New course trains student leaders

Character Development and Leadership, a new course this year, supplements Bethany’s Leadership Development program by more formally training student leaders as they lead in church, community, or school settings.

Each week students focus on one of 18 characteristics essential for successful leadership by discussing ethical dilemmas, examining role models, learning basic skills, and reflecting on how to apply what they learn.

During the first week’s study of attitude, students learned to greet people with eye contact, a firm handshake, and conversation. Now, as continued practice, they use these acquired skills to greet teacher Krysten Parson as they enter class each day.

Working in pairs, students have reinforced their learning by teaching some of the character traits to sixth graders. Parson says, “They all will have roles in their lives where they will be in front of people. This helps them do that and learn the value of building relationships with others.”

In class students discuss situations or issues from their leadership roles and reflect how they might improve as leaders. Junior Caleb Morris says, “The viewpoints of my classmates have helped me grow as a person, and I am able to communicate more effectively with my teammates, classmates, and teachers.” 

Malaina Weldy, a senior fish head (leader), adds, “This class has increased my awareness of myself as a leader and has helped me be more deliberate in my actions. It has also helped me to focus on relationships with people and recognize the diversity of peoples’ opinions. This has helped me approach situations on sports teams, in church, and the fish fry from a more understanding angle. As a leader, I feel better equipped to deal with situations of differences or conflict.”

Parson is pleased with how students have become more aware of their actions, strengths, and weaknesses. She says, “My biggest desire is for them to become well-rounded leaders.”

Following are the list of weekly topics, character traits, and a role mode for that trait: