Effective Leadership on the Day-to-Day

Constructive school leadership has a valuable impact not only on learning but also on students. Here is what Leithwood, Harris, and Hopkins (2020) had to say about school leadership: “School leadership has a significant effect on features of the school organization which positively influence the quality of teaching and learning. While moderate in size, this leadership effect is vital to the success of most school improvement efforts.”

So, what is effective leadership, and what does it look like on a Monday morning in a school setting? How can public schools be led effectively? How can you ensure that the superintendent team and the schools are all aligned and heading toward the same goals? Education means learning from all situations encountered throughout one’s journey. Therefore, here are a few elements to take into consideration for leading in a good way:

Communication: A top-down approach will only confuse and rebuff most of your colleagues. It is critical to have a collaborative approach. The divisional senior school leaders have a key role to play in engaging their principals to be a huge part of the solution.

Put students first: Ensure the school day begins by welcoming the students when they get off the bus to their classroom. It may sound insignificant to many, but knowing a significant adult awaits them means a lot to children.

Social cohesion: Establish positive and respectful interpersonal relationships between students, staff, and parents to facilitate open communication and eliminate possible tensions.

Building bridges with school communities: In a minority setting, the school becomes the focal point for all pedagogical and cultural activities. By working together, schools, parents and administration can optimize the day-to-day implementation.

Proper teacher and support staff training: Education must keep up with studies, best practices, and research to stay ahead of the curve. Things are evolving at the speed of light, and schools can’t lag and stumble over old principles no longer recognized as good practices.

Public schools are a mirror of our society: They are rich in diversity, which, with good leadership from all, leads to harmony across differences. Public schools are a microcosm of the real world; students are exposed to many different cultural pluralities, and it helps strengthen intercultural collaboration.

Coherence between the code of conduct and its application (and explication) is paramount: Students will quickly notice if they are treated unfairly. The same can be said for staff; it is human nature to compare ourselves, and everybody wants to be treated ethically.

Engaging educators to steer in the same direction: It begins with understanding the school’s educational plan and how it will be implemented, setting goals, and working accordingly.

Engaging students: Students learn differently; therefore, it is important to use various teaching methods. As educators, we need to constantly stay mindful of all the new advances that studies and data are providing us. Studies have shown that active learning (or learning by doing) engages the student to a higher level of knowledge. Keeping students motivated through quality teaching is key when parents and students must choose a school.  

Special education services and integrity: A school is a microcosm of our society. In this regard, diversity, equity, and inclusion must be the pillars at the center of our mission and our actions. Recognizing that all students are different, we must, as a school division, walk the talk and not just talk about how important these dossiers are but be proactive.

Registering their child in a public school is in parents’ hands. They will compare and make their choice based on the quality of education/programming offered, and knowing their children are in good hands in a safe school. Schools are not typically as good as they would like to be in communicating how good their school is; and so, this is when a good communication department can be very helpful. This is only possible with synergy and cohesion between senior administration, the parents, and the schools. While often in the shadows, the superintendent team plays a crucial role in navigating the meanders of all administrative policies and how to liaise them into what they look like in a school setting.

Alain Laberg, Superintendent, Division scolaire franco-manitobaine (DSFM)