Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Food for Thought

Came across this the other day, and thought it worthy of posting for discussion.....

http://www.middleweb.com/MWLISTCONT/MSLprincipals.html


Quick question, if you get a spare moment, for both teachers and administrators: What would you see are the most important characteristics of an effective Middle School principal?--

All of the characteristics below meld together to create and reinforce a sense of community, energy, and positive forward motion:


An understanding and appreciation of school culture

A clear and inspiring vision of where school is headed

A love of kids and a concurrent ability to relate to them

A love of teaching and a concurrent ability to relate to teachers

An ability to listen effectively

An ability to make and implement effective decisions

A recognition that neither the principal nor anyone else is perfect, and that's ok

A very thick skin (unfortunately!)

An ability to advance financial stability of school

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2008/03/06/news/00lead.txt

This article may guide your thinking a little ahem "Quiz".

The Quizzinator said...

?

I don't see how it would...enlighten me.

Grumpy said...

I read the article Anonymous cited and am not understanding where a principal charged in a domestic violence incident in Wisconsin has anything to do with the situation we have been forced into. Are you sipping the wine for your holiday dinner a little early?

Anonymous said...

Wow! It is as if the list was produced to describe qualities that our administrator does not possess. Having worked under several school administrators I must say that J is one of the most difficult to work with!

I feel that the good listener quality is one of the most important. Never would have picked that one until I crossed J's path but see now how important it is because so many other good qualities are reflections of being a good listener.

It is one thing to not be a "people person", but when you are in position to lead and make decisions for the school community you have got to ask questions, listen and get the whole story before you start pounding your fists on the desk.

Anonymous said...

I totally agree.