What will happen? How will they react? How will I be viewed? These are some of the questions that will go through the minds of school leaders when faced with making courageous decisions, or engaging in difficult conversations where feedback needs to be given to a colleague. There is a genuine sense of fear, which... Continue Reading →
A large number of schools use teacher surveys for different reasons during a school year. To some teachers on the receiving end, it can feel like there are a lot of surveys to complete. Requests to complete surveys do not solely come from within the school, with education bodies, education researchers and conference and workshop... Continue Reading →
With schools being complex organisations, it can feel like school leaders are trying to herd cats at times. As leaders, we seek to exert a degree of control in our schools, so that there is a semblance of order and prevention of organizational chaos. In trying to keep a degree of order in schools, a... Continue Reading →
Much is said in the media about schools being stressful places and, perhaps, education is nearing crisis point in terms of what is being asked of teachers. Workload is an issue that simmers on and, if not addressed, can have a significant impact on staff morale and school culture. It is, therefore, of little surprise... Continue Reading →
One of the things I encourage teachers to do when they consider the impact of their actions on student learning is to look at themselves through the eyes of the student. This can make all the difference in changing practice and improving learning outcomes for students. In many ways, it is part of a shift... Continue Reading →
There are lots of things that we would like to improve in our schools. At times, being an educational leader feels like being in a whirlwind of change; there is never any let up, as school improvement occurs at a relentlessly fast pace. Despite what can be seen as a manic level of effort, a... Continue Reading →
One of the most frustrating aspects of being a leader in a school is seeing so many improvements that can be made. When I first embarked on my education leadership journey, I wanted to change the world and I wanted to change everything that I felt could and should be improved. Soon enough, I began... Continue Reading →
Back in 2006 I came across an article in the Harvard Business Review about 'The Wisdom of Deliberate Mistakes'. Initially, I was pushed towards finding out more about the this term deliberate mistake by my wife who at the time said to me something along the lines of, "sometimes you have got to let your... Continue Reading →
When decisions get made in schools, it can be quite commonplace to hear the following words in the staff room, "I / we were not consulted." Speaking to a school leader about the same decision, I am likely to hear these words, "I consulted and met with staff about this proposal." So, where's the truth... Continue Reading →
