Teachers and administrators take notice when a first-year head of school eats lunch with the same group of teachers and administrators at “the coaches’ table.” Within the first three months, a first-time head tackles what he sees as a major ethical i...
Being a successful Head of School is akin to being part-CEO and part-politician. On one hand, the head is clearly the “boss” with all the requisite responsibilities of managing people. On the other, the Head has to be responsive to numerous constitue...
Let me begin with a belief. Independent schools that have “turned around,” schools that are thriving, and schools that have made significant advances, all have one common attribute: strong, powerful Heads of School. These Heads do not take that power...
Recently I heard about the struggles of two first-time heads of school. Their missteps are a reminder of the importance of a head’s on-going professional development that focuses on the practical skills of leadership.Within a year and a half of begin...
First-year heads need thought partners. In fact, all heads need thought partners.What is a thought partner? They are the head’s key administrators who show signs of intelligence, imagination, and buy-in to the head’s emerging vision for the school. A...
