As part of our readings for this module, we were asked to develop our leadership platform. As I was writing my beliefs, I found myself thinking about the things I believe leaders should do in order to be effective. Most of these beliefs stem from my personal experiences with 3 different principals in 5 years of teaching.
1. I believe that small, quick tasks should be completed IMMEDIATELY.
2. I believe that leaders must treat ALL staff in a consistent manner. For example, if lesson plans are to be turned in biweekly, they should be turned in biweekly by all staff. No exceptions.
3. I believe that students have to be somewhat afraid of you or afraid of letting you down. This helps manage behavior.
4. I believe that all teachers should have a voice at the table. If a decision is made that affects your teachers, you should have their input.
5. I believe that actions speak louder than words. If you talk a big game but don't back it up, people will notice and start to buck the system.
6. I believe that leaders should be visible and active in the school building on a daily basis.
In my short career, I have experienced many different management styles by many different leaders. Each one has taught me something different about how I plan to lead in the future. Though we all have strengths and weaknesses, there are certain things that, as a principal or AP, you MUST do if you want your school to run smoothly. I aspire to stick to these beliefs and build off of them as I move upward within my career.
What other beliefs should our school leaders hold?
Teachers are always asked to differentiate instructions for their students according to their needs. Don’t Principals have to do the same with teachers? Teachers have different teaching styles and they need to be respected as professionals. Of course there are the non-negotiable that all teachers have to adhere to; however teachers have to be given some kind of autonomy in how they run their class as long as the teaching is effective and standards mastery is achieved. I had a Principal who used to say that she did not even want a lesson plan if she was able to see students engaged in rigorous work related to the standard and that was a motivation for teachers to step up their instructions in their classroom.
ReplyDeleteAnyone entering the profession of educating children should have the fundamental belief that all children can learn. Along with this belief, school leaders should also have the belief that all teachers can grow and take responsibility for inspiring teachers to give their best.
Stacie,
ReplyDeleteMany of my experiences about leaders come from my experience with various principals and assistant principals. As well as what I remember about the principals I had while in school.
I agree with several of your beliefs. I disagree with the fact that students should be somewhat afraid of their leader. Fear doesn't always instill the best qualities in our leaders. I think instead leaders should set clear, consistent expectations from day one and make sure they follow through. Leaders should establish respect with students and expect it in return.