Week 3
Hello classmates! Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!
The article and our text reading this week focused on effective leadership, specifically the role of a school principal. There were common themes between the two readings. First, both readings emphasized a goal of closing the learning gap and creating high expectations for ALL students. Another common theme in our readings was the idea that an effective leader works collaboratively with all people who have a stake in the education of the students: teachers, staff, parents, community members, and the students themselves. Additionally, an effective leader- or principal- will utilize the strengths of his/ her staff to the increase effective learning and a positive school culture. Lastly, both readings emphasized the importance of continuing educational development for teachers as well as remaining current on evidence based best practices for teaching.
In our readings, the idea of collaboration really resonated with me. It is of utmost importance that principals work with teachers and staff to relentlessly to improve conditions in both the classroom and the school. The world is constantly changing, so it stands to reason that how we educate our students is also constantly " under construction". Another aspect from our reading that I LOVE is the idea of constant teacher assessment. I think that limited assessments is unfair because it doesn't give a real picture of the teacher and the classroom. If school leaders popped in and watched for a few minutes at a time, they would get a clearer image of what needs improvement, and what is working best for each teacher.
Additionally, it is critical that principals take into consideration the plethora of brilliance at their fingertips. Every teacher is different, with various strengths and weaknesses. Allowing teachers to capitalize on their strengths by using those strengths to build curriculum, policy, routines, creativity, and a positive learning environment will result in fantastic changes!
These students deserve our best. It starts at the top. Having leaders that create an approachable, welcoming, and collaborative environment with teachers and staff will help to ensure that every person is putting forth their best efforts to maintain a positive learning environment. In turn, the students will be able to feel the climate, and great strides can be made in providing these middle school students with the necessary tools for success.
The article and our text reading this week focused on effective leadership, specifically the role of a school principal. There were common themes between the two readings. First, both readings emphasized a goal of closing the learning gap and creating high expectations for ALL students. Another common theme in our readings was the idea that an effective leader works collaboratively with all people who have a stake in the education of the students: teachers, staff, parents, community members, and the students themselves. Additionally, an effective leader- or principal- will utilize the strengths of his/ her staff to the increase effective learning and a positive school culture. Lastly, both readings emphasized the importance of continuing educational development for teachers as well as remaining current on evidence based best practices for teaching.
In our readings, the idea of collaboration really resonated with me. It is of utmost importance that principals work with teachers and staff to relentlessly to improve conditions in both the classroom and the school. The world is constantly changing, so it stands to reason that how we educate our students is also constantly " under construction". Another aspect from our reading that I LOVE is the idea of constant teacher assessment. I think that limited assessments is unfair because it doesn't give a real picture of the teacher and the classroom. If school leaders popped in and watched for a few minutes at a time, they would get a clearer image of what needs improvement, and what is working best for each teacher.
Additionally, it is critical that principals take into consideration the plethora of brilliance at their fingertips. Every teacher is different, with various strengths and weaknesses. Allowing teachers to capitalize on their strengths by using those strengths to build curriculum, policy, routines, creativity, and a positive learning environment will result in fantastic changes!
These students deserve our best. It starts at the top. Having leaders that create an approachable, welcoming, and collaborative environment with teachers and staff will help to ensure that every person is putting forth their best efforts to maintain a positive learning environment. In turn, the students will be able to feel the climate, and great strides can be made in providing these middle school students with the necessary tools for success.
Hi Lisa,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree that students deserve our best and it starts at the top. So true! I think we talked about this in Dr. Price's class how the climate and culture can be felt the moment you walk in the school and you are greeted by the school's administration staff. If the first faces you see in a school are not warm and welcoming, it's safe to assume that the leader hasn't set a collaborative and approachable environment. Our staff and parents are very fortunate to have the leader we have in charge. He makes every student, staff member and parent feel welcomed and important. He is approachable and his door is always open - literally.
Thanks!
Kirsten
Lisa,
ReplyDeleteI am with you about the idea of a principal constantly checking in on a teacher. Not only does it give the principal a better idea on the effectiveness of a teacher, but it also gets the principal more involved in the education of the students. I believe principals hide themselves in their offices as well as in meetings too often. They need to mix and mingle with their teachers and students. I feel this would also make the teacher-principal relationship stronger. Teachers will no longer have to gripe about what isn't working since the principal will be able to see for themselves.
Lisa, the big focus on teamwork really hit home with me as well. I grew up an athlete, and as a current coach, teamwork is everything. Even in the jobs I've held prior to deciding to enter the education field, teamwork is very important and schools are no different!
ReplyDeleteLisa,
ReplyDeleteI like that you pointed out the evaluation process. I think a lot of teacher may have got a bad name from a one time event. I agree with you that principals should pop into the classroom and see how the teacher leads their classroom. I like the part about the vision that was given in our reading, I believe every leader should have a goal and a plan for success. They should also be able to articulate their goal and inspire those who they lead.