First Day Smiles

As the school year approaches the leaders of schools go through a massive transition. The summer shifts to the quiet of an office which gradually grows louder and louder as the days tick down to the inevitable “first day of school”. And that is when the smiles arrive. 

For school leaders, this season is not just about fresh notebooks and sharpened pencils; it's about setting the tone for the entire school community and the journey that lies ahead. So as you step into your roles as school leaders, whether it's your first year or twentieth, smile at all the smiles knowing that these smiles are the foundation of your vision.  

Here are some thoughts on school leadership for the upcoming year from Blue Sky Leadership: 

1. Have Clarity - A clear vision is essential for guiding your school's direction. And as we know each school year brings new challenges and opportunities to realize this vision. This is the excitement of school leadership, so attend to the challenges and opportunities with clarity. Listen to your people; humbly adapt and innovate with them and keep your clarity in the direction that you set for the school. 

2. Cultivate the Culture - Your leadership sets the tone for the entire school community. Your smile brings more smiles, they are contagious. Cultivating a culture where everyone attends to and upholds the core values, and celebrates the evidence of such behavior is a fun place to come to work. So impress upon, lean in on and align organizational behaviors with the organization's stated core values. Call the whole community to align with them and go to the places where the alignment is off so as to address it. Because, culture never sleeps and you should never sleep on culture.  

3. Prioritize Student Learning - Listen to the students, make sure they are well and make their learning your highest priority. Your students' spiritual development depends on your ability to provide a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where students can grow emotionally, socially, and academically. Listen to their needs, dignify them and their story. And help them learn about their place in the story of history. Their learning is your highest priority. 

4. Invest in Professional Development - The education landscape is continually evolving, and it's crucial to keep learning and adapting accordingly. One way to do this is to invest in your own professional development and that of your staff. Find professional development opportunities with high returns on the investment and emphasize it to your whole staff. Creating a culture of learning for the adults within a school is in essence the phenomenal design of the profession. .

And so, as you embark on this new school year, remember that your role as a school leader is a journey of growth and transformation. Do this by embracing the responsibility of being for the smiles. Stay committed to your clear vision, cultivate a positive school culture, and prioritize student learning. 

Here's to a successful and fulfilling school year ahead!