|
I decided to lead into this column with a reaction from a principal I have worked with and have respect for his ideas and passion.
Larry-
Good stuff, Larry. Some of course make my skin ripple a bit. Most I
totally agree with.
I very strongly agree with:
#4, #5, #6 (though very difficulty), #8, #9 (we have been doing this for
about 3 years and get so much more accomplished), #13, #17 (had to learn
this lesson), #20.
The skin ripplers are:
#10 I(not necessarily the be all end all. However, I do not think that
the school would be as good without me. If I did, I don't belong there
or should be working my butt off to get better.)
#22 I understand the context and remember this from our meeting this
past summer, but I'm still the one on the chopping block when they mess
up. The reciprocal is not true.
Here a couple of other thoughts that I've learned over my 10 years of
administration
Good teaching can be summed up with two principles: Good teachers work
their butts off. That means they are not 730 to 300 people. Also good
teachers must make the students want to perform. The same is true with
administration. I hear so many horror stories of the principal never
being seen or on campus. Teacher have to see you working hard for them
and the students. Additionally, teachers have to want to perform for
you as well. Not just to please but that has to at least be some
motivation.
Also, I know what is essential that I don't do very well. Maintain
effective communication with the teachers when they are not performing
up to par. Be honest and direct. For me that is sometimes difficult
because I get tired of the excuses and crying. However, I think that is
an area I would do better to improve upon.
Thanks for the opportunity to contribute. I look forward to reading
more. You certainly may include anything that I sent. Good luck. I look forward to reading more on your site.
Phillip Johnson
Principal
Ashville Middle School
Expect It! Believe It! Achieve It!
Here is the column Phillip comments on in the introduction.
Dave Spencer (My principal) as a judge for my Iron Chef Science lab and other class activities. Thank you Dave!
Here is the column Phillip comments on in the introduction.
Notes from talks with Administrators
Yes, there are actually times I get to talk with and present to Principals, Asst. Superintendents and even Superintendents of school systems and these are my notes for recent talks. In my 32 years of teaching I have had five Principals: some good Principals, a great Principal, and one that made me want to quit teaching!
- Administration is directly responsible for the morale of the school and/or school system.
- The morale of your staff is the primary driver of the success of your school.
- “Praise publicly and correct in private” These are not just some words in a quote they are the very core of leadership.
- The concerns of your staff are more important than political considerations.
- In a time of tight money 90% of the cuts should come at the school board building level!
- Teachers are the platform upon which you succeed or fail! Your top teachers should feel special and appreciated. Your bottom teachers should be put on an action plan to help them and if that fails –GONE!
- Here’s a bold idea! Make Administrators sub for at least 10 days a year. Before you say “I can’t be out of the office” remember your secretary can do anything you need done and that person might like the day without you around!
- If you micromanage you will never get anything done well and your good teachers will not feel totally free to try new ideas and teaching methods!
- Faculty meetings should never be longer than 1 hour and held only once a month.
- If you think you are the “be all and end all” of your school you are wrong! Sorry, a good school with a good staff does not need you!
- Join ASCD and read the books and newsletters.
- Support your top teachers that present at conferences. Find the money! NO EXCUSES!
- Get out of your office!
- Keep your own sanity! The job by nature is overwhelming so you must work hard to have a personal life, workout, and smell the flowers now and then!
- Treat your excited new teachers (new is years 1-4) with special care they are your future!
- Ask your teachers what they want or need as often as you tell them what to do.
- Do not treat all teachers the same. We are individuals and require that you be an active part of our teaching.
- Visit the classrooms at positive times.
- Praise your teachers’ actions in the classroom far more than you do your coaches’ actions on the field!
- When you talk to a parent. lead with the question, “Have you talked to the teacher about this issue?”
- Protect your teachers from the “Crazy parent!” This is the parent that would complain even if the Almighty was teaching their child.
- REMEMBER YOU WORK FOR THE TEACHERS THEY DO NOT WORK FOR YOU!
|
