I have been highlighting incredible things that I see in classrooms, but I wanted to reinforce that success like this could not be accomplished without tremendous behind the scene efforts of school leadership. Sustainable change requires visionary and dedicated principals and district leaders. What sets apart leaders within these schools, can be summarize in the following ways:
- Unrelenting Dedication to Teacher Improvement: Successful leaders realize that students have the best chance when taught by knowledgeable, effective, and empowered teachers.
- Investment in Teachers not Programs: Schools that work do not have more resources or money, they just invest it differently. Leaders in these schools provide teachers with the time and resources needed for planning, data analysis, collaboration, and the professional development necessary to sustain their efforts.
- Long Term Commitment to Excellence: Transformative education doesn’t happen by simply sending teachers to a one day workshop or providing them with 3-ring binders full of activities. Leaders that make a difference improve the quality of teaching and learning with long term planning. They understand there is no magic program or quick fixes. For them, improving excellence is a journey taken one careful and deliberate step at a time.
- Trust: Great leaders are guides to excellence. They understand that teachers are the key agents of change and in turn give their teachers the respect, responsibility, and resources necessary to do what matters most. They encourage teachers to experiment with new approaches, without fear of failure, recognizing and trusting that teachers who know better will do better.
- Involvement: Successful leaders not only understand the complexity and the urgency of the work, they are involved in the work. This involvement can take many forms from attending trainings, visiting classrooms, or participating in planning sessions. Regardless of the form, powerful leaders are both aware AND there.
Most recently, these qualities showed up in my visits to Auburn Elementary School and Clinton CSD.
Those of you who have also had the privilege of working with visionary leaders like the ones that I describe, please share your experience with us. I absolutely believe in the power of one, but I also know that the work is much easier when done with strong leaders standing at your side.
What does your leader do to challenge, inspire, and support your best work?
