Managerial Leadership
Principals will ensure that the school has processes and systems in place for budgeting, staffing, problem solving, communicating expectations and scheduling that result in organizing the work routines in the building. The principal must be responsible for the monitoring of the school budget and the inclusion of all teachers in the budget decision so as to meet the 21st century needs of every classroom. Effectively and efficiently managing the complexity of everyday life is critical for staff to be able to focus its energy on improvement.
Element 5A: School Resources and Budget: The principal establishes budget processes and systems which are focused on, and result in, improved student achievement.
Transparency in Budget
My residency is at an elementary school. I mention this because many of the local accounts that you would have at a middle or high school do not exist. I am specifically thinking with regard to sports, clubs, and student-government. I am fortunate in that I have observed the extreme transparency my mentor principal is with our budget. Our school’s budget is mentioned at every leadership meeting, and the team received the opportunity to give input on how funds are to be spent. |
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Element 5B: Conflict Management and Resolution: The principal effectively and efficiently manages the complexity of human interactions so that the focus of the school can be on improved student achievement.
Building Culture among Students and Staff
Middlesex Elementary is a smaller school with a very close knit staff, in return we have very little kickback when starting new initiatives. When the year began one of the first things that was discussed was creating two seperate teams. One team’s charge was to only focus on student success days. These days were to include things like Read Across America Day, 100th Day, Testing Growth, and such. The other team’s charge was the adult side. Ideas for this was social worker’s day, the general boosters throughout, and teacher appreciation. I really like the split team idea, and will be taking this with me. |
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Element 5C: Systematic Communication: The principal designs and utilizes various forms of formal and informal communication so that the focus of the school can be on improved student achievement.
Rethinking Communication
My training and coursework with NELA has instilled the importance of communication, and my mentor has truly gone above and beyond in exemplifying this. I have learned the many different facets of what communication looks like. While email is an effective means, sometimes a memo in the mailbox works better as it removes blinders. We also promote positive social media. Our social media presence is probably the way we reach the majority of our parents. Recalling the different ways of communication will continue to grow me as a leader.
My training and coursework with NELA has instilled the importance of communication, and my mentor has truly gone above and beyond in exemplifying this. I have learned the many different facets of what communication looks like. While email is an effective means, sometimes a memo in the mailbox works better as it removes blinders. We also promote positive social media. Our social media presence is probably the way we reach the majority of our parents. Recalling the different ways of communication will continue to grow me as a leader.
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Element 5D: School Expectations for Students and Staff: The principal develops and enforces expectations, structures, rules and procedures for students and staff.
Clear Expectations Increase Performance
My journey in NELA has reaffirmed my belief in one of the greatest success factors within a school is clear and concise expectations for both students and staff. I have seen schools perform very differently under different administrations. The only major difference in the schools during these times are the administration. In my learning and experience, I clearly see the necessity for setting school and staff expectations.
My journey in NELA has reaffirmed my belief in one of the greatest success factors within a school is clear and concise expectations for both students and staff. I have seen schools perform very differently under different administrations. The only major difference in the schools during these times are the administration. In my learning and experience, I clearly see the necessity for setting school and staff expectations.
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