Anchor for section Defining leadership

Defining leadership

We believe that every employee can be a leader, no matter their role. The GISD Leadership Definition provides a common understanding of the leadership qualities we value. It is a framework that outlines desired behaviors for leaders at every level. The definition serves as the foundation for alignment throughout the system and:

  • provides a clear/concise understanding of how leaders are identified and selected
  • drives growth based on career goals, feedback and coaching aligned to the definition
  • includes meaningful professional learning linked to system-wide development needs

This shared definition allows us to seek out and highlight individuals who exemplify and model what leading looks like for the entire GISD community.

Anchor for section GISD's Leadership Definition

GISD's Leadership Definition

Growing leaders

  • Foster ownership: Takes responsibility for growth in self
  • Pursue continuous growth: Seeks out and incorporates feedback into one's practice, models being a learner and continuously seeks to grow & improve
  • Empower others: Distributes leadership, giving people  the opportunity to impact growth

Inspiring innovation

  • Take Initiative: Anticipates and solves problems proactively, with resilience
  • Seek Innovation and Change: Actively embraces new ideas and creative solutions; leads others through change
  • Celebrate Achievement: Recognizes and celebrates others for achievements; uses recognition to reinforce positive efforts

Striving for excellence

  • Focus on Student Success: Takes personal accountability for student outcomes and advancing student success
  • Project Positive Presence: Exhibits poise, confidence, loyalty and integrity in all interactions
  • Live the Vision: Understands that "We are all Garland ISD" - every individual's actions contribute to reaching the future by driving excellence, one student at a time

Developing relationships

  • Embrace Diversity: Values and celebrates all cultures; fosters an inclusive environment for all, honoring backgrounds and identities
  • Communicate Effectively: Communicates clearly, proactively and transparently with all stakeholders
  • Act with Compassion: Shows empathy and care for all stakeholders, upholding high expectations for self, students and staff

#TheGISDEffect

The GISD Leadership Definition was created using a multi-input process with a diverse range of voices. The process took approximately four months to complete and included input from over 125 students, parents, teachers, principals, APs, central office staff and leaders across the district. It was essential to district leaders that the leadership definition reflected the culture, values, and mission of Garland ISD. 

Anchor for section Role-specific Behaviors

Role-specific Behaviors

Role-specific behaviors are designed to identify how the GISD Leadership Definition behaviors are reflected in our daily work, task and responsibilities.

Anchor for section How do I lead in my role?

How do I lead in my role?

Select your current or desired role using the dropdowns below to see which of these eight role-specific behaviors aligns to that position.

Find your role
Anchor for section How can I grow as a leader?

How can I grow as a leader?

We've collected a variety of self-study resources based on the leadership definition. These are available to everyone to expand their skills. We also provide leadership development programs for qualified applicants interested in leadership opportunities.

Anchor for section Self-study resources

Self-study resources

GISD leadership pipeline: Growing Leaders
Resources for Fostering Ownership, Pursuing Continuous Growth and Empowering Others.
GISD leadership pipeline: Inspiring Innovation
Resources related to Taking Initiative, Seeking Innovation and Change and Celebrating Achievement.
GISD leadership pipeline: Striving for Excellence
Resources for Focusing on Student success, Projecting a Positive Presence and Living the Vision.
GISD leadership pipeline: Developing Relationships
Resources related to Embracing Diversity, Communicating Effectively and Acting with Compassion.
Anchor for section District and Campus Leadership Programs

District and Campus Leadership Programs

GISD staff working to create goals as a part of the DLP.

District Leadership Program

The 2-year program gives superintendents and their teams the opportunity to receive intensive leadership training.
Carver principal meeting with staff

Campus Leadership Program

Selected principals, plus a team of administrators, teachers or other campus leaders embark on a 2-year learning journey to become stronger leaders.
Anchor for section Individual/Aspiring Leadership Programs

Individual/Aspiring Leadership Programs

Future Principal Institute logo

Future Principal Institute

This program provides a strong professional learning community to support current assistant principals interested in advancing to principalship.
Aspiring administrators academy logo

Aspiring Administrators Academy

The Aspiring Administrators Academy (AAA) is designed for current Garland ISD staff to develop leadership skills required to become an assistant principal.
Mentor Principal Program logo

Mentorship Program for Principals

This is a systemic, formal coaching and support program for new elementary and middle school principals.
UNT & GISD Master of Education Program

UNT Partnership for Aspiring Principals

Masters degree program with some courses taught by GISD employees
Anchor for section Our leadership journey

Our leadership journey

See the slideshow below for key moments in the development of the leadership definition and our partnership with Holdsworth.

Garland ISD leaders working at Holdsworth

The District Leadership team participated in leadership training events and small groups sessions at the Holdsworth Center. These sessions laid the foundation for the work ahead.

Anchor for section Looking for something else?

Looking for something else?