Thermometer or Thermostat?

Posted on April 27, 2021 Written by

“When we take the time to research and develop leadership styles that are true to our beliefs and values, while at the same time encouraging others to develop themselves and their own leadership styles, we become ethical and transformational leaders. We lead from the front and have a staff that is very willing to follow and do some leading of their own.” (Miller, 2021).

This article not only expands on that concept, but also provides a unique analogy on effective leadership. It’s a “must read” for any administrator looking for ways to improve his/her ability to positively impact both teachers and students.

Reference:

Miller, D. (2021). Effective School Leaders Function Like Thermostats. Retrieved from https://www.middleweb.com/44595/effective-school-leaders-are-like-thermostats/

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Four Leadership Examples

Posted on March 30, 2021 Written by

As the COVID 19 pandemic continues, school leaders across the country continue to face crises on multiple fronts, many of these having to do with the challenges of remote and hybrid learning.

This article highlights the work of four principals and how they are rising to the occasion. It is presented here both as a source for ideas and for inspiration.

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Survival Tips

Posted on April 14, 2020 Written by

According to the Learning Policy Institute (2019), the public school principal turnover rate over the past few years has risen to 18 percent … 21 percent in high-poverty schools!

In this pressure cooker that school administration has become, it’s a good idea to step back for a moment and examine your priorities. Or as my old mentor used to say, “Never let the URGENT crowd out the IMPORTANT!”

Here are some brief tips and strategies from experienced principals across the country that should provide relief and help you make your job more focused and productive. Note: These were compiled by ASCD from comments shared on Twitter.

Reference: https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/product-files/NASSP_LPI_Principal_Turnover_Research_Review_REPORT.pdf

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Inspiring Innovation

Posted on January 21, 2020 Written by

Located just outside of Phoenix, Zaharis Elementary has received a significant amount of attention for looking beyond test-based accountability to prepare students for a world in which “85% of the jobs of tomorrow haven’t even been invented yet.”

This interview, with principal Michael Oliver, shows how the school’s inquiry-based model is actually weaning some lawmakers away from their love of high-stakes testing, and changing them into champions for change.

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