Rooted in the belief that all students are on a personal leadership journey, ethical leadership at MKA fosters students’ identity development and ethical growth, and inspires and equips them to make positive change in their communities. Our ethical leaders won’t just ask, “How do we solve this?” They’ll ask, “When can we begin?”
WHAT DOES LEADERSHIP LOOK LIKE?
At the Primary School
At the Primary School
There isn’t just one way to lead ethically. However, we believe in a few basic elements and traits that will encourage our students to become ethical leaders. Respect everyone equally. Lead by example. Ethical leaders should have the same expectations for themselves as for those who learn, work, and play with them.
At the Middle School
At the Middle School
Leadership opportunities at the Middle School come in a myriad of possibilities. Some students are outspoken, while others are quiet. Some hold official roles in Student Government, while others work behind the scenes on tech crews for school plays. Some lead FLEX classes, while others help their peers learn every day.
At the Upper School
At the Upper School
We believe all students must learn ethics to understand and practice good leadership. MKA embraces the three pillars of ethical leadership to support our Mission and Character Standards: integrity—acting honestly; empathy—valuing others’ experiences; and service—helping others through words, actions, and deeds.
As a natural extension of MKA’s long-standing focus on ethics, ethical leadership centers around helping our students to develop the moral and intellectual habits of good character in order to serve as leaders. We emphasize both the individual and collaborative process in this journey, as leadership is inherently relational in nature.
Three Pillars of Ethical Leadership
Integrity
We seek to better understand and engage with our personal identities and their intersectionality, which help to shape our passions, values, strengths, challenges, and biases.
We strive to act honestly in all situations, with ourselves and others, in accordance with our values.
Empathy
We seek to better understand and appreciate the experiences and perspectives of all individuals.
We strive to act with the understanding that our decisions and behaviors shape our communities.
Service
We seek to help others through words, actions, and deeds.
We strive to act in ways that contribute to positive and healthy communities.
LEADERSHIP IN ACTION
These MKA programs help to deepen the conversation around the topic of ethical leadership and help students identify their own unique leadership style in order to best prepare for college and the world beyond.
Philip McNeal Leadership Program
Inspired by the life of former Trustee and MKA Parent, Philip McNeal, the Philip McNeal Leadership Program seeks to deepen the conversation on ethical leadership through robust, curricular, and co-curricular activities. This program deepens the conversation on the topic of ethical leadership and helps students identify their own unique leadership style in order to best prepare for college and the world beyond.
Global Competency
At MKA, global competency means empowering students to examine complex issues, appreciate diverse perspectives, and take meaningful action. Through classroom learning and real-world experiences, students grow into ethical leaders and curious, collaborative, and compassionate global citizens.
Community Engagement
Through hands-on, real-world experiences, MKA students cultivate empathy, develop a deeper understanding of social responsibility, and recognize their power to effect positive change. Whether they are volunteering locally, leading school-wide initiatives, or partnering with organizations beyond MKA’s walls, students are encouraged to listen, act, and reflect. Through authentic learning experiences, students develop lifelong social-emotional habits and learn to partner with others to make a difference within a community.
Sustainability
Through our efforts in sustainability is a vital expression of ethical leadership in action, we can cultivate a deep sense of responsibility among students and the entire community to conserve resources, protect the environment, and promote social justice. By embedding sustainability principles across campus life and curriculum, we equip students with the knowledge, integrity, and habits needed to make thoughtful stewardship decisions that contribute to a healthier, more just world—living our mission to inspire purposeful leaders who act with vision and character.
Amplifying and Aligning Learning
Hemmeter-McNeal Lecture Series
Hemmeter-McNeal Lectures deepen the conversation on ethical leadership through robust, curricular, and co-curricular activities. Inspired by the legacy of two inspiring MKA community members, Robert Hemmeter and Philip McNeal, guest speakers explore the intersection of ethical leadership and innovation.
WATCH MOST RECENT LECTURE
