When we send our kids off to school each morning, we trust that the teachers and staff will do everything in their power to take care of our little ones. They’ll look out for them, treat them with kindness and respect. And first and foremost, they’ll keep them safe. But unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for those in leadership positions in schools to be making questionable decisions.
Better Leaders Better Schools also recommends that principals don’t completely separate the business from the personal at their schools. This can make them seem less human and can cause students and staff to fear them, rather than actually respect them. Establishing relationships and being a real person is not a weakness.Education Week
says that administrators have the power to create a positive or negative culture in their schools, and that’s not something they should take lightly. She writes that the best administrators consider teachers’ opinions, plan ahead, treat others with empathy and develop the talent of their staff. Lyons notes that nurturing positive leadership can go a long way in a school. For example, acknowledging the achievements and successes of students and teachers can make them feel more confident and encourage them to continue working hard. It’s also important to value the feedback that teachers provide, or you might end up in a similar position to the vice principal in this story, where nobody wants to assist you in your time of need.
While there’s never a good excuse for being a poor leader or treating students cruelly, it seems that many principals don’t even