Gwen Darling EDA 6061

 Dr. Neila Connors explores, often with humor, the many ways effective leaders can cultivate relationships with teachers and staff in order to promote success in the school environment.  While not research-based, Dr. Connors speaks from experience as a K-12 teacher, former administrator, college professor and Director of Middle Grades with the Department of Education.

 In order to be a successful, leaders are expected to achieve results on the student learning goals.  Take into account the needs of ALL students.  Cannot rely on just gifted students to get through  Nor can the poor performing students in groups that may not count toward my AYP be ignored.  The school program should be relevant to all students, incorporate technology, and be current as well as skills based.

 The most damaging thing one can do as an administrator is to forget what it was like to be a student or a teacher.  Students must be a priority and high expectations should be created for all learners.  The number one thing an effective leader can do to show students their learning is a priority is to interact with them in their classrooms.  Each week as an administrator, one can teach a lesson in each grade level and support students in the classroom.

 In order for instructional plans to be SUCCESSFULLY implemented, an administrator needs buy-in from his/her staff.  Without buy-in teachers are only giving “lip service”.  When their doors are shut, things are back to status quo.  Administrators need to continually seek input from teachers regarding instructional practices and plans that work.  Relevant discussions and data analysis should drive instruction.

 A school is only as good as the people in it.  Teachers should be given opportunities for RELEVANT and PRACTICAL training.  It is imperative to ask the teachers and gather input on what they need and want for professional development to help guide what workshops, trainings and seminars will be offered.  It is a tragic waste of time and funds when teachers are mandated to attend workshops that have no practical use for their instruction.

 Dr. Connors suggests administrators get out into the community and remain highly visible and transparent to all stakeholders.  Effective leaders view schools as another home.  Feedback from parents and students should be collected and areas of improvement identified  Leaders need to learn about students backgrounds and have opportunities for differences to be celebrated in schools.

 Effective leaders keep their mission at the forefront of any decision-making process.  Involve teachers in decisions where their input can be used, however refrain from asking for input where decisions have already been made.  Take opportunities to empower others through the creation of committees and teacher leaders.  However, Dr. Connors suggests limiting committees so that every teacher serves on no more than one committee.

 All leaders are encouraged to share their wealth of knowledge and skills with future administrators as well as teacher leaders.  Encourage teachers to excel and take on leadership roles  Help cultivate future leaders through mentoring

 Effective leaders realize when their plate is too full and are able to delegate duties to responsible and reliable team members  Dr. Connors also suggests creating a daily to-do list of five to seven items, no more than seven, to complete.  Each item should be listed in order of priority to ensure completion.  Effective leaders set goals, formulate purpose and establish priorities to keep the school running smoothly.

 One can never over-communicate.  As an effective leader, feedback on communication is important.  Even more important is knowing your staff and how each team member prefers to communicate.  Tailor communication to each individual teacher and realize not every teacher is going to read nor is every teacher going to read a newsletter stuffed in a mailbox.  Some teachers only check their mailboxes once a month!

 Above all else, the leader is a role model and ambassador for the school.  An effective leader models good behavior, professional attitude and focus on the mission and vision of the school at all times.  Refrains from a “Do as I say and not as I do” attitude.  Most importantly, an effective leader admits to mistakes and learns from them.

We can sum up the strategies presented in Dr. Connors book as the following:  Be encouraging  Mentor future and potential leaders  Nurture all teachers, students and staff  Advise  Relate  Plan  Problem Solve