Ryan Shaughnessy holds a Bachelor of Education and a Masters of International Education Administration from Endicott College. He has extensive experience in teaching and leadership in both Independent, State and IB World Schools nationally and internationally.
'Learning through the ‘head and the heart’ aligns with my personal beliefs about education. As a leader of learning, I am privileged to be directly involved with the development and growth of people. My central beliefs and values about learning and education underpin my actions as a leader. I believe learning is a vehicle for positive change, growth, service, and connection to our local and global communities. As educators, we are entrusted with the responsibility to support, empower and challenge learners on their pathways of discovery. I develop trusting, collaborative relationships where I role model a commitment to learning and empower others to challenge and inquire to seek possibility and opportunity for creating positive change.
The core values of a learning community must resonate and be lived authentically through all its interactions. As The Cathedral Grammar School’s values are the cornerstone for life, my values of integrity, empathy, unity, and respect are cornerstones for my actions and interactions as an educational leader. I strive for excellence and through my active role modelling aim to engender attitudes of excellence. I am passionate about people challenging themselves and achieving their aspirations. Likewise, I continuously strive for personal and professional growth. As an educational leader, I create a positive forward-thinking culture of collective learning where people are motivated to aspire towards and inspire others towards recognizing their potentials.
My experiences as a classroom educator, curriculum coordinator, and school leader provide me with the knowledge, understandings, and skills to reflect on, evaluate and implement strategies and processes that support high-quality learning outcomes. I understand and constantly seek to clarify my understanding of the multiple layers and unique interactions within a learning community so that decisions and actions that support learning are based on data and evidence. When reflecting and evaluating the functioning of a learning community I have the perspective and self-awareness to consider both the detailed components and wider landscape of interactions. Feedback is critical within the growth of a learning community. I actively seek advice and feedback so that I may refine and enhance my practices as a leader of learning. Likewise, through established trusting and collaborative relationships, I give feedback that provokes thought and personal reflection amongst members of a learning community so they may continue to grow.
I value diversity and actively role model and expect genuine respect for the many diversities that exist within collaborative learning communities. For people and communities to flourish a leader must communicate and bring to life a shared vision and belief for the collective to aspire toward. Within this, it is imperative that the diverse range of individuals feel supported and empowered with an agency so that individual ambitions are aligned with collective values and beliefs.
I regard my leadership responsibilities as a privilege. I am driven towards ensuring that I take hold of every opportunity I have that encourages others to grow positively in their lives'. - Ryan Shaughnessy
