Comments on: Educational Leadership: A Teacher’s Perspective

By: Jason Bedell

Jason Bedell — Sat, 08 May 2010 01:08:26 +0000

Kelalford,
I’m sorry to hear that. I hope to one day be an administrator, but I don’t think, without much training, I would even accept a job in elementary as I know I would not be the best candidate for the job. All of my experience is in high school and I think I could be effective in a middle school with more research, but if I am really putting the kids first, I would have to set aside my pride and allow someone more qualified to take an elementary position. I hope you get a principal more suited to the position soon.

By: Kelalford.

Kelalford. — Sat, 08 May 2010 00:46:57 +0000

What a wonderful post for all leaders to read. I also think it is important for the principal to know the level of the students. Our principal and the one before has had no elementary experience. This leads to many bad choices in every area! I think admin needs to be highly qualified to lead the building they are in!

By: Jason Bedell

Jason Bedell — Sat, 08 May 2010 00:27:23 +0000

Debra,
When are you going to start using that admin certification? We could use more like you. I hope that we all can move past the idea of being the boss. Teachers don’t need to be the boss in the classroom and administrators don’t need to reaffirm that have that position. Teachers, administrators, and students all need to be partners in education; each has a different, important role.

George,
You’re right in that it could be very difficult for an administrator to teach in most elementary schools. I was thinking specifically of high schools. Regardless, I hope that all administrators try to be visible in the classroom and give helpful feedback. From reading your blog, I think you embody many excellent qualities in an administrator and I’d love to work with you.

Joan,
I hate faculty meetings for that reason. Too often they degenerate into hour long PowerPoints (with lots of small text) that don’t take teacher differences or prior knowledge into consideration. Professional development can be so powerful if we just take best practice from the classroom and apply it.

By: Joan Young( @flourishingkids)

Joan Young( @flourishingkids) — Sat, 08 May 2010 00:08:56 +0000

Great post Jason! I think it is time teachers spoke up more about what makes a good leader. It seems at times that there is a double-standard: teachers must differentiate with students, make class engaging, maintain flexibility, trust students, yet administrators can hold a staff meeting, talk standing by a projector for 45 minutes straight, and no one says a word. As teachers and administrators are more under the public eye, we must all raise the bar and put forth our best! Thanks so much for being such an inspiration with your TeachMeet this year! .-= Joan Young( @flourishingkids)´s last blog ..Got Kids? Help Them Learn to Self-Regulate! =-.

By: George Couros

George Couros — Fri, 07 May 2010 23:51:35 +0000

Great post! I really believe that some schools are easier to have administrators teach than others, but it is definitely important that we are visible in the classroom, not only for the teacher, but mostly for the students. I think that you have many great ideas on how an administrator should be. It is definitely great to hear that from a teacher. As a principal, I aspire to have the qualities that are on your list. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. .-= George Couros´s last blog ..Professional (Leader) Development =-.

By: Debra Ann Gottsleben

Debra Ann Gottsleben — Fri, 07 May 2010 22:00:13 +0000

This is an excellent post! I have often wondered why administrators seem to forget what it was like to be a teacher. And by that I don’t mean that they have to accept the status quo or not look the other way when a former colleague is slacking. Too often it seems like administrators are more interested in making sure that everyone knows that they are the boss! If every administrator followed your advice, Jason, I think there would be a lot more effective change going on in schools. I’m fortunate to be working with a great group of administrators right now.
I got my supervisor’s certificate at Seton Hall Univ. and I felt that they did a great job of instilling the advice that you have above to all of us in the program. Hope other schools do the same.

By: Jason Bedell

Jason Bedell — Fri, 07 May 2010 18:17:15 +0000

Thanks Jerry,
I find myself more and more drawn to the idea that administrators should teach at least one class per year. How else can they really stay connected to what goes on and needs to happen in the classroom? How can they best support teachers if they no longer teach?

By: Cybrary Man - Jerry Blumengarten

Cybrary Man - Jerry Blumengarten — Fri, 07 May 2010 17:06:36 +0000

This should be required reading for all administrators.

I always felt that administrators should as I would say, “Take the chalk!” and teach classes regularly. They should also listen to the students, parents and teachers and be open to suggestions.