As you stepped out of your classroom and into administration, a startling realization probably hit you–things aren’t necessarily done in every classroom the way that you did them in yours.
The carefully structured world you created—where every lesson was planned from bell to bell, hall passes were a must, the curriculum was faithfully followed, and parent communication was frequent—suddenly seems less universal than you thought.
Reality hit, and you quickly discovered a diverse set of classroom expectations, teaching styles, and management approaches–some better, some worse.
Regardless, this eye-opening moment revealed that the world of education is far more varied and complex than you anticipated.
To navigate this landscape successfully, it’s essential to ground yourself in the key tenets of the school. Every year is new. From novice to advanced administrators, it’s best practice to ground yourself in what matters most. A great place to start is with the three Cs:
- The Code of Conduct: Think of this as your school’s rulebook. While the code is not glamorous, its importance is undeniable. It’s not just about keeping order and discipline; it’s about creating a safe space where everyone knows what’s expected of them.
- The Curriculum: This is your educational goldmine. It’s not just subjects and lesson plans, but the journey you’re taking with your students.
- The Community: Your school doesn’t exist in a bubble. It’s part of a larger community that includes parents, local businesses, and other stakeholders. Understanding and engaging with this community enriches your school’s offerings and support.
By focusing on these three areas, you’re anchoring yourself in the fundamental aspects of a well-rounded school. The goal is to create an environment where students can thrive, teachers can excel, and the community can get involved.
Know the Code
One of the first things handed to any school leader–new to administration, new to a school, or new to a district–is the code of conduct. Some leaders may think that the code is a secondary aspect of the work of an instructional leader, but it’s actually central to a safe and effective learning environment.
If you can’t manage, you can’t lead. The same is true with the school climate; if you can’t get the climate right, culture goes out the window as well.
The fact is that the code is the foundation upon which a school operates. Because it outlines the expected behaviors and standards of conduct for students, it provides a level of clarity and understanding for everyone, removing uncertainty and ambiguity.
A well-crafted code provides a clear framework for everyone involved, promoting a positive and respectful learning environment.
As a leader, you must ensure that the code of conduct is not just a document that sits on a shelf. It should be integrated into the school culture through consistent enforcement, clear communication, and positive reinforcement. By modeling appropriate behavior yourself and holding others accountable, you can create a school where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected.
Know the Curriculum
The curriculum is the heart of education. It defines the knowledge, skills, and values that students will acquire during their time in school. A well-designed curriculum should be aligned with the needs of students, the expectations of the community, and the standards set by the district and state.
As a supervisor, you play a critical role in ensuring that the curriculum is implemented effectively. This involves providing teachers with the necessary resources, support, and professional development opportunities. It also means monitoring student progress and making adjustments as needed to ensure that all students are meeting their academic goals.
In addition to academic content, the curriculum should also address social-emotional learning, civic responsibility, health and wellness, and a variety of other elements designed to develop the whole child.
When we work with leaders, especially new leaders, we learn quickly that unless it was the subject they taught, this is an area where administrators are the least confident. But, knowing the curriculum is critical for being able to effectively support teachers, provide them with feedback so that they can grow, and confirm that students are receiving the highest quality standards-based instruction possible. Take a look at the following quick tips for expert advice.
Quick Tip: Don’t miss an opportunity to participate in the profession learning that teachers get regarding the curriculum and curriculum resources. Resist the urge to use that time to catch up in your office. Not only is this the space to learn more about the curriculum, your teachers will respect it.
Quick Tip: Use professional dialogue during walkthroughs and observations, asking questions about the curriculum, pacing guides, scope-and-sequence documents, etc. Let your teachers be the experts, and take time to learn from them. Hint: You’ll be quick to pick up on the teachers who know the most and the teachers who need more professional development in this area (something makes for a great principal in the first place).
Know the Community
The community is an integral part of a school’s success. Parents, businesses, and other stakeholders play a vital role in supporting the school’s mission and goals. By building strong relationships with the community, you can create a sense of ownership and shared responsibility for the school’s success.
Imagine one school in particular that fully harnessed the power of community. The school was known for academic excellence but had a very limited arts program with limited emphasis on arts education. The new principal, a passionate advocate for the arts, decided to transform the school’s offerings and culture. She knew that it would take a mindset shift. She initiated a community-wide art project, inviting local artists to lead workshops for students of all ages. The project culminated in a massive mural, painted on the school’s exterior, showcasing the town’s history and natural beauty.
The mural became a source of pride for the school and the community, and the school’s arts programs began to flourish. The key for this type of successful transformation is effective communication. By fostering positive relationships with the community, keeping parents and stakeholders informed, create the necessary platform for open dialogue. This also means that school leaders must actively seek community input and feedback. By listening to the needs and concerns of the community, you can ensure that the school is responsive and making a positive impact on the lives of students and families.
The three Cs – the code, the curriculum, and the community – are essential components of effective educational leadership. By fostering a positive school culture, promoting academic excellence, and building strong relationships with the community, you can make a lasting difference in the lives of students and families.
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