Shout out to the admins who....

Shout out to the admins who....

...remember what it's like to be a classroom teacher and lead with that in mind!

...were generally admired classroom teachers and didn't get into admin because they hated the classroom!

...didn't come out of the classroom after a year or two or even three...(a three year old is still a bit of a brat, just saying)

...are proponents for solid teaching and learning, not "yes men/women" for district mandates without at least questioning questionable mandates!

...know that learning will look different in each classroom and that one over another doesn't necessarily denote superior/inferior.

...make the school a welcoming place for students, teachers, staff, parents, and the community.

...are advocates for their schools and will fight to get what's needed for their schools!!

...respect the various qualities that different faculty members bring to the table.

...show appreciation to staff in a tangible way every now and then (lunch, mints, pencils, something)!

...connects with students, parents, and community members!

...breathe life into buildings and make people want to be there and not just there so they 'won't get fired'

...know that it takes a team to make that building run smoothly!

...don't undermine teachers' efforts in front of the kids (pull us aside and talk.....with representation...)

...pour into their teachers and staff, encouraging them to further their career, write, pubkish, speak, advocate, lead, learn...

...are still teachers at heart!!!!!!!!!!

...aren't miserable old buzzards!

I'm sure my colleagues around the country, state, district, and school could opine and add MANY traits of a good leader to this list. And in no way do we purport that the job of a principal or district administrator is simple. Shout out to the good administrators out there......wherever you are!!