Whether fair or not, I have been cast as the
anti-administrator teacher. It is a role I accept; yet my perspective on things
is always changing. I stand by my original posts on the matter and truly don’t
think we need administrators as they currently function in most schools. It has
been my experience with administrators I have worked for and with that there
are two kinds of administrators. There are those that are administrators and those
that are leaders. There is a clear distinction between the two and they both
have a profoundly different impact on their schools.
Leaders inspire rather than require
A true leader inspires the teachers in their building to do
great things. They know how to motivate and that motivation often comes from
building trust and a sense of community within a school. The truly effective
leaders know the role culture plays in inspiring growth and improvement in a
school. They do not speak in terms of requirements and forced initiatives.
While there is an element of required pieces within a public school system, a
true leader inspires their staff beyond just putting their feet to the fire of
mandates.
Leaders are visible
Another aspect of a leader is their physical presence in the
building. How often do teachers see them in the halls and in their classrooms?
How often do the students see them in school and after school events?
Regardless of if it is just a drop in to say good morning, leaders understand
that they need to be seen by their staff and students daily and in some cases
more than once a day. A leader does not hole up in their office for days on
end. If students or parents would have trouble picking the building
administrators out in lineup they are not an effective building leader.
Leaders focus on kids not adults
This should come as a no brainer, but clearly is not for
many. A leader makes building decisions based on what is best for the kids not
for the adults. Yes, the needs of the adults in the building are crucial for
creating a positive school culture. However, those needs should come secondary
to those of the children we are entrusted to teach. Leaders need to have their
decisions guided by the best learning outcomes for students rather than being
guided by a pack staff members angling for self-interests.
Leaders are transparent
There are no secrets and no hidden agendas in the office of
a leader. They involve every member of their staff in the decision making
process not just a select privileged few. While small group or teams may be
selected to represent the staff by way of department heads or team leaders, the
entire staff is aware and informed about all building decisions. Leaders honor
confidentiality but don’t allow secrecy to breed division and distrust among
their staff.
Leaders are teachers
Leaders should be teachers within the building at every
chance they can get. This can be teaching a class when a sub doesn’t get called
in or supervising a club for students. School leaders that teach are the best models
for the teachers in their buildings. They are the most credible and are able to
stay grounded in the classroom and with the most important part of the school,
which are the students.
Leaders love their school
Some of the most effective school leaders I have ever
encountered speak with such passion and love for their schools. By school I
mean they love everything from the building itself to the people inside and the
surrounding community. They care that their building looks great and take pride
in having people visit. Rather than rushing home after the last bell, they stay
to watch the students perform, play and compete and stand there proudly
watching and celebrating. True leaders feel like the parent of a tremendous
family and their unconditional love is obvious and contagious.
In full disclosure, I am not administrator nor do I play one
on television. However, I have worked with and discussed this idea of the
building administrator’s role with literally thousands of people around the
country. There are great school leaders out there in schools but I fear
they might be in the minority. I still believe we do not need traditional
administrators but desperately need school leaders. If you find yourself
working for a great administrator be sure to tell them you appreciate them. If
you don’t…send them this post…but leave my name off. J