IF YOU DON’T FEED THE TEACHERS, THEY EAT THE

STUDENTS!Gwen Darling

EDA 6061

Author Background Dr. Neila Connors explores, often with humor, the

many ways effective leaders can cultivate relationships with teachers and staff in order to

promote success in the school environment.

While not research-based, Dr. Connors speaks from experience as a K-12 teacher, former administrator,

college professor and Director of Middle Grades with the Department of Education.

Student Learning Results In order to be a successful, leaders are expected to

achieve results on the student learning goals. Take into account the needs of ALL students. Cannot rely on just gifted students to get through Nor can the poor performing students in groups that

may not count toward my AYP be ignored. The school program should be relevant to all

students, incorporate technology, and be current as well as skills based.

Student Learning as a Priority The most damaging thing one can do as an

administrator is to forget what it was like to be a student or a teacher.

Students must be a priority and high expectations should be created for all learners.

The number one thing an effective leader can do to show students their learning is a priority is to interact with them in their classrooms.

Each week as an administrator, one can teach a lesson in each grade level and support students in the classroom.

Instructional Plan Implementation

In order for instructional plans to be SUCCESSFULLY implemented, an administrator needs buy-in from his/her staff.

Without buy-in teachers are only giving “lip service”. When their doors are shut, things are back to status quo. Administrators need to continually seek input from

teachers regarding instructional practices and plans that work.

Relevant discussions and data analysis should drive instruction.

Faculty Development A school is only as good as the people in it. Teachers should be given opportunities for

RELEVANT and PRACTICAL training. It is imperative to ask the teachers and gather input

on what they need and want for professional development to help guide what workshops, trainings and seminars will be offered.

It is a tragic waste of time and funds when teachers are mandated to attend workshops that have no practical use for their instruction.

Learning Environment Dr. Connors suggests administrators get out into the

community and remain highly visible and transparent to all stakeholders.

Effective leaders view schools as another home. Feedback from parents and students should be

collected and areas of improvement identified Leaders need to learn about students backgrounds

and have opportunities for differences to be celebrated in schools.

Decision Making Effective leaders keep their mission at the forefront

of any decision-making process. Involve teachers in decisions where their input can

be used, however refrain from asking for input where decisions have already been made.

Take opportunities to empower others through the creation of committees and teacher leaders.

However, Dr. Connors suggests limiting committees so that every teacher serves on no more than one committee.

Leadership Development All leaders are encouraged to share their wealth of

knowledge and skills with future administrators as well as teacher leaders.

Encourage teachers to excel and take on leadership roles

Help cultivate future leaders through mentoring

School Management Effective leaders realize when their plate is too full

and are able to delegate duties to responsible and reliable team members

Dr. Connors also suggests creating a daily to-do list of five to seven items, no more than seven, to complete.

Each item should be listed in order of priority to ensure completion.

Effective leaders set goals, formulate purpose and establish priorities to keep the school running smoothly.

Communication One can never over-communicate. As an effective leader, feedback on communication is

important. Even more important is knowing your staff and how

each team member prefers to communicate. Tailor communication to each individual teacher and

realize not every teacher is going to read email nor is every teacher going to read a newsletter stuffed in a mailbox.

Some teachers only check their mailboxes once a month!

Professional and Ethical Behaviors

Above all else, the leader is a role model and ambassador for the school.

An effective leader models good behavior, professional attitude and focus on the mission and vision of the school at all times.

Refrains from a “Do as I say and not as I do” attitude.

Most importantly, an effective leader admits to mistakes and learns from them.

Summary

We can sum up the strategies presented in Dr. Connors book as the following:

Be encouraging Mentor future and potential leaders Nurture all teachers, students and staff Advise Relate Plan Problem Solve