Leader In Me School

The Leader in Me is Franklin Covey’s whole school transformation process. It teaches 21st century leadership and life skills to K-12 students and creates a culture of student empowerment, based on the idea that every child can be a leader.

The Leader in Me framework helps students learn how to become self-reliant; manage their emotions; set and track goals; do their homework; prioritize their time; increase interpersonal skills, such as resolve conflicts and interact well with others; as well as help them develop the skills and self-confidence to lead their lives and succeed. While The Leader in Me is not designed specifically as an academic program, many schools have reported that its goal-setting and data-tracking processes have helped to clarify academic priorities and encourage students to take greater ownership over their education, all of which can impact academic progress.

The Leader in Me differs from other whole school transformation processes in that it offers a holistic, school wide experience for staff, students, and families, and creates a common language and culture within the school. The leadership principles and lessons are not taught as a curriculum, but instead, are incorporated into the coursework, traditions, systems, and culture.

Becoming a Leader in Me Lighthouse School is a recognition that schools earn because they have produced outstanding results in school and student outcomes, and have demonstrated the following:

• The school campus environment reinforces the leadership model by displaying leadership language that emphasizes individual worth and potential in hallways and classrooms.
• Teachers integrate leadership language into school curriculum and instruction.
• Staff collaborates and works together to effectively build a culture of leadership.
• Students are provided with meaningful, student leadership roles and responsibilities, such as mentor, student ambassadors, data tracker, nurse assistant, media leader, playground equipment manager and many others.
• The families of students understand The Leader in Me model and the 7 Habits and are involved in activities that support the leadership model.
• A system is in place for setting and tracking school wide and classroom academic and personal goals.
• Leadership events are held to allow students to practice their leadership skills (e.g. public speaking, sharing data, confident greetings, etc.) with community business partners, parents, and other educators.
• The school leadership team meets regularly and oversees school wide implementation of the leadership model, with the help of students, staff, parents, and community members.
• Measurable improvements in teacher engagement, parent satisfaction, student behavior, and academic alignment are shown by comparing baseline data with the tracking of ongoing data.
• Leader in Me schools, which have proven adherence to the process, report increases in the following: student self-confidence, teamwork, initiative, responsibility, creativity, self-direction, leadership, problem-solving and communication for children of all ages, socio-economic levels, learning capacities and cultural backgrounds.

At McAuliffe Elementary, we are undergoing an entire school transformation.  In 2010 a few teachers began reading the book Leader in Me by Stephen R. Covey.  They were inspired by the practice of providing unique leadership opportunities for students who can transform student’s lives while improving academic success. 

After partnering with Panda Express Panda Cares program and State Farm Insurance, our teachers have received specialized training from the Stephen Covey Foundation The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People®.  We also have had the opportunity to begin the implementation process of Leader in Me.  We are in Year Five of this process. 

In the first year, we engaged in a shared vision of the greatness and leadership that are inherent in every child and adult. We are continually studying the timeless, universal principles that allow us to realize our potential and make specific plans for implementing leadership principles at McAuliffe and our classroom cultures.

Leader in Me schools have proven academic success, few discipline problems, and powerful school culture that creates lasting change.  We are excited to be a part of this unique journey.