School Leadership Philosophy

There are many characteristics or qualities behind an effective leader. However, the three main ones that apply to a school administrator are: leading as a manager, leading as a learner, and leading to shape the culture of the school.

Leading as a manager refers to how well you run and maintain the operation of your building. As the instructional leader, you still have to be sure the lights are working! You are responsible for keeping classrooms supplied with operational and instructional materials. You will make decisions on such clerical tasks as scheduling, attendance, lunch counts, record keeping, etc. The administration must keep lines of communication open with the stakeholders of the establishment; especially in the event of an emergency situation. Today’s principal is a manager.

Since the administrator is responsible for the learning community, in order to be successful he must be a leader who is a perpetual learner. As an effective leader, the administrator instills in his staff the desire to learn what is necessary to help the organization reach its’ mission. He should be sincere, consistent, and purposeful as he models learning. Today’s principal is a manager and an instructional leader.

There is a subtle spirit that can be sensed the moment one walks into a school… that subtle spirit is the school culture. Therefore, the administrator must be a leader to shape the school culture. The school culture reflects what the stakeholders care about and what they are willing to do. It also involves how the stakeholders celebrate their accomplishments. Having a positive school culture can directly influence the school’s productivity, professional development, leadership practices, and traditions. Today’s principal is a manager, an instructional leader, and a shaper of school culture.