True Grit

As an educational leader, I am certainly asking that my teachers continue to stretch themselves and learn continually. With advances in brain research and all the data that accountability has provided us, teachers can truly examine their craft with an eye toward improvement. Since I place this demand on my faculty, I will also demand this of myself.

To help me continue to improve my craft, I have two projects that I am working on at this time. First, as I have transitioned to my new school, I sent out a SurveyMonkey (http://www.surveymonkey.com/) 17 question survey to my staff. The survey was called "The New Principal Wants to Know." The data that came from this survey was exceptional and has helped to confirm many of the notions I have developed about the school I am tasked with leading. For example, I asked them to rank the top 3 things they most want from their principal. Here is just one instance of the excellent data I have gathered to help me navigate the waters that lie ahead.

Another learning project that I am in involved in is a book study with other principals. I have privately named it Team Willis after one of the principals in the group who is the de facto leader. I learn a lot from the books we read, but I learn even more from the conversations we have at each meeting. Currently we are reading, Frey and Fisher's, The Formative Assessment Action Plan. The book describes on page 23 the value of "grit." This concept is described as "...one's persistence and passion for long-term goals..." The book further goes on to say that, "Interestingly, grit has been found to be a primary factor in National Spelling Bee finalists, West Point graduates, and successful teachers (Duckworth, Petersen, Matthews & Kelly, 2007).

Our book study leader challenged us to take the Grit Scale that is available online. There are numerous versions, but after taking the 12-Item Grit Scale, I rated a 4.6 out of 5. This probably results from my having experienced colon cancer at age 41 and from some other set backs early in life that I had to "push through the pain" to overcome. 

What is my take-away from both of these learning experiences? I know that 1) Now my task is to really listen and learn from what my staff tell me through the survey. I should then make some decisions and lead. 2) I do have the strength to do this job based on my GRIT.....even when it feels like I am completely overwhelmed and faltering. I DO have the determination to do the very best job for my faculty, my leadership team, my students, and my community.

In the Beginning...

It's 4ish in the morning, and I just finished reading Education Rethink's Blog, Advice for New Bloggers. I keep running into articles about Blogging as an Educational Leader, and until now I have been hesitant to do so. You see, up until early this winter, I have been an assistant principal. I was comfortable following my principal, as she led us down the halls of our school. I was just following along as one of the members of the line. But, thanks to the encouragement of a close and very wise friend, I anxiously decided to MOVE TO THE FRONT OF THE LINE.

I am the new principal of a small elementary school in our city. With this new role, my struggle is probably very minor to some; however, I am struggling with being the one everyone is watching. When I was following my principal, I could often move up to second place in the line. I could even back off (rarely) and move to the end of the line. But now, when I would like to move back into the almost anonymity of the line, I turn to see everyone following me. Everyone's eyes are watching me for guidance, for vision, for support, and for direction. 

I need to get comfortable in this new skin, and I believe that one of the ways to do so is to embrace this place I now occupy. I have read article after article about how leaders should Blog, and I am giving it a try.

I have learned as I begin to transition into this position, that in elementary school, being the Line Leader is a pretty cool thing. I am learning to appreciate its coolness. Before I was always the one working in the background like good software. I was the one who made my boss look amazing. I don't necessarily want to look amazing, but I sincerely want to do a great job for the students, parents, and teachers of my school. I have a lot to learn, as I move to the front of the line.