"A Matter of Principals" highlights two highly effective leaders demonstrating the "tricks of the trade".
Principals featured:
Len Stevens - Joe T. Huffman Elementary | Plano, TX | http://planoblog.dallasnews.com/2013/06/plano-principal-named-new-superintendent-of-irving-charter-school.html/
Alisha Coleman-Kiner (@AlishaKiner) - Booker T. Washington High School | Memphis TN |
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2011/05/26/33kiner.h30.html
It is a hard pill to swallow remembering that parents are sending us their best. Principals set the tone and tempo of the building. We must show how much we care before staff will buy into our goals and support us. The other partner that we must establish is parent or community buy in. The building has to be staff driven and not principal driven. Success, like within a family, even one will need to work at the same goal. Speak it all into existence and work hard to make it happen. No excuses only solutions. (Natiqua Riley)
ReplyDeleteI think that we often lose sight of the fact that education is a "people business." It only makes sense that building relationships with teachers, families and students separates highly effective school leaders from good ones. In the case of both principals in the video they knew students as both learners and people. Based on the video it also appeared that they spent most of their time in classroom, the place that teaching and learning takes place. These are the traits I am working to develop as a school leader.
ReplyDeleteThis video was motivational, inspirational and affirming to my beliefs. It is important to remember the importance of building relationships. That is your strong foundation. We build teams in our buildings and building relationships is the key to ensuring all of your team members understand the team's goal and their role in it. Len Stevens reminds me of a principal at one of our schools. Each day he has morning duty in the Drop Off lane, greeting parents and students. He high fives each student, calling them by name and saying good morning. He remembers little bits of information about them such as if they play soccer or are enrolled in art classes and uses those details to further connections with his students. I had the pleasure of observing this principal during my Admin internship years ago and that 15 minutes of his day stuck with me the most. I try really hard to learn each and every child's name.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with what Natiqua posted. Parents are sending us their best and we can't ignore their circumstances and life happenings. It does impact our work. We must ensure we get the students the resources they need in order for them to be academically successful. I love how Mrs. Kiner was able to create an atmosphere where students are responsible for ensuring each other are at school each and every day.
One important notation is the impact of district support. Mr. Stevens was given a sense of autonomy or permission from the district to hire and fire as necessary to ensure the best teachers are in front of those students. When you have the weight on your shoulders of ensuring each student gets the best teachers the process to do that can be tiresome. But, we need to make that happen. Similarly, Mrs. Kiner is not afraid to make waves and do what is best for her students. Through data and research she created gender specific classes for her 9th graders and it paid off. Our district is large and not every policy, program or initiative is going to work for every school. We are all so different. No matter what your obstacle is remember to fight for what is right for your students and community.
Teacher and student growth are also important factors in building great schools. It takes more than formal observations to impact teacher growth. It takes coaching. We need to informally observe teachers often but even more important is what happens afterwards. At the National SAM Conference last year a presenter spoke about the impact of face-to-face feedback and discussion. I gave it a try towards the end of last year and was amazed. As part of the APSLI we discussed the district VAL-Ed and teacher observation data. We can't just provide a professional development. We need to monitor its use and effectiveness, providing feedback and coaching to ensure we reach each teacher's greatest potential. This year I have dedicated more time to this.
It was a pleasure to hear Mr. Stevens stress the importance of student growth. Schools like mine are achieving, staying off the radar, but that doesn’t mean our students are showing growth. We must always pre-assess, differentiate our instruction, and monitor student growth. As an administrator it is my job to push back, with support, to ensure our students get “Great Teaching in Every Class, Every Day” (Monica Gaines)
You need to be genuinely caring, have a growth mindset, be willing to rock the boat, and create a team culture within your staff, students and community that has shared goals and always looking to improve.
There were several topics raised in this video that truly resonated with me. The first is the importance of Building Relationships and a sense of Community within in the school. This is something that I focused on as a classroom teacher, as an ILT, and now in my role as an Assistant Principal. You hear is stated everywhere that "Children don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." Unfortunately, this mantra is something that is very rarely applied to the daily interactions that many educational professionals have with the children in the building. It is truly inspiring to see tangible examples that demonstrate the connection between relationship/community building and student achievement and teacher growth. The bottom line is that teaching (at every level) is a labor of unconditional love. And as instructional leaders, we have to be the embodiment of that unconditional love for the children and the communities that we serve.
ReplyDeleteI've had the opportunity to serve under several instructional leaders who exemplified an unconditional love for, not just the children and the communities they served, but the education profession as well. This love allowed them to lead through their service. Each of these leaders had a keen understanding of the needs of the communities they served. They all possessed a deep knowledge of instructional best practices that was based on both theory and application (they didn't just talk a good game). But most of all, each of these leaders never asked more from the members of their staff than they were willing to do themselves.
Watching this video, confirmed my belief of building relationships are key to having a successful building. Developing relationships with students, staff members, parents and community leaders will help you to carry out the vision of the school. Creating a culture in which students want to come to school and learn is monumental. It was powerful to hear the teacher state; there are times when parents are sending us their best. We don’t get to hand pick the students that come to our school, therefore we must work with and provide that support needed to ensure every student feels safe and connected to their teachers and other staff members. Finding out my top strength helped me to realize I am a people’s person. I view each person as an individual and try to find their strength and work and build upon it. I try to connect with my students, especially those that need extra support that is not be given at home, on a personal level. Realizing students bring home concerns with them in the front door of a school is the key, to understanding the whole child. When students see you care about them they will work equally as hard for you and give you the best they can.
ReplyDeleteHere in Prince George’s County, I have seen the shift with the autonomy with administrators. Administrators have been given the tools to adjust staff, budgeting and other things that will enhance their building without having the district place so many restrictions on what can and cannot be done. The video stated the principal created a gender specific classroom to see if improvement was made in the classroom. If an idea doesn’t work, you readjust to make sure it works for the betterment of the school.
Three things really resonated with me in this video: the principal's ability to hire and fire, the importance of building relationships and the gender based classes. While the principal's do not have the discretion to hire and fire at will in this county, they do have a process to follow to exit teachers from the building. Most important, I believe, is that first three years of teaching. It is important in our roles as Assistant principals to coach these teachers and bring out the best of what they have to offer. If they have the fire for teaching, sometimes they just need direction. Nothing in the classroom setting really truly prepares a teacher for what they will experience when they are alone in the room with 35 students who may or may not be eager to learn. Then, after all of the coaching we have to give, if they cannot or will not do it, then the process to help them choose a different, more appropriate road for them needs to be explored.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, as everyone above stated, it is imperative to build relationships. It is what separates the highly effective teachers from the good teachers and it is what separates the highly effective leaders from the good leaders. Rita Pearson said that, "Children can't learn from people they don't like." There is a ton of truth to that, and I agree with what has been said above.
Finally, we attempted gender based learning at my school with limited success. We noticed a huge disparity in HSA scores between girls and boys in Algebra and English. What we discovered is that we had really great results with the teachers who were the "right fit" for the students that they were teaching and we had a difficult time justifying the statistics. We couldn't determine if it was the quality of teacher vs. the gender based rooms. What we have discovered is yielding great results is that we have paired our co-taught students with our honors students with a support period on the B-day for the co-taught (and honestly we have put a couple of honors students in the support groups as well) students. This has increased the co-taught test scores by 5%. (Carrie)
This was a great video of what an effective and purposeful leader does in a school. The tricks provided in the video are best practices that should be employed by school leaders every day. They are also a part of the PGCPS standards. Relationships is the center of the work we do. Students need to know that you care in order for them to perform well. The culture in the building also changed and persons who can not get with it can at least be released from the job. Others will feel uncomfortable working in such a great culture and climate that if they are not with the program, they will self select themselves out. High expectations for all with no excuses was the motto in the schools for both parents and students and teachers. The leader has to embody that message and be the example. The video brought back memories of my previous schools where I served as a Principal of an independent and a charter school. Standing out front and greeting studentswas what I loved most. Giving high fives and hugs was more for me than for them. The parents loved seeing me every morning encouraging their children and meeting with them to discuss any of their concerns. Having the autonomy of hiring your team was great. I had my children attending the school in which I lead showed the parents that I was serious about my job and believed in the school They knew if my children were there, then the school had to be great.
ReplyDeleteRelationships are what I saw throughout this video and throughout the instructional environments that were shown. These leaders spent a lot of time in the classrooms with students and teachers. This is where the relationships are built and the capacity for teaching grows stronger. It is important to note the time it takes to build and establish a culture. The "tips" shown were great, I am lucky to see this modeled every day.
ReplyDeleteSchool culture "begins and ends with relationships". This was key throughout the entire video. It was evident that both principals were familiar with the students and the community surrounding the school. Mr. Stevens demonstrated relationship building daily with the students as he greeted and hugged each student as they passed through the door. Ms. Coleman-Kiner stated in the video that she was the "mama" and the teachers were her sisters and brothers. She even at time gave "motherly" advice when she told the students to go straight home during the afternoon announcements. While both leaders had obstacles, neither principal lowered the high expectations for the students. To add to culture building, each leader made frequent visits to the classroom in an effort to assist teachers with instruction. Mr. Stevens shared that he spent at least three minutes in the classroom daily. I thought that was great. It is tough to get into classroom that often, but it is necessary in order to assist teachers with "monitoring and re-adjusting" lessons as needed.
ReplyDeleteThis was an awesome video to show how relationships are key to the success in schools. Both principals had to change the culture of their schools and they did that by building relationships with the students, parents and teachers.
ReplyDeleteBuilding relationships is a critical piece to shifting the culture in a school. The students and parents have to trust that the teachers and administration truly have their children's best interest in mind and teachers have to believe that their administrators have their best interest in mind.
Student growth and building teacher capacity happened due to the fact that the culture was set in the school and relationships were built. Both schools set a risk free and safe environment for the students in which student growth was the outcome.
The gender base class is a great research based method that does truly work in the right setting. I taught a gender based 4th grade class and I was able to tap into the learning styles of the girls and build on their strengths.
“A Matter of Principals” Production of George Washington Institute
ReplyDeleteThis video took me back to the years when I was taking classes at Bowie State University (BSU) and one of my practicum classes was about case studies and "A Matters of Principals' is a successful study case. The video is a good reminder that education is about 'building relationships".
Tricks of Trade
1. Build Relationships – Build a Community: The biology teacher- Erica Davis said, “If you do not want to get involved in students' personal lives, you are at the wrong place.” This is so true. I believe that teachers and school leaders should be in education by hearth and no for a "pay check". As a school leader, it is very obvious when some is in this profession by accident and not by vocation. The commitment should be at all levels. It was interesting when principal Kinder said to her students, “Look to the right and to your left, if they are not here, you are responsible to tell me why.” The responsibility is at all levels; even for those going through difficult times. Here is an example: Principals Stevens received a phone call about one of her student’s unborn child has died; principal met with counselor to find out how to handle the situation.” Stevens says, “If you do not know the children's' parents, you do not know the children.”
2. Research Informs Practice: Teaching moments can happens at anytime. Principal Kinder, encouraged students to get to class on time. Also, her experiment to separate class gender on gender basis was a success. However, nowadays, principals should make sure all children are taken in consideration; that includes transsexuals/transgenders. In her school it worked out, but someone can complaint about been discriminated.
3. Focus on Teacher Growth. Principals Kinder and Stevenson evaluated teachers constantly to find out what needs to be improved. This is, definitely, a great advice. Walk-through is a powerful tool to take the pulse of instruction and at the same time interact with teachers and students.
4. Focus on Student Growth : Principal Stevens recommended to pay attention to individual attention to students’ needs. He said, "Lesson should plan to reach each child; differentiation must be enforced. No cooking cutting curriculum."
5. High Standards for All. All Assistant Principals have been in a classroom before, so we should present professional developments in our areas of expertise. That was the approach of Principal Kinder who performed PD’s to English teachers; her background was English.
The question at the end of the video clip was "Why were they successful?" The answer is "It all starts with 'Building Relationships'.” It is, definitely, a humongous task that takes a community to turn a school around.
Inspiring children and believing that they can succeed beyond measure is essential to creating a school culture where all members of the school community feel a sense of belonging.
ReplyDelete"It seems essential, that in relationships and all tasks, that we concentrate on what is most significant and important"-Soren Kierkegaard
What is most important in our profession as school based leaders is our students and how they perceive the school community. When administrators are visible in the school community and make the effort to build lasting relationships based on trust and communication, then parents/students/community leaders are more likely to invest time and effort.
Research, especially action research, leads to more creativity regarding instructional programs. When administrators cultivate collaboration and build capacity among staff members that is grounded in research, schools are more likely to be propelled.
"A rising tide raises all ships"- Malcolm X
When I first reviewed my Strength Finders data with my team and found that 4 out of 5 strengths were under the relationship umbrella, I felt that I might not be a great executor or strategic thinker. I then discovered that I might be a more effective executor if I've built relationships prior to planning/implementing initiatives within our school community.
To me the quote that sums up the entire documentary was:
"not be the statistics of the zip code."
I can certainly relate to this as I'm a Prince George's County native and attended Prince George's County schools and had parents that were Prince George's County teachers. When I would meet other people from other counties or listen to the news, there was a certain "dark cloud" that lingered around the name "PG." I'm proud to call "PG" my home and feel that passionate educators and students are the ones that are lifting that dark cloud to allow a new light to shine upon us. Let's all be "Great by Choice."
What really stood out to me was the emphasis on relationships. It was the first thing that was mentioned as a key tip, then they went back to it at the end to reiterate its importance over everything else.
ReplyDeleteI believe with all the work that has be done and the goals that must be reached its easy to just focus on the business and getting things done and lose sight the intangible things like relationships. However, we are in the people business - we interact with hundreds of people everyday, and we must remember that building positive relationships with them is essential.
Building positive relationships is an emphasis at our school. The administrative team works hard to get to know students, teachers, and parents and build relationships with them and most importantly, we try to make them feel that we truly care and are there for them.
This video outlined several key practices that should be utilized in order to bring success in schools. Each practice has a purpose but that must work hand in hand to be successful. Relationship building is certainly the key practice because without it you can not get the stakeholders to buy in to the research that the will enable you to make the change in practice. Relationships are necessary in order for the school administrator to focus on teacher and student growth. Teachers and students and parents have to trust you and feel that you have their best interest at heart--this will not be possible if you have not formed relationships. It is funny how something so simple that we all probably learned in kindergarten has become an impossible task for some to achieve as adults.
ReplyDeleteRelationships are the key to success at all levels. When the staff and students know that you care about them and their growth they are willing to do a lot more for you. Another aspect of each schools success was finding what would work best with the school and community. There is not one cookie cutter model that will work for every school. We learn about the school and community by building relationships and then creating a plan to support the needs of the community, students and staff.
ReplyDeleteEvery part of who I am as a person is touched by this video. Realizing that each day I attended school as a child, it mattered how the adults received me. Though I did not realize it then, I certainly have reflected over the years thinking of the many people who had an impact of any kind on my life. As a parent, I have always respected and expected. As an educator, I am constantly thinking about my roles.
ReplyDeleteEvery experience I have had in this profession has left me wondering if I had done all that I could do. Knowing, understanding, and appreciating the demands of relationships is essential in being successful at every level of this profession. Colleague to colleague, parent to teacher, teacher to parent, teacher to student, all relationships are vital and require attentiveness and openness.
What stood out in this video...
The victory of seeing the students arriving to school. Sharing in the joy of seeing each student each day. Realizing the only sense of family they may know begins and often ends with us. Thinking about how you impact that relationship, starting with the relationships you have with your colleagues.
Relationships...
Listening. Paying attention. Understanding. Helping. Communicating. Respecting.
Growth is not just about the students. Achievement is not just about test scores. We are all held accountable to some level of growth and achievement. Set goals for yourself as an administrator and share that with your staff so they know you are working too. Be a resource for teachers, students and parents. Never become too far removed from the classroom that you lose awareness of what students and teachers need to be successful.
Be there. Be everywhere.
As school leaders you really are responsible for the whole school community. Most struggling schools are in communities where socio economic levels are low and due to working classes families many parents aren't there to help students be prepared as possible for improvement. As a school leader it is important to be visible and set the tempo and expectations for all stakeholders. It is wise to be proactive and reach out to parents so they can take ownership in their child's education. The students I serve are school dependent therefore we know that students depend on meals and consistency from the schoolhouse. As a admin team we have reviewed our early warning indicator list and have identified and began to mentor students who have high numbers of suspensions and try to give them extra emotional , and academic support. We tell our teachers how important it is to build relationships with parents, students and colleagues to have maximum output. (Ahmed Evans)
ReplyDeleteSeveral things came to mind as I viewed the video but the most predominate was the ACE habits of mind. A commitment to action, intentional collaboration and a relentless focus on evidence. Both leaders focused on evidence to constantly retool their practices. They created a collaborative culture in which refining the needs of the school was the main focus and teachers were open to the process.
ReplyDeleteOther than those habits of mind, both leaders exhibited a genuine caring for the students and their lives. This thinking framed their approach to work and became infectious amongst their staff.
What resonated with me in both schools was the emphasis on building respectful relationships with students, parents, and staff. This was something that each principal valued and made a point of emphasizing. Through building relationships the schools appeared to develop a culture that truly fostered the students’ personal and academic growth. I was able to make a strong connection to how these leaders valued everyone as individuals rather than objects, much like in “Leadership and Self Deception.”
ReplyDeleteAdditionally, at the end of the video the both principals commented on how the school was more than just a school, but instead was a family where everyone takes part in developing the lives of the students. This is so important in our schools. It is important that we move past the view that teachers teach students a curriculum and administrators supervise a school, but rather as a team we all educate students and provide them the opportunity to become successful, well developed, individuals.
After viewing the video " A Matter of Principals", I could understand how building relationships was the "trick of the trade" and allowed for positive change in both of the schools. The relationships do not start and end with the student but begin with the student, then the parent, the staff and community. I thought it to be touching when Principal Stevens said " To know the child, you have to know the mother. If you don't know the mother, you'll never know the child," and then when he was informed of an serious situation from a parent, he asked "What can we do to help you?" This ties into our County's motto of "How can I be helpful?" So many of our children and families need that "care". Whether it be a hug, a handshake, phone call, it is important to continuously build upon our relationships with our families.
ReplyDeleteThe video focused on our a positive culture, total commitment , team building, and genuine belief in students can restore the hope and promise of public education in our country. What is really special in both schools is that the two leaders are implementing their district's goals of effective instruction, evaluation, and collaboration in a very effective, supportive and non-threatening way. In fact, these leaders include the "entire village" in the ultimate success of their school communities. I also really connected with the idea of high expections for all students regardless of their surroundings. It reminded me of my school days in Balto. City where many of the school staff helped me to believe that I could do anything and go as far as I wanted to go in life. Thank you for sharing. I plan to share with our staff.
ReplyDeleteThis video provided an example of how good leadership can change the culture of a building. Both principals acquired schools that were identified as low academic achievement. Both principal expressed the challenges in changing how students, staff, parents and the community perception of the school. Both principals changed the culture of their schools by keeping the focus on student achievement and inviting staff members and parents to support their school’s vision. The video also provided example that support Standard 1 – an all boys classroom to promote academic success maximize instruction; Standard 3 – the principal monitored instruction when visiting classroom and meeting with teachers; Standard 7 – the principal builds parental relationship and showed concern for the well-being of parent. The principal comment that if you don’t know the parent you don’t know the student. This is so true because our students home structure often times defines the type of student we are educating. The video is encouraging especially if as a principal changes are being made to promote academic excellence for students. It took one principal four years to get favorable results of student performance and the principal commented that the expectation is 100% and will continue to be until the target met.
ReplyDeleteSharon A. Hill
The video affirmed my belief that "Education is the new civil right”. All students deserve a world class education. I had several take-aways that I feel will be critical for aspiring principals. Building relationships is paramount. In order for people...teachers, students and parents…to give their all, they must know that you care. This is not a business or job that we can come in, punch the clock and go home. We must build relationships both inside and outside of the walls of our school so that all stakeholders take a vested interest in our goal to ensure all students leave our buildings college and career ready. To help the family, to help the teacher, to help the community is to help the child. We all know that research is critical in education. The video reminded me that ACTION research is key. Figuring out what works and then working it "to death" is essential in giving students what they need. The thing that struck me the most was the focus on teacher growth. I will work to consistently visit classrooms in increments of 3-4 minutes collecting data to gain a full picture of each teacher's teaching style. This information will inform us of the professional development needs of the building to ensure teachers grow to their full potential. In the final analysis student growth, not test scores, is our number one goal. If we focus on moving students from where they are to where they need to be, we will become principals who, like those in the video, are agents of change that turn schools around.
ReplyDeleteThis video screamed RELATIONSHIP BUILDING to me. After watching, I learned that one of the most effective ways to be a successful leader is to build relationships with your school community. Each morning, as I greet students, I watch their faces as they come in the building not only to gauge how they are feeling but also to let them know, “I see you”. Sometimes, that's all students really need to motivate themselves. If they know you care, they will care. I also learned the importance of building relationships with your teachers. Providing teachers with the supports and guidance they need to get their job done is essential. If teachers know you really care about them more than “checking off a box for compliance”, it's amazing what they will do for their students and the school. I also learned that my walkthroughs do not have to be as long as I've been doing them. I like Mr. Stevens idea. He used his cell phone and quickly captured information to provide a picture about the teacher. Then, provide the teacher with feedback. Getting in quickly allows me to visits more classrooms. Great video. I plan to share with others.
ReplyDeleteFreda Ingram, Ed.D
This video captured who we should be as school leaders. It focused on the key component for school success, and that is building strong relationships. I like the statement made, 'it begins and ends with relationships'. Both principals demonstrated a positive attitude daily. They seemed to believe in what they do, and not treat their work as simply a job. The message was we're here to work together and ensure that students and teachers are successful. I liked that Principal Kiner held students responsible for keeping up with their peers' attendance. She sent the message that all students' presence in school is important. Both principals spent a lot of time in the classroom monitoring student learning and ensuring that students got what they needed. They also seemed to provide a great deal of support for teachers, as well as parents. I liked Principal Stevens comment, " don't know the mother, you'll never know the child". This was a fantastic video to show great leadership in action.
ReplyDeleteThe video demonstrates the core values of education. It focused on the student, content, teacher and community. If we build relationships then trust and commitment will follow. Schools must get to know their students and parents to better provide them with the tools they need to be successful. All students want to be successful no matter what level of success. That is why student growth stood out to me during this video. Students want acknowledgement of their hard work and determination. Schools have to refocus the attention given to mastery levels and develop a measuring tool that focuses on growth rather than mastery. As schools continue to build relationships, focus to student and teacher growth, and research based interventions with a focus on student growth, more and more schools with defy the odds.
ReplyDeleteThis video was a great example of using the positive relationships you build within school communities to leverage student achievement for all students you encounter. In two very, different struggling schools, leaders were able to make change in their school and create opportunities were students can be successful. I enjoyed reflecting upon the "tricks of the trade" and how my own leadership team uses them to create better experiences for our students.
ReplyDelete"Tips of the Trade"
- build relationships, build community
- research informs practice
- focus on teacher growth
- focus on student growth
- high standards for all
Specifically, I've spent a lot of time on building relationships with all stakeholders I encounter at my school. Many of our students come to school with personal challenges and families have had previous unhealthy relationships with school leaders. Many times that's a lot to overcome and can often become a hinderance to the development of highly effective schools. Both school leaders worked hard to shift the culture of their schools and create rigorous experiences for the students they serve. I enjoyed the video and look forward to sharing it with colleagues.
The video highlighted several "key" task but it seemed they all were built on forming relationships on all levels. What resonated with me was getting to the know the students at all levels. "If you don't know the mother, you wont know the child." Is extremely true, you must take time as an educational leader to build a relations with the students parents or guardians. When the students walk into the building, they bring everything that happens at home with them. If we take the time to strengthen the relationships with all stakeholders, we can become an ear for the student/parent and have a community of assistance ready to refer them to from the relationships we have forged.
ReplyDeleteBuilding Teacher capacity is also important. When we monitor instruction often, we can recognize patterns in a teachers style and followup with different strategies we have asked them to implement. It is important to use the data collected from the observations to develop purposeful professional developments for the building that will improve student achievement.
Erin Cribbs
I believe that this was a very powerful and motivating video. I also believe that the message is simple: positive relationships must be built with the student, the parents, and with each other, in order for a school to be successful. Many times during collaborative meetings, we tend to focus on all the reasons why a student might not be able to master a particular skill. We discuss all of the problems that stand in the way of that student meeting with success. What we have told ourselves in the past and what was repeated in this video...we have to work with what the neighborhood gives to us. We cannot change the family dynamic; we can only build upon it.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the building begins with the relationships that we establish. These need to begin within our school building. Principal Kiner stated that she is the momma and the teachers are her sisters and brothers. Everyone works together to reach the needs of the students. One teacher talked about how she brings an energy to the school that had been missing. A different teacher explained how they all come together to help each other. When a community feels that culture within the school, it becomes easier to build those relationships with the families.
Principal Stevens stated that you have to know the family. He said that if we are able to help the family, then we are helping the child. I noticed that both principals in the video were very visible to the students, staff, and community throughout the day. Even though it can be difficult sometimes to "escape" from your office; I believe that being visible is the first step in establishing those relationships with your staff and students.
The families are trusting us, the community is trusting us, the students are trusting us, and last but not least, the staff members are trusting us. We are the leaders in our buildings. To turn schools around, we must examine our school culture. Without building those positive relationships, we will struggle with having all of our students meet with success on a regular basis.
D. Hurley
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThere are several resounding points in this video, but none more so than the impact of building relationships: with students, parents and each other. As educators, the more time we invest into building relationships with our parents, the more we learn about how to effectively build relationships with our students. With all that we are charged with doing on a daily basis, there are times when authentic relationship building gets lost in the shuffle. Principal Kiner referring to the staff as her sisters and brothers also resonated with me. As a Principal, I think it is imperative to realize that the staff works with you and not for you. Additionally, showing genuine appreciation for the efforts of your staff members will go along way with them. Principal Stevens made a concerted effort to hug as many students as possible to affirm his feelings for them, imagine the impact that has on the school culture. All tricks of the trade are essential to high achieving schools: teacher growth, student growth, research informs practice and high standards for all, but building relationships serves as the backbone and foundation of ensuring academic success for all.
ReplyDeleteAs I watched the video highlighting two highly effective principals leading schools with different challenges, I see a powerful and effective leadership behavior of building relationships. Hallowell (2011), in his book Shine: Using Brain Science To Get the Best from Your People, identifies “connectedness” as a key ingredient to achieving peak performance. He describes connection as the “bond an individual feels with another person, group, task, place, idea, mission … that stirs feelings of attachment, loyalty, excitement, inspiration, comfort, or a willingness to make sacrifices for the sake of connection” (p. 75). Stevens and Kiner provided some simple and practical ways to build relationships in the workplace- (a) noticing and acknowledging people, (b) increasing face-to-face interaction, (c) bringing positive emotions to the workplace, and (d) reaching out. It is clear that both principals recognized the importance of building relationships as the key to all other leadership behaviors.
ReplyDeleteBuilding relationships and community are vitally important to build effective teams. While watching the brief clip, I could not be help but to make a connection to the book entitled The Leadership Challenge by Kouzes and Posner. Each principal built relationships and a sense of community by modeling the way, inspiring a shared vision, challenging the process, enabling others to act, and encouraged the heart by getting to know all their stakeholders. All of these leadership principles impact group dynamics and help to create high performing workforce--a force that propels acceleration of practice, growth, and high standards/expecations for all!
ReplyDelete