The paper presents an educational leadership model appropriate for today's education, noting that educators must be prepared to move forward with creative leadership to restore public confidence in the school system and produce responsible leaders. Careful consideration must be given to restructuring undergraduate and graduate professional education programs to accurately reflect the needs of the profession. The development of an educational participatory leadership program is recommended to provide United States education with quality leadership while enriching the learning environment and challenging students to excel. The article notes reasons why many educators leave the profession and suggests ways to motivate them to remain in teaching: (1) enhancing professional mobility; (2) sharing ideas with others in the field; (3) promoting educational participatory leadership; and (4) planning career changes via a district career ladder (to keep administrators from becoming armchair scholars out of touch with the real world). Participatory leadership would encourage constructive change, professional participation in leadership, and personal and professional development. Administrators would benefit from renewed understanding and experience in the classroom. Essential elements in the development of successful educational participatory leadership programs within school districts are outlined. (SM)