Are You Ok, Good or Great?

I took our unexpected day off last Friday to go to school to pick-up my office, work on a presentation and begin my next blog, but nothing was coming to mind. I had some ideas such as the No Worksheet Holiday we had just had on Thursday.  It was Amazing! Our teachers did an awesome job presenting science experiments, technology lessons, and junior edcamps. We had also just had our first ever Kindness Kick-off where we stayed after school to work on activities for our upcoming Kindness Week.  Both were great topics, but I put them in the back of my mind as possibilities and decided to do some research. I came across an article titled What Makes a Principal Great?  It caught my eye immediately.  I chuckled to myself and remembered some interviews I conducted a few years ago when I asked some potential teacher candidates a specific question. "Are you an ok, good, or great teacher?  I won't share their responses, but they were interesting to say the least. I also asked that same question a couple of years ago when meeting with some Carver teachers. I decided what was good for the goose was good for the gander. I needed to ask myself if I am an ok, good or great principal? I read the article, reflected for some time and came away with several "musts" that I believe I have to do in order to be a GREAT principal.

1.I must create a family atmosphere. It was a goal of mine this year to implement nights where we could get together as a faculty and work on school initiatives, but enjoy each other's company and get to know each other better.  We've done a number of activities and I hope it's made a difference because I sure have enjoyed each one of them. Who knew there were three teachers in the building who were great artist as well (Amy, Erin and Elizabeth L.). A family who works together sticks by each other's side no matter what.  So much GREATNESS can be accomplished when everyone in the building is there for each other because we feel like a family.  

2. I must treat my team as professionals. Although the team knows I'm the first one to joke around, they also know my expectations are high. They know they must teach the standards, but they also know How they present their lessons is up to them.  I trust them to know their students and what methods work best. I ask their opinions often and value each response. Teaching kids is our priority and they rise to the occasion every single day. I've been meeting with them individually to get their opinions on several topics because I value them and I hope that I convey that daily. Treating our colleagues the way we want to be treated is a must.

3. I must be student-centered. Although, I don't know everything about all 550 students in the building, I do know a lot about many of them. I love hearing stories about their parents, their siblings, the sports they are playing, the instruments they love and the kinds of pets they have.  I loved covering a classroom last week and teaching them a quick lesson that had them problem solving.  It's always exciting to watch their minds at work. They often send notes and letters to me as well. I received one just last Thursday telling me I was the best principal in the world. While some may argue that, it still makes my 18-year-old self who dreamed of being a teacher and making a difference, smile from ear to ear.  I believe educators should treat our kids at school the way we want our own children treated. 

4. I must develop leaders.  A former superintendent once told me that was a strength of mine.  Three teachers in the building have become principals in the district over the past few years, while others have leadership roles within our building.  I love seeing teachers grow as leaders, either by becoming more confident in their presentations in front of their peers during activities such as Worthwhile Wednesdays or leading a team during collaboration on Fridays. I compare this feeling to a mother with her children. You want them to succeed and when they do, you feel nothing but pride.  A leader of leaders is a must in my opinion. It's what all GREAT principals should strive to be. 

5.I must have good help. The same superintendent who told me developing leaders was a strength of mine also told everyone she came into contact with, "You are only as good as the people you surround yourself with so surround yourself with stars". I have GREAT people who surround me on a daily basis.  My assistant principal, my secretaries and the entire Carver team. We shouldn't be expected to do it all alone.  The GREAT things happening in our building  happen because we do things as a team. There is always going to be a mountain to move and we need to climb it and move it together. 

6. I must be courageous. It is my responsibility to keep finding ways to inspire, influence and support our team.  I must be willing to give my opinion because, in the end, my job is to work on behalf of the kids (like the one who believes I'm the best principal in the world). Courage should be respected and appreciated in all GREAT  principals.

7. I must be willing to listen. I'm not vain enough to believe everyone is going to like me or the way I do things and I'm willing to listen and change when necessary.  I admit, I might have a slight problem listening (if you knew my sister you would say she had a strong problem) and it's something I admit I have to work on. Through the years, I have changed some things we do here at Carver because I've listened to the team and decided we should try their idea.  Many times, it was better and I was glad I listened and changed the way we were doing it.  Great principals must listen with the intent to understand.

So I challenge everyone reading this, whether you are a teacher or not, to ask yourself if you are ok, good or great. It's my goal to be a GREAT principal and I hope everything I have blogged about is happening in our building for our kids and for our teachers. I'll work on the listening part.  I just hope if the little boy who gave me the sweet note last week is ever asked if he had an ok, good or great principal, his response will be a resounding GREAT!