In schools of excellence, teachers are the foundation from which all success is built and maintained. Without quality teachers, it doesn’t matter how impressive the facilities are, how much technology is available, how advanced and aligned the curriculum is, or how successful the sports programs are, because exceptional teachers are the bedrock of successful independent schools. As an educational leader, the single most important thing I can do is hire, retain, and cultivate an effective teaching staff. Specifically, I want competent professionals that love children, are passionate about teaching, and continuously strive for improvement. Quality teachers build relationships and trust, and when students feel valued and supported, they are motivated to take risks and are more resilient when encountering setbacks.
A school also requires students, and the second most critical decision for an educational leader is which students, or families, are admitted. To be a school of excellence, it is imperative that only
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A culture where teachers feel empowered to take risks, where they feel supported in the face of adversity, where they feel appreciated, and their opinions are valued. For students, above all else, a school must be safe. Students must feel protected and secure to achieve their best—no child can reach his or her academic potential when scared or intimidated. A school needs to foster a culture of inclusion and community, where diversity is appreciated and valued, and every child is seen as an individual. Students need to be in an environment where they are challenged and stretched intellectually, socially, physically, and emotionally. Finally, schools must have collaborative leaders who lead with integrity, transparency, and ensure that all decisions are aligned with the school’s mission and