"Support is a basic need" according to Hensley. Id also add on that it is a basic need that slowly fades by the middle to end of the year at some schools. The school year starts out with good intentions and eventually some things fall by the way side and often that is support or at least the feeling of being supported. When there is support at a school site teachers, office clerks, grounds crew, cafeteria staff as well as leaders are more connected to the school. Support helps to develop a sense and feeling of belonging. Life is hard enough as it is, no one wants to have to go to work and not feel supported on top of everything else. According to Hensley support at a school site is also making sure that teachers are able to give students the basics. She relates it to a surgeon, " we expect the surgeon and everyone else at the hospital to have what they need. We should expect the same in every school across the nation." These sentences really stood out to me, not only should we expect it we should fight for it. So often the needs of staff are overlooked but it really says something about a school when the students needs are not being met. Something has to be done about that.
As a leader at a school site one day I realize that I will need to be able to answer the tough questions about budget and expenses at any given time. In reading this chapter I see that sharing the budget with staff and allowing them to be a part of the process would allow staff to "collectively own the budget". It was a great idea and sharing where the money goes should be a collective process.
There are always people that we will not get along with, some personalities do not mix well. A principal is not always liked, yet needs to show support to his or her staff. That seems like a lot to ask a person to give and support even when you are not supported in return. I thought it reassuring to read on page 35 regarding this and Hensley states " the leader sets the tone". This is so true and I am sure much harder than it sounds. However, at the end of the day the way the leader sets the tone will determine how the staff reacts and deals with things to come. The leader needs to always remember he/she is the example.
I don't know how many times throughout this program I have heard or read that as a leader it is critical to be visible at your school site. Between the calls, e-mails, parents, teachers and anything else to tend to a site leader needs to be visible to students as well as staff throughout the school day. It will help with discipline as well as a feeling of support to staff.
Support like communication are vital for a successful school site.
Megan, I have had the pleasure of working for three principals who are "leaders that set the tone": Lisa Houston, Matt Navo, and Jon Yost. Each one was incredibly supportive and visible. They all continue to inspire me to work hard to serve the needs of my students, staff and families.
ReplyDeleteMegan, I also thought the sentences about the surgeorns and schools was eye/ear catching. It is so true that we want our doctors fully equipped, so yes, we better make sure our schools are fully equipped. In my 15 years of teaching, I have been very fortunate to feel support from my administration over the years. I can only hope that it continues and that someday, when I am in a leadership role myself, that I will take what I know and apply it to my staff, as well.
ReplyDeleteHi Megan, I liked how you mentioned supporting the needs of staff, but quickly focused on supporting students. Students are at the heart of what we do. The school culture must be centered around fostering student success. All resources - staff, money, and curriculum - must be maximized to increase students' sense of belonging, as well as improve academic achievement. Although we acknowledge that all humans need support systems, the nature of our business requires us to put student needs before our own.
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