The distinctive knowledge gained through the shadowing experience and interview with my school 's principal is invaluable and I am grateful for the principal 's graciousness in allowing me the opportunity to explore the complexities of school leadership. I was able to observe the principal 's style of leadership, planning with the school 's leadership team, and collaborative processes. I was also able to indirectly observe, conflict management, application of state and district mandates, and parent and community involvement outreach. As I observed the principal, the demands of school leadership became very apparent, and I began to question if the demands were exceptionally overwhelming because we work as educators in a high-needs,
…show more content…
The principal executed a unique leadership style that incorporated various theoretical applications. One such style observed during school leadership team meetings was the distributive style of leadership. The distributed leadership model, "does not necessarily imply that the entire faculty controls decisions related to the school. Rather, principals create leadership positions that allow capable and willing teachers to work in a more focused leadership capacity" (Giouroukakis & Natsiopoulou, 2010). During school leadership team meetings, the principal included teacher-leaders as part of the decision making team to collaborate and provide input on key decisions that impact student learning. Some team members were also allowed to conduct peer observations and helped develop and align curriculum to the school 's comprehensive needs. A more collaborative approach was observed when the principal appealed to the district leaders to serve as mentors to …show more content…
A clearly defined vision that is in alignment with a logical mission statement is essential in the development of attainable goals. Clear and concise communication about school goals must be consistent and resolute. As noted in the article, What Makes or Breaks a Principal, "The most effective principals operate from a value system that places high priority on people and relationships. The principal 's person -to-person relationships reverberate throughout the school culture" (Donaldson et al, 2009). Consistency in communication, actions, and relational skills are critical to establishing a positive school
The principal executed a unique leadership style that incorporated various theoretical applications. One such style observed during school leadership team meetings was the distributive style of leadership. The distributed leadership model, "does not necessarily imply that the entire faculty controls decisions related to the school. Rather, principals create leadership positions that allow capable and willing teachers to work in a more focused leadership capacity" (Giouroukakis & Natsiopoulou, 2010). During school leadership team meetings, the principal included teacher-leaders as part of the decision making team to collaborate and provide input on key decisions that impact student learning. Some team members were also allowed to conduct peer observations and helped develop and align curriculum to the school 's comprehensive needs. A more collaborative approach was observed when the principal appealed to the district leaders to serve as mentors to …show more content…
A clearly defined vision that is in alignment with a logical mission statement is essential in the development of attainable goals. Clear and concise communication about school goals must be consistent and resolute. As noted in the article, What Makes or Breaks a Principal, "The most effective principals operate from a value system that places high priority on people and relationships. The principal 's person -to-person relationships reverberate throughout the school culture" (Donaldson et al, 2009). Consistency in communication, actions, and relational skills are critical to establishing a positive school