Quest

Being present as an administrator in a school is absolutely the essence of the work. It is crucial to not only be visible, but be invested in the learning going on in the building. The best thing that a principal can be doing is building relationships with students and staff by being there and being interested and demonstrating as much as possible that this is the priority. Getting out there and being available to students so that they can share their reading, show off their art skills, explain their 3-D printing design. Be there to give feedback and be involved in the work the kids are doing in classrooms. That involvement is contagious for teachers and support staff and that experience of your involvement is craved by students. Walking through a classroom today connecting with students at their activity centers, the teacher was able to hand a student their book and have them read to me. The child was so proud to do so and I was delighted to share in their effort and success. Then another appeared on her own with her book. All of a sudden there was a line up and I was in no hurry to move through it! Each kid beamed when given a little compliment about their skill and effort and I was thankful for the teacher who set the ball in motion and involved me. Getting into classrooms, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 or 30 as much as we can is the best time spent. We get to know kids, we get to know teachers and we get to be involved. What I believe is the crucial component of this investment is to be wholly committed to it in the minutes you give and not divided as the work can dictate. Be present with every fiber of your attention to the people who need you to be.