We often face questions from parents and colleagues about how we select teachers to work in our schools. With no single right answer to what makes a good teacher, I thought I would take this opportunity to share what I originally wrote here: It is a difficult job selecting the most important qualities for a... Continue Reading →
The ‘too many cooks’ and ‘many hands’ dilemma for our schools
Schools will change their structures from time to time. Reporting lines may change, or a new position can be added, which is intended to support the school's overall improvement. When thinking about creating a new position in our schools, we often think that the new position may solve a particular problem. For example, if we... Continue Reading →
How do great educators stand out from the crowd?
There are some traits that I believe stand out above all in great educators and school leaders. These traits typify the ideal of having educators that are lifelong learners striving to be the very best that they can be and making a positive difference to students and the school community at large. Reflective, Student-Centered Educators... Continue Reading →
Your school’s culture is defined by what you are willing to accept
I recently watched a documentary about Sir Alex Ferguson, who shared his views on leadership with Harvard Business School undergraduates. There were some wonderful insights on leadership and I would advocate investing their time to watch this production. Much of the conversation centered on how Ferguson shaped the culture of Manchester United. Words such as... Continue Reading →
Being nice will not necessarily address the elephant in the schoolhouse
Many important conversations in our schools are avoided at the expense of preserving what we may think are harmonious relationships. It is quite amazing how both teachers and leaders will avoid difficult conversations that are a source of frustration for the sake of keeping things amicable. It seems at times that school leaders are in... Continue Reading →
What things should we keep loose or tight in our schools?
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 →