoted may have since changed.
Loretta Fernando Smith is the Associate Principal at Frankfurt International School in Germany.
