Leaders in Education: Principals

    While teachers are typically considered the leaders in classrooms across America, it is important to recognize that these educators usually have leaders of their own who are there to offer support, continuous education, and guidance in our school systems. These leaders we often refer to as principals. It is their responsibility to ensure that schools are safe and productive, to oversee the staff, monitor student achievement, and coordinate curriculum (Dowd, 2018). In 2018, there were approximately 91,000 principals in schools across our country indicating that there are many individuals who are leading our teachers and the next generation of leaders. I have addressed many stakeholders over the last seven weeks, but perhaps educational leaders are one of the most important groups to oversee this Passion Project and to help us further our advocacy to stimulate upward mobility. Leaders in education have the power and the platform to incite real change not only in their schools but in communities across America. Because social mobility is complex and communities are diverse in each county in America, I am asking leaders in education to evaluate themselves and to start inward in an effort to work outward (Covey, 2004).    

(Meador, 2019)

   

    

   Leaders in education, it is my hope that you authentically value the role you play in our students lives. You are in a position that is vital to the sustainability of our country. Many leaders in education that I have contacted over the years have expressed their concerns with politics and other community factors that have impacted how they lead their students and staff. I understand that your job is difficult and complex, but I am asking you to put all of that aside and begin by evaluating yourself. Are you living a life that is balanced? Are you mentally sound, working on your health and social/emotional skills, and do you have a spiritual ritual that you can lean on in trying times? Your job is to be effective and I know this is of great value to many leaders. Unfortunately, we cannot be authentically effective in our endeavors unless we first begin with ourselves (Covey, 2004). Focusing on this first will help us take the right steps to advocate for equality and mobility regardless of the politics and other factors that may stunt us.  

    Leaders, I know that your job requires you to give yourself to many different people. You work closely with parents, students, teachers, and the local government to efficiently run your school. This can be very mentally taxing, and it can impact how effective you are. It can be hard to balance all of these factors, but our most vulnerable population of students need us to reassure them that we are doing everything we can to provide them with the quality curriculum and teachers they need to further their education and to climb out of the poverty they were born into. They need to see firsthand that we support and foster an environment that is diverse and inclusive. While you understand the needs of those around you, I feel it is urgent that you first begin with your needs. If you are able to live a balanced life, then you can find the clarity you may be seeking to be more effective in your leadership.

      Leaders, you have a lot on your plate. Many people in your field demand so much from you that it can be hard to even think about advocating for a specific cause; however, this cause of stimulating upward social mobility is not something we can put off any longer. We must advocate for our students by ensuring they have the resources they need to be successful. We must provide our children with quality teachers so that every child has a fair chance at gaining and retaining knowledge. Most importantly, I am asking that you take time to reflect on who you are as an individual. If you are not living a life that is balanced, then your effectiveness and ability to incite change will decrease. Leaders, you are at the forefront of this cause and I cannot advocate for real change without you.  

References

Covey, S. R. (2004). The 7 habits of highly effective people: Restoring the character ethic. New York: Free Press.

Dowd, M. (2018, March 15). Duties and Responsibilities of School Principals. Chron. Retrieved from: https://work.chron.com/duties-responsibilities-school-principals-7885.html

Media Sources

Meador, D. (2049, November 19). The Role of Principals in Schools [Digital image]. Retrieved from: https://www.thoughtco.com/role-of-principal-in-schools-3194583