cc licensed ( BY SD ) flickr photo shared by joelogon
Increasingly, I hear frustrations from educators around the world about all of the roadblocks that they have to go through to make things work in their school. For example, talking to one school they were frustrated that they were not able to have Google Chrome on their computers as it was “not supported” in their district. With all of the functionality, extensions, and ease of use that this browser has, why would it not be supported? The problem is after continuously asking, teachers will either find a way around this, or give up entirely.
That is all about power, and not about success.
When I first started my teaching career, I thought about how cool it would be to be a principal and “run the show”, having all of that power to decide what is done in schools. It seemed like a great opportunity and a pretty big deal. However, when I became a principal, I was more worried about having success, and realized to attain that, I would have to give up that power. It was about actually ensuring that educators had whatever they needed to ensure that their kids could be successful and not become frustrated by hierarchy and policy. It was more about getting out of the way, than standing in it.
I won’t lie..I want to be successful as an administrator. I want to do a great job. This is also about modelling to staff that success comes from empowering students, not controlling everything that they do. Yesterday, I watched as educators worked with their students, gave them voice, and figured out solutions on how to improve their learning in the classroom. They gave up power which could ultimately lead to success.
One thing that I always remember is to not think “what would MY principal have done in this situation”, but, “what would I as a teacher want from my principal?” I know that I would want to feel supported and trusted. I do my best to lead that way.
I will take success any day. How about you?
