Take Aways from School Visits (July 21, 2006)

• "If you make decision for the best interest of children, then people with follow."
• When you have teachers observe one another send them with a coach to guide their observations.
• All successful principals break the rules.
• You need to have a vision.
• The massive parent endowment that allows large, high performing public schools to expand and enrich their extra-curricular activities was of particular interest. Many of the new small schools must sacrificee many of these activities that contribute to a well rounded education
• Spend as much time as you can planning up front for all situations.
• Starting up a new school is like starting up a new business.
• The principal also has to be knowledgeable in curriculum too.
• Before one takes on the position of Principal, it is important ot have A LOT (many years) of experience teaching in the classroom. It is also helpful to take on administrative roles other than principal in order to gain experience before becoming a principal.
• Grant money drives success!
• ... that experience in leadeship roles is important prior to taking on a principalship.
• Sucessful leadership is not just about being inspiring. Sometimes it's just about who has been around the longest.
• It is improtant to find community partners, who will help you do difficult leg work.
• It was awesome to see all that we are learning about being put to use in the actual field.
• One suggestion the principal had for a teacher that seems to be struggling: Cover the teacher's class, and have the teacher, accompanied by an AP, visit another class for a period. The AP can talk through the lesson with the teacher and point out what was working well. This way, the teacher who is having difficulty has a frame of reference upon which to grow.
• Get money from organizations
• as a principal - be a hustler
• The need for collaboration with teachers.