Running a school is difficult. More now than ever. In order to be effective as a leader there needs to be certain priorities placed at the forefront, in order to not get lost in the chaos. To successfully lead a school, principals need to put teachers before themselves. They also need to be data driven and student-driven at the same time. Proficiency in technology is extremely important because without looking into the future teachers will be teaching to the past. Principals need to create a community that is willing to help each other, and also need to keep their doors open at all times. It seems like a lot and it is, but with little steps every day you can successfully lead a school to success and there is nothing more rewarding then being a part of a school that is winning awards, where teachers are loyal, and students are engaged.
Put Teachers First
Whatever teachers need, a principal should be willing to fight to get it. This could mean standing up for a teacher during a parent-teacher meeting, even though they may have been in the wrong. This could mean creating a schedule with plenty of prep time so that teachers can have enough time to accomplish their tasks without being overwhelmed. If you lead a school and put teachers first, then you are starting off with the right mindset.
Be Student-Driven
As a leader you need to care equally about your teachers, students, and school. Putting teachers first was covered in the previous paragraph, but being student-driven means you are bringing in programs to make sure students enjoy their education. That’s what school is all about, isn’t it? This could include arts, coding, music, or whatever it is that allows students to grow as a whole child, not just academically. I used to work in a school that brought in a hip-hop dance instructor who would play songs every student knew, and then would teach them dance moves to go along with the song. Students got a lot of exercise, became better coordinated, but most of all were able to bond with their peers.
Also, Be Data Driven
On the other side of being student-driven, schools do need to be data-driven. This means principals should know the strengths and weaknesses of the school, the classes, and the students. Action Plans should be created in order to create goals for everyone. They say life without goals is like running a race without a finish line. Basically, you are going nowhere. To be data-driven means having a plan to work on the deficiencies of the school. A realistic goal would be to set the bar just higher than it was last year. State tests are usually where these goals can be measured. Any type of district-wide or school wide assessments given three times a year will help to show if there is sufficient progress being made towards that goal.
Proficiency in Technology
This is where rubber meets the road. In order to achieve a lot of the goals a principal should have requires knowing how to use technology.Not only knowing how to use technology, but being proficient enough that knowledge can be turnkeyed to teachers. Why is this so important? How many emails are written per day vs. how many hand-written letters? The answer is because technology makes everything easier. If a principal buys into one digital program that is personalized and will allow students to learn on their own at their “just right level,” then this could be considered a teacher's “second prep everyday.“ Technology allows students to be engaged, teachers to use digital tools that help them “co-teach,” to differentiate instruction easier, and to be able quickly obtain data.
Community
To create a community in school, hiring is important. When deciding who to hire, a principal should take into consideration how well a new hire would fit in with the rest of the staff. Positive people are always the best people, but it's tough to know what type of person is coming into a school after a brief interview and maybe a demo lesson. Regardless of who is currently on your staff, make sure that you celebrate the staff’s successes! Birthdays, engagements, holidays, and even work anniversaries. It is important to recognize everyone on staff at some point in the year. As an AP, my principal and I would serve food to teachers on Thanksgiving. Food is the best way to build a strong community, because who doesn’t love free food? When you show teachers that are respected and appreciated, there shouldn;t be as many worries about being short-staffed. Life happens, but doing your part as a leader should help.
Leave Your Door Open
Building relationships occur on many different levels, but sometimes the best are the one-on-ones. Teachers should always feel like they can come to you for anything. Principals should have advice for teachers, assuming they once were in their shoes. When a principal’s door is open it means they are approachable. As a leader it is important to be respected, but also a “real” person that can listen.
Have Fun!
If you are constantly stressed and you don't enjoy what you do, then maybe you are in the wrong profession? Everyday is a good day. You should be able to find something good in everyday. Being able to affect so many lives should put a huge smile on your face. the work that you do is important because you have the ability to make this world a better place. One of your students could be a future president one day. Lead everyday like if you don't make an impact, no one else will.
Good leadership is needed in every business and organization but most importantly, it is required in a school. This is where it all starts - the leaders of today are the leaders of tomorrow. If you can improve in any of the 6 areas above, then do so. All it takes are small steps at first. If you have any questions, then feel free to reach out.