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A great school leader is one who elevates those around them. They are able to identify your strengths, areas of opportunity, and help you develop a plan to improve yourself. They are able to challenge and support their teachers to achieve their best. They hold people accountable for their actions and are able to admit when they make a mistake. A great school leader is able to listen to others. They are open to feedback and able to take constructive criticism without repercussion.

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I believe a good school leader is a combination of multiple things. However, to me the best school leaders are people centered. If you take care of your teachers emotionally and with tons of support they will work harder which ultimately takes cares of the students. I think leaders should also create a school culture of inclusion, positively, hard work and be invested in not only academic, but also social and emotional growth. Lastly, be visible to all stakeholders of the school.

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I believe that a great school leader is someone that knows and understands the complexity of the school and the school community. I believe a great leader is one that is ready and willing to tackle obstacles WITH staff, students and families and not tackle situations by doing things TO people or FOR them. The most effective leaders that I have ever worked with were able to empower the people around them to make solid professional decisions, strategize and collaborate with all members of the school community and have high standards for excellence that they don't waiver from when things become difficult. They hold staff and students accountable to the systems and structures in place, that were established collectively, they are warm and welcoming while staying committed to the process and they continuously reflect on what can be improved and who they can leverage to make the needed adjustments. They surround themselves with people that will not always agree with them and they place the right people in the right positions in order to effectively run the school without micromanagement. They are trustworthy and respected but strong and fierce at the same time. They lead by example and expect staff to do the same for students. They are explicit with expectations and offer high support to ensure all staff, students and community stakeholders have opportunities for success to reach the ultimate goal of student achievement.

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A great school leader is someone who gets to understand their staff members and their students. Not just on a level where they know their name, but knows them more personally. In addition, a great leader shows continuous support to their staff members in their professional and sometimes personal life. A great school leader also is on their hands and knees getting their hands dirty too, so to speak. If there is a school assembly and chairs need to be moved, the school leader is helping move chairs, helping students get seated and then speaking at the event. As far as the educational piece, a great school leader is constantly circling around the building, engaging in classrooms and knowing what the teachers need support with and finding ways through observational practices to provide teachers with support in strengthening their instruction. A great school leader also finds ways to get teachers to collaborate with other school members to ensure they are providing the best possible instruction to the students. Last, but not least, a great school leader makes sure that the students and the staff members feel safe as SOON as they step foot on the school campus.

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First and foremost, a great leader is someone who is in the trenches. A leader needs to be approachable, visible, capable, fair, a great listener, but most importantly - humble. A great leader understands their flaws, recognizes their limitations, yet continues to move forward in spite of their human nature. They learn from their mistakes and surround themselves with other leaders from which they can learn. A great leader understands they cannot do it alone, and knows how to inspire others to join in their cause.

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Why does a soldier follow his commanding officer into battle? Because they choose to. It should be no different for a school leader and I am certainly no exception. I believe that a great leader is a person who must first be able to lead themselves. A great leader is also a person who is willing to submit to authority and has first learned how to follow. I have found that the failures of people whom I have previously led often are a reflection of my own failure to lead. Thinking back, I would describe some of my previous leaders as empathetic, passionate, determined, focused, successful, and brilliant. However, I would characterize others as impatient, foolish, demanding, ignorant, and irrational. Leadership is about people and for people and treating an individual as if they are actually a person will build the rapport necessary for success. A great school leader is someone whose staff willingly, gladly, and confidently follows and if no one is following you, you are not a leader. Thus, I believe that a leader’s measure of success is contingent upon their ability to influence. For if you meet the many aspects of leadership, but have no influence, then you are a leader by position only.

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A great leader listens. A great leader understands the difference between equality, equity, and justice and seeks to serve others with those differences in mind. A great leader can only be a leader because they are in service of other people. Understanding what makes  a great leader and working towards being that great leader can only occur with a deep understanding of WHO you are leading, WHY you are leading them, and HOW you will create a positive change. And great leaders can make this happen through listening, creating, and producing other leaders and providing a clear road to success for the people they serve.

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A leader is someone who serves the people he leads.  He encourages, supports and pushes people to be the best that they can be.  He is compassionate, understanding and cares for the people he leads.  He sets clear expectations, and provides the support necessary for everyone to meet those expectations.  He leads with caring and encouragement, and not with fear and intimidation.

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Any great leader is action driven.  I believe in establishing common sense, and at times, data driven goals, creating a plan to reach the goals, and then going into action.  It is important to get to the action part as quickly as possible.  I've seen too many different entities get caught up in the planning stages.  They plan for so long that their employees or colleagues begin to stagnate because of boredom.  The plan ultimately fails, or falls short of the initial goals.  A school leader should set a concise goal, communicate it to faculty and/or parents, make a plan, and immediately implement.  When a leader 'gets after it', their example resonates through their employees or faculty in this case.  Realistically, not every faculty member will be inspired, but the leader would gain respect by all and inspire the majority.

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A great school leader is someone who sets an example. A great leader does not ask something of the staff that he/she would not be willing to do. A great leader is not a micromanager...a great leader trusts in the abilities of the staff. A great leader shows kindness and care to all: students, teachers, bus drivers, parents, custodians, paraprofessionals, secretaries, etc. A great leader believes that the best is yet to come!

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A great leader is someone who can see the bigger picture. Can see the depth of their impact as being able to change and be changed not just in the current moment but the future as well. They build something and leave an impact that is much greater then they or any one person is. The picture below is a link to a padlet that articulates what I believe makes a great leader.

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Leaders, in a school setting, are juggling a variety of responsibilities; the  two most important responsibilities of a leader is to motivate and encourage staff members and students. When those around you and motivated and provided encouragement they will perform to their best ability. As a technology coach I am introducing digital tools to help teachers achieve their classroom objectives. It is my duty to motivate and encourage those teachers in their ability to utilize digital tools. When staff members are not supported and encouraged  they may begin to feel unmotivated and eventually will become unsuccessful using those tools within the classroom. When school leaders are consistently encouraging and motivating those around them I believe staff and student morals and overall performance will increase.

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If you're looking to energize your staff and challenge them to think outside the box, we have a fresh idea for your next school staff meeting. Kick things off with an inspiring and motivational video! YouTube is filled with quick clips filled with ideas on everything from owning mistakes to kick starting passions to staying focused and achieving big goals. Your staff may not expect it-and that's a good thing! An ambush of inspiration never did any harm. Here are 12 of our favorite clips to get you started!

1.Brendon Buchard-"How Incredibly Successful People Think"

Motivational speaker Brendon Buchard breaks down a really simple truth about success-it's all in your mindset. You can't say you don't know how to do something or don't have what it takes. Successful people never see any limitations in going after what they dream about.

2. Oprah Winfrey-"There Are No Mistakes"

There's no mistaking that Oprah is the guru when it comes to living your best life. In this clip, she reinforces that every mistake happens for a reason. The best way to know that is true? Nurture yourself and stop the mind chatter that says you're not good enough.

3. Why Do We Fall: Motivational Video

Get everyone pumped with this mini movie that reframes failure. No one cares IF you fail... you're going to be remembered by how you responded to that failure. Never let failure-or fear of it-turn into an excuse to give up entirely!

4. Trevor Muir- "Teaching is Tiring (And Worth It)"

From cleaning up glitter to reporting abuse, this video shares many of the reasons teaching is such a tiring profession. However, you have to watch the whole video, because Muir brings it back around and gives the reasons it is all worth it.

5. "A Pep Talk from Kid President to You"

Sure, he may be even younger than some of the students you teach. But you can't deny this viral superstar's zest for life. Some of his greatest pearls of wisdom are some of the simplest. A favorite? "If life is a game, are we on the same team?"

6. Dream-Motivational Video

The only thing we can really say about this video is share it as a challenge to your staff. Challenge them to watch it and then not feel immediately ready to tackle their biggest goals or finish a project they've pushed off.

7. Brendan Buchard-"How To Stay Focused"

Another amazing one from Brendan Buchard. In this one, he gets to the heart of why it's so important to define your mission before you start each day. That way you're only getting the things done that move the mission you set forward.

8. Simon Sinek-"Start With Why"

Sinek is the author of the equally powerful book, Start With Why. This edited version of his TED Talk reinforces WHY we must know WHY we're doing anything before we get started. This applies to lesson plans to staff meetings. Knowing why you're getting out of a bed in the morning and why you have the job you do makes a big difference in getting others to follow your lead.

9. Rocky's Speech to His Son

Sometimes you just need to serve up some tough love . . . and who better to do that than Rocky Balboa himself? (and yes, in case you were wondering, his son Is played by a young Milo Ventimiglia who you might know from the tv show This Is Us!)

10. Denzel Washington-"Aspire To Make A Difference"

The Oscar winner packs in a lot of life lessons in this incredible speech. Some of the best takeaways? Fail big-you only live once. Take chances. Go outside the box, don't be afraid to dream big. Dreams without goals ultimately fuel disappointment, Have goals-monthly, weekly, yearly, daily. Be disciplined and consistent and plan.

11. Steve Jobs-"Here's to the Crazy Ones"

One of the most iconic speeches delivered by one of our greatest creative minds. Dare your staff to think big and dare them to bring out the next Steve Jobs in their classrooms!

12.

J. K. Rowling-"The Benefits of Failure"

Harry Potter was born out of the lowest point in J.K. Rowlings' life. And, she was determined to make the series a success because she needed to pull herself out of the darkness. Don't just show this clip at a staff meeting-show it at an assembly with students there too!

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12 Inspiring Videos Perfect For Your Next School Staff Meeting

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If you're looking to energize your staff and challenge them to think outside the box, we have a fresh idea for your next school staff meeting. Kick things off with an inspiring and motivational video! YouTube is filled with quick clips filled with ideas on everything from owning mistakes to kick starting passions to staying focused and achieving big goals.

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A great school leader is an individual who is willing to go above and beyond their normal duties to implement something greater within their organization. As a coach, it's easy for me to determine what a good "leader" would be because I coach athletes to help them reach their full potential. Same can be said for any individual who is involved with a school. Motivation, encouragement, sincerity, and flexibility are all attributes that would describe a leader that inspires others and one that I aspire to be both in school and on the field.

Source: https://www.brainyquote.com/lists/authors/top_10_vince_lombardi_quotes

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A great leader is someone who empowers others to develop personally and professionally. Being a leader is helping others believe in themselves, not making other believe in you. In the future, I hope to be a leader who encourages people to pursue higher levels of training, push beyond personal limitations, and scaffolds others to become effect leaders as well. A great school leader does not use scare tactics or negative reinforcements toward students to achieve respect. When staff and students are encouraged and empowered by administration the entire school community succeeds. By providing support, encouragement, and fostering of individual talents, great leaders can empower others to rise up!

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For me, a great school leader really boils down to empathy. Everyone is different. Everyone has a story. Everyone has successes and failures. Everyone reacts differently. Therefore, having the ability to understand emotions and then treat each employee accordingly is of the utmost importance. I believe leaders become leaders worth following when they realize humans do not fill cookie cutter molds. They are unique and need to be treated as such. When each employees uniqueness is welcomed in a democratic work environment where everyone trusts and values one another—amazing things can happen.

Picture Source:
Mortensen, D. (2019, May). Stage 1 in the Design Thinking Process: Empathise with Your Users. Interaction Design Foundation. Retrieved from: https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/article/stage-1-in-the-design-thinking-process-empathise-with-your-users

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When I read the question presented one word came to mind, dependable. When I think of a quality that a leader must possess it is whether or not they are dependable. Can I count on them for anything I may need? Will they be there for me when I need them the most? These are two questions one day I hopefully will be asking myself as a leader. Another idea is reflection. Is my leader reflecting on best practice? By reflecting on their work as a leader along with others, I feel our leader can become humble in the position they hold.

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I believe a great leader brings out the best in everyone he/she leads. A leader has to be kind and compassionate, nonjudgmental, a great listener and communicator, understanding, approachable, encouraging, honest, respectful, inspiring, reliable, loyal, creative and decisive. He/she has to be willing to make mistakes, accept responsibility, problem solve, and change directions when necessary. A school leader has to always do what is in the best interest of the students and families, has to support the teachers and staff in the building, has to create a sense of community amongst all stakeholders and has to be passionate about the school and its vision. I love this quote from Brene Brown. A principal doesn't have to know everything, but instead just has to know how to coach, bringing out the greatness in others.

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I chose this song to represent a good leader because a good leader needs to fight to survive for the students and staff of a school. A good leader has high expectations for students and staff yet can take responsibility if something fails. A good leader creates a positive, warm, and safe school culture. A good leader can look at data and effectively drive instruction of the teachers to meet the needs of the students. (I also sing this song to my 3 month old when she does tummy time because she HATES it.)

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Nicole DeMarte - A great school leader is...

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Nicole DeMarte - A great school leader is...

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When I think about what it takes to be a great school leader, I think about how the actual position itself is complex and multifaceted.  There are many qualities that pertain to being a great school leader and may responsibilities listed in the job description.   However, in my mind, it all boils down to something pretty simple.  Being a great school leader means being a problem solver.  Looking at whatever situation, no matter how complicated or how tedious, and asking ones self "how can we improve this and how are we going to make it for the best interest of our students and school environment.

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In order to lead a school a person needs to be confident and passionate. These traits are vital to being a successful school leader. A person can have all the knowledge in the world but if they are not confident in it's ability to help a school and/or not personally passionate for the beliefs that will drive a school they will not be effective. As a school leader you are faced with becoming knowledgeable with a wide array of information that can be applied to your school. It is then your job to become confident with this information and apply it to your school students and staff in a passionate manner. Confidence is key in a school leader because you are going to be making decisions that not only effect yourself but also your students and staff. If you are not confident in the decisions you are making for yourself you will struggle to be successful as a leader for others. Being passionate as a school leader is important for you are the face of the school. You are the person that students and staff look towards. Your passion for your skills and actions needs to be seen so the people of your building trust you and become confident and passionate as well. Having these two traits will build community and relationships in the body in which you lead and will drive overall success for you as a school leader.

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Nick Caponi- What Makes a Great School Leader

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Nick Caponi- What Makes a Great School Leader

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I believe that a great school leader genuinely cares for the people they are leading. They show character and compassion for the teachers, students, parents, and community. Great school leaders are vested in the success of all people involved in their building and district. I also believe that a great school leader should be someone who shows humility and courage.  A great school leader should also be someone who seeks advice from peers and is willing to change for the greater good of the the district. Lastly, I believe a great school leader is someone who takes pride in their employees, students, and parents. As a coach, I know that my players gain confidence in their abilities when coaches show that they are proud of them...and as a teacher, I know I am more confident and am willing to do whatever is necessary when I know my school leader shows pride in their employees.

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I think being a leader means that you lead a team, and are also willing to be part of that team. The role of a leader is very different from a boss! A boss delegates tasks and is typically not involved in the work that needs to be done. A leader guides the team to achieve a common goal, and is willing to roll up his or her sleeves when necessary to help make it happen. A leader develops relationships with everyone on the team and helps them to develop relationships with each other. Once those relationships are built, there tends to be more buy-in to work together.

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A great school leader is a person who is willing to put their money where their mouth is. A leader is the person who knows what the team needs and is willing to do whatever it takes to make that team successful. A leader ensures that everyone in the system is given the tools and expereiences they need to succeed. However, a great leader also knows when to take a backseat to someone more knowledgeable than them and can call on the expertese of others as often as possible.

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To me, a great school leader is a well-respected member of a school and community as well as an advocate for teachers, students, and families. Where a boss will tell teachers and students what to do, a leader shows them how to be a contributing member in society. School leaders are not always principals—they are often teachers, staff, and colleagues whom are well known and respected by all of those around them. A great school leader is able to listen to problems and provide reasonable solutions that work for all sides of an argument.

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I believe that a great school leader is an individual that displays several great qualities. These qualities include acting with daily professionalism, self-motivation, and excellent interpersonal skills. A great school leader is one who fully supports and is involved in the success of their students, whether it be in the classroom, community or playing field. This person is highly motivated each and every day and always displays the positive attributes needed to lead children and adults within their school district.

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To me a great school leader is someone who is involved in every aspect of the student life. This includes, but is not limited to, building knowledge of background, understanding student interests, participating in student interests, being transparent with staff, students, and community, and helps in any way possible to better the learning environment. When I look back at those who I see as great leaders and who I look up to, these are some of the many aspects that they were great at achieving.

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A great school leader is someone that is involved in the culture of the student body, they attend extracurricular events (plays, musicals, concerts, athletic events). Great leaders are connected to the faculty and staff and realize what they need to succeed. The leader listens and responds when necessary. They support the staff in dong their jobs, while at the same time, make sure they are meeting the needs of the students.

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I think a great school leader is someone who not only has great experience as being a leader but also someone who has had great experience as a follower. This way they have a well rounded way of not only making decisions but actively listening as well.