My Leaders
My, oh my… what is happening in my teacher world? Lots of CHANGE! You know, change can be good (most times, hehe).
I have worked for two wonderful schools under 2 principals and 2 assistant principals at each school… making a grand total of 4 Principals and 4 Assistant Principals. Why does this happen? I have only been teaching 6 years! Well, I may never know “why,” but I can at least learn from them all.
I have a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Supervision with the intent of adding on a few courses to solidify my dreams as a future Principal. This learning experience is to my advantage. I get to see what worked, what didn’t work, and create myself to be the best from what I have seen. Kinda cool if you ask me. 🙂
Here are my thoughts:
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School One |
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| Principal 1(left for Strategic Staffing in district) | + personable, trusted teachers without telling them “how” to get it done, businesswoman-let you know if she did not like you (not me of course!), worked the business angle to promote herself/school |
| Assistant Principal 1(left with Principal 1) | + personable, family oriented, kind, relaxed style-could have challenged us to be better teachers |
| Principal 2(New hire from AP position in district) | + friendly, data driven-micromanager, emotional decision maker |
| Assistant Principal 2(former 3rd grade teammate!) | + thorough, knowledgeable- needed to make personable connections with staff |
*I left this school for a change in student population and demographics*
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School Two |
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| Principal 3(retired- very similar to Principal 1) | + personable, trusted teachers without telling them “how” to get it done, supportive-low visibility in classrooms and school building |
| Assistant Principal 3(left to work for a veteran Principal in district- very similar to AP2) | + personable, relaxed style-could have challenged us to be better teachers |
| Principal 4(New hire from AP position & I assisted in interviewing potential candidates) | + personable, visible in classrooms and around school, family-oriented, encouraging, supportive-[none at this time] |
| Assistant Principal 4(New hire from facilitator position & I assisted in interviewing potential candidates) | + knowledgeable-wears emotions on sleeve, can come off the wrong way when speaking and acting |
[Can you tell I absolutely LOVE my current Principal?? 🙂 ]
As you can see I have had a variety of hands-on and hands-off approaches. I know the kind of leader I already am is one that allows you to try something first on your own, and then I come in to help you hone your skill. Therefore, I believe I would be a good mixture of “hands-off/hands-on.” I can see myself allowing teachers the room to be creative and independent, but remain visible enough to provide support and encouragement. Without these leaders in my educational experience, I would not have had the chance to learn firsthand the characteristics that make up the best kind of leader. Let’s hope I am able to successfully mesh the many positive styles into one GREAT leader!
I am unsure where my journey will go from here. But, I can tell you that I have learned a lot and loved every minute of it- the good, the bad, and the wonderful!
A shout out to those leaders in my educational life who have prepared me for my future success- thank you!
What have you learned on your educational journey about leadership?
What characteristics make a great leader in your opinion?
About the author, Gretchen
I am a teacher trainer and coach. Working elbow to elbow with teachers and teacher leaders to ensure instructional proficiency and student achievement soar lights me up. We have a real need in our nation for strong educators to remain in the field. My blog, book, podcast, courses and instructional materials are geared towards empowering teachers (and those that lead them) to receive the support needed to grow and thrive today, tomorrow and always.