I believe that schools can be successful if the focus is on students and improving student learning. This requires looking at each child’s learning styles and teachers accommodating to these styles. Additionally, faculty and students need to consistently evaluate themselves by setting goals and monitoring those goals. This continual goal setting process will prompt reflection and learning. Furthermore, students need to be encouraged to step outside of their comfort zone. This will involve taking risks that may lead to failure in the short term but ample learning opportunity in the long term. This collaborative culture between students and teachers is imperative for student learning.
Lifelong learners…
It is important that educators demonstrate to the school community the importance of lifelong learning. Education is a process not a destination. As educators, we are exemplars of continuous learning. We must keep abreast of our profession through education and professional growth.
Collaboration…
Educators need to encourage collaboration skills and best practices among colleagues and students. We should learn from each other and create an environment that allows risk-taking and embraces it, while providing an opportunity to learn and grow together. Educators need to look at student work and create data plans so that school and student improvement is always in the forefront.
Inspire and motivate…
As educators we need to appreciate each child’s unique skills and abilities and provide an environment that allows them to blossom. We need to understand each child so that they can set and achieve their goals while praising effort. It is our role as educators to constantly provide practical feedback and focus on developing critical thinking through deliberate practice.
Leadership…
As a leader in an international school a culture of trust where teachers feel supported and appreciated needs to be present. This support from the leadership is crucial to the success of the school. With a distributive and transformative leadership model, teachers and administrators build trust and focus on relationships within the school which helps achieve school success.
“Education leaders must have the will at times to release leadership to the teachers, the parents, and the students.” – Andy Hargraves
Heather Naro, PhD 