I am just finding all kinds of wonderful edu info tonight. After checking school mail I was directed to an article on “top-schools” for 2007. I didn’t find us on the list. :-0 *remembering Granny’s rules on speech* However, Irondale in AL made the list again. C’grats to them, #4. From the edu section of Newsweek online I found a very interesting article concerning the role of the principal. Let me say that my building principal is awesome and an example for others. He respects us, and in turn has earned our respect. Hourly, he is seen by the students. He makes a point of speaking to the faculty and students, and not out of the sense of obligation because *blast it* you moved into his line of sight. He is genuine and it is obvious that he cares.
There is NO way I would ever be interested in administration. However, if by some off chance I pursue that route I have learned what I don’t want to be like, and the examples to follow. IMO it is a testament to leadership when the principal is seen, or the name is said, and students ask, “who?” The article linked describes several characteristics of a good principal, and visibility/involvement is on the list. I would add that it shouldn’t be because one HAS to be in the halls or at an event, but because there is pride in being present. I would also add that personal ambitions have to not be the guiding factor. If the job is being done correctly, those personal ambitions will eventually be met. From the article:
“They still want someone to care about them. The principal has to be someone who really loves kids and understands what it takes to motivate teachers to change every child’s life.”
Very true. It isn’t only the students who want someone to care. The teachers as well. When faculty morale is low, the school will not perform to potential. When teachers are frustrated with their assignments, overwhelmed by and uninformed of expectations, given incomplete information, and feel like they are creating the plays as they run on the field for the game it decreases their effectiveness.
I’ve learned a good bit tonight. Actually, it is nothing that I didn’t know, but it eases my frustrations. It’s true, “we’re all in this together” and it takes all of us to make it work.
Hope everyone, teacher and non, is having a great night/day and wrapping up the school year with ease. If you aren’t involved in a school system, ask yourself why. We can use you!
Oh…and one more thing…come back and check out the posts below. There are some GREAT articles there.
May 25th, 2007 at 10:37 am
We know our daughter’s principal (J.) fairly well and he decided to retire early this year–when it was announced at school, my daughter came home crying. I had to tell J. about that and how it was different that when I lost a principal at school–I was ready to throw a party. Of course, my relationship with the principal was on different terms–I got to know the principal better than many of my classmates.
As for my daughter’s principal, how many kids in this country attend church and see the principal playing drums with the praise team?