Principals: A Matter of Principles

From My Side of the Desk:

Principals: A Matter of Principles

Recently, I was saddened to hear that a friend was resigning from teaching. What a loss to future students who will never get the opportunity to learn from an absolutely outstanding teacher.  In her explanation, she mentioned that she would miss some of her colleagues, the majority of her students and none (her bold) of the administration. My first reaction to the last part of her comment was to chuckle sardonically and nod my head in agreement. After spending 30+ years in the classroom trenches in four states, and working under the tutelage of close to 50 administrators, I understood all too well that like the little girl in the old adage, (I paraphrase),  Principals, “when they are good they are very good, but when they are bad they are horrid.” Principals create the atmosphere for the school that produces a ripple effect enveloping the faculty, staff, students, parents and community.

Those in command who exude confidence in their abilities as well as in the capabilities of their staffs and students are blessings. Take, for example, the man who donned a Hawaiian shirt and shorts, and played Jimi Hendrix on his guitar during a faculty talent show. Not only did he receive a rousing standing ovation, but he showed his teachers and students that if they believe in their talents, they should push aside their fears of criticism (teenagers and teachers can be notoriously tough audiences) and share them. His Can-Do attitude has inspired his teachers and students to always challenge themselves, academically, athletically and socially, even- especially- when the tentacles of doubt threaten to put the squeeze on their sense of worth.

Another inspiring leader knew the perfect mix of humor and steel to use in any situation involving her staff, students and parents, either as separate entities or as an amalgam of any two or three. She could enjoy a prank where two seniors drove a car into the main intersection, but could also chastise them for such rash behavior in a fair, respectful yet blunt manner that made clear the consequences for any future schemes they might hold that would endanger her beloved staff or students in any way. She could defuse volatile situations with the most recalcitrant, mouthy adolescent offenders by listening to their sides of the stories, never showing a power-playing confrontational attitude and by meting out discipline clearly and fairly, with no thought to ethnicity or gender.

And oh, how treasured are the administrators who make each and every staff member feel his or her individual importance and worth to the team, the family that they comprise. They make sure to drop by the classrooms often, addressing the teachers by name, showing appreciation for the teaching they observe and encouraging students to push themselves with a joke, a smile or a compliment on the work they are completing. They make sure to address the academic and extra-curricular achievements of their faculty, by name and accomplishment, even if they aren’t one of the school’s high profile activities. During faculty meetings, they rouse the assemblage to standing ovations for the excellent work of their custodial, security, cafeteria, student services, resource, career center, library, clinic, technology and administrative assistant staffs understanding that each person is necessary to a successful whole. In the world they create, no one is a little person.

These administrators don’t just talk the talk, but also walk the walk of true Leaders. They know that great principals follow the principles of taking responsibility for the whole school and by promoting a strong school/community relationship. Not only are they good listeners, but they are flexible, respectful, and encourage camaraderie and professionalism among their staff and students. They trust and support their staffs’ and students’ efforts and offer suggestions and opportunities for improvement in a positive and respectful manner when needed. And most importantly, they ALWAYS put the children and nothing else, even their personal agendas, first.

For every up a down occurs, for every plus a minus must rear its ugly head, joys are often countered by sorrows and principals unworthy of the title of Leader do exist. These detriments to education are the polar opposites of those described above. They run the gamut from Petty Tyrants who lead by intimidation to Apathetic Appointees who are just putting in time until retirement. They undermine their staffs’ efforts by micromanaging every professional detail, by making education a numbers game where statistics are more important than people, than the love of learning, and by allowing their concerns for their reputations or chances for upward mobility to overshadow the times when their teachers and students need their respect and support first and maybe an admonishment or figurative slap on the wrist later, after the facts are made clear.

They bully or ignore those they deem more vulnerable but permit the transgressions by those they fear will stand up to them or who will make a scene, thereby undermining their authority or imperiling their apathy. From the first day that the Petty Tyrants take control, they make it very clear that they want Roboteachers and Robostudents whose actions and words never deviate from their exacting strictures. The Apathetic Appointees want to hide behind the closed doors of their offices and not be bothered by any situation that might force them into the open eyes of the school and community where they would have to act like they cared. By January, teachers and students have forgotten what they even look like. Either way, these negative influences destroy the morale of the school and the chance for exciting and positive educational occasions.

They force excellent teachers, like my friend, to make the difficult decision to leave education, depriving themselves and their students of a life where learning is fun, invigorating and enriching. These nemeses must be banished from the venerable halls of academia. Only those men and women who deserve the honorable title of Principal, who are Pals to education, in every sense, must be nurtured. For without them, schools will lose educators who are passionate about teaching, who dream of passing on their love of learning, and who sincerely want to make a difference in the lives of young people, both of which are resources more precious than gold.

Until next week,

Connie

www.teachitwrite.com