#ukedchat Archive
Join teachers and educationalists for #ukedchat each Thursday between 8-9 pm GMT for Edu chat. Education news, resources, and @UKEdSch website with @UKEdMag
Thursday January 7, 2016
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to support teachers on the front line and lead by example
A1 Leaders - Inspire, motivate, drive change, can be any position.
Managers - Organise, oversee & hold accountable for tasks.
Lead by example would suggest they must teach. Do you think that should extend to the head?
Q1. To inspire and develop a sense of purpose in others, to nurture and grow knowledge and skills of the whole community
Q1 To maintain consistent values of the school.
. Head should muck in when required & show rapport with Ss Not sure if they need teaching timetable
A1 To lead by example & foster an inclusive environment where all staff & students can learn & develop
Absolutely! To be a head'teacher' surely you have to be able to walk the walk? How can you comment on T&L otherwise?
Should values be immovable?
yes I do believe that (although I currently am not)
oops, with the Primary function: to serve teachers
ensure that people are able to do their job. This may mean putting systems in place and removing pointless obstacles
A1: gardener analogy - they need to provide and maintain an environment where everyone can flourish & grow.
to motivate and inspire staff to improve standards and to walk the talk
who creates the values and who owns them?
what do you mean 'muck in'? I think I may agree...
All of SLT in our school teach, head included. How can you have credibility if you don't?
Agreed it is important to be a shield and allow staff the freedom to do the 'main thing'
Where does the 'vision' come from? Is each school's vision SO different from the one down the road?
Love it similar thought in excellent book https://t.co/Bvuhaj1pJx
A1: gardener analogy - they need to provide and maintain an environment where everyone can flourish & grow.
do you see this is a negative thing?
Teachers serve students, leaders and managers serve teachers
agreed including composting and weeding :)
"In embracing technology such as biometrics, schools may be gambling with their pupils' identity" https://t.co/nH2KP0R3Lv
If teacher away or needs support step up and cover class, not reluctantly. engage in pla/ football etc
They shouldn't be set in stone but must be clear to the whole community and consistently applied
A very good point, I agree it is a very good way of evaluating and refining policy
Why consistently? Isn't bespoke for individuals better?
The vision and values of the school should be developed by the whole community
not sure I serve anyone just try to inspire and lead
A1 Balance transactional (ensure in track), with transformational (future focused) responsibilities. https://t.co/sq8b6a2aQh
does that mean a leaders only interactions with students are through teachers?
, HT should be timetabled if can commit everytime, not called away. Ss need consistency
Is it more then about visibility?
Agreed important that their is ownership and shared vision and values otherwise what is the point?
thats not to say I disagree with you, if all teach builds ethos of teamwork.
A1 they are different things I think. Leading and Managing.
I think they should play football too!
What if one person's ethos doesn't fit with another's?
Important to be visible and supporting both students and staff. The relationships are key
. Its about showing capability and building trust that SLT understand issues & needs of Ss.
Good leadership looks like team work. It is where everyone has embraced vision/ethos/etc and are all working together.
too true! That's why I think that it's really important for SLT to keep some teaching.
A1 a leader enables others to achieve goals.
depends on the context think the leader and school should know what is best for their own school
Good Qu - hmmm, depends on how a school leader believe they're best placed?
Then you need a strong leader!
The best leadership is approachable and genuinely listens to ideas.
Has is that achieved? Just the effect of the senior leaders?
case of knowing the strengths of the leaders in school and sticking to them?
A2 Leaders who enable you to feel empowered and confident in your own ability.They trust staff but know what's going on
Agreed, and hopefully act on and allows ownership good ideas too.
Agree. If an HT/or other SLT is frequently absent then it serves no purpose
Absolutely! Being approachable is key but with excellent delegation and trust of middle leaders too.
A2 Clear vision, focused on what is best for students and staff, all decisions ensure these two align. https://t.co/DijjT6LEvd
Hi. Not seen you for ages. :-)
I believe so... and knowing our own strengths too, so we don't exhaust ourselves
A2 Best leadership is confident in their abilities & see the value in developing school staff (in all areas)
Agreed it isn't just one person - team & collective community
Achieved by creating a culture which focuses sharply on the quality of behaviour and work. And given enough time yes.
I know. Moved house, city, job and added to my role. That's life.
A2 best leadership brings the whole school together to a shared vision.
Teamwork massively important,a community culture.Dilutes the 'them vs us' view
Is it possible to have a successful school without an ethos of teamwork?
high (but realistic) expectations, inclusive, supportive, nurturing, informed, organised and flexible.
So true! that can be so devising and build resentment.
yes isn't that a dictatorship? :)
We also have one of SLT in evry PPA session, support and challenge.
A3 Every teacher should aspire to be the best teacher they can be. Teachers can be great Leaders, they don't need a title.
Q2good leadership=good listener, relates, leads by eg, embraces cpd, teaches, encourages good work/life balance (not much really!)
Best leadership is supportive at all levels and leads to a culture where staff are nurtured and students thrive
great work from Fullan on Collective capacity
(2) Best leadership? With Permission of those being 'led' - schools mostly don't allow this
Q3 Not everyone wants or should aspire to formal leadership-brilliant teachers can be just that! SLT isn't for all!
A3 Yes (but not a structured leadership position) in Aus, you can apply for Highly Accomplished or Lead T https://t.co/cWM9yxMwE6
I would say most teachers end up with some leadership role e.g. Subject coordinator, mentor
Interesting idea. Would be a muddle. But if it was working...!
don't you think the devil is in the detail? ultimately everyone wants the same thing to be awesome!
surely teamwork is the crux of it all! motivating staff
A3 Personally, I believe there are many other options just as effective. Consultancy is an obvious one but... 1/2
I don't think so, not in terms of SLT. That role isn't for me but doesn't mean I don't want to progress
I don't think I'd want to. Seems as though you teach less, which is the part of the job I enjoy most
A3 No, not every teacher, but it is hoped a good teacher will take responsibility, whether NQT mentoring, TAs, or more.
Clear vision that blends where the school/team needs to go and staff perception of needs
Is that because of a genuine desire to lead, or because of no other opportunities to progress?
A2. It provides both an umbrella to shield from rubbish above, and a ladder to climb up
It could be work but surely it wouldn't be healthy to be a lonely teacher!
Looking forward to Story Clock coming out soon - based on sentences, create stories of any genre! https://t.co/k1dadTqhkV
A3: depends how you define leadership! Should every T aspire to be a SL, no. Should that aspire to lead -absolutely!
We are 3 form entry, each yr grp has PPA together & a member of SLT is in to support/challenge
Why? Isn't there something to be said for focusing and honing skills in the classroom?
A3 Leadership can be seen at all different levels. Teachers don't always need a middle or senior leader title to do this
2/2 also settings other than schools eg museums etc that need an education program.
Q2 the best leadership comes from open communication, a passion for teaching and learning and a child centred ethos
great idea, bet its good for encouraging collaboration
I think the first part of Q3 is how many leaders/managers aspire to that in the first place?
agreed. Being a good teacher and good at management/leadership are not mutually exclusive
Especially as part of UPS. Whole school contribution doesn't have to be TLR duties.
What other opportunities are available outside of leadership?
You have to buy into the school vision, if not get off the bus!
A great leader needs to demonstrate success at every level otherwise how are they credible?
Anyone? https://t.co/G3wJaRiOoH
I think the first part of Q3 is how many leaders/managers aspire to that in the first place?
Yes. Responsibility but not always SLT. Couldn't agree more.
I would hope the 'better' teachers would be prepared to show their skills and they may engage in learning from others.
working that way moved us into top 100 schools for progress from KS1 to KS2. New head - clear vision
Interesting thought and I wonder if that has changed in the last few years?
All great teachers should aspire to lead, even if it's not a formal leadership role. Management isn't for everyone.
A2 Great leaders listen and value input from those at the front line.
q3 all teachers are leaders 2 some extent-not every teacher wants to 'lead'/manage other teachers though. Cant teaching be enough?
Some will but a lot will end up there over time. Does a great teacher make a great leader?
You are not you are here :)
Teamwork, indeed. But practically how? Any concrete examples?
And fast! Otherwise you may become another statistic and leave the profession. https://t.co/QtkMfFZkta
You have to buy into the school vision, if not get off the bus!
A4 Yes, everyone is a leader. Even if it is referring to your own learning and leading that.
No, not every teacher could be a leader but every educator must know how to teach students as a Leader
I hate being cynical but no they are not. You can be a manager BUT NOT be able to lead!
very interesting question - haven't met a great leader yet that isn't a great teacher... you?
Everyone is awesome! Yes detail. But every school always wants to improve T&L, improve consistency, etc
Yes, not just moan about it!
Open door policy too! Love planning in PPA with staff - bouncing ideas
A4 everyone is a leader in their domain whether it be the classroom or a faculty/department or a college https://t.co/QnL7ACxCtr
I think we all know the answer to this is no. But the skills can be learned, as in teaching.
Depends on the role. You could be a fab business manager or data person
open door policy essential. Again it's about team
yes have seen the same when a T left & SLT member was meant to cover.
Leadership is about choosing it, working for it and gaining permission for it. Leadership titles are incidental.
Everyone is a leader of something and can bring something to the table.
Not everyone is a natural leader. Opportunities and experience grow leaders but most of all emotional intelligence is key.
Or suggest changes and do something.
brilliiant initiative with proven impact!
completely agree on the other hand do you have to be a good teacher to be a good manager?
Teamwork is sharing vision from SLT down, staff meetings, sharing...
And crucially it's sometimes ok to be a great manager behind the scenes ¬ focus on leading
A4: With the right mentoring, opportunities, nurturing ...Yes!
Good leadership invests in organisational health with trust, clarity, clear communication and support
isn't that one of the main things you look at when looking?
many of my NQT friends want to 'normal' teachers for their career. They don't want to progress through roles
Q5 I think everybody should do what they are comfortable with - this maz mean trying out leadership and then stepping back down
Agreed. Everyone has different skills, knowledge and experience which is essential in an effective team.
yes lead, anyone can drive change!
Do we have to have permission?
Personally,leaders are good because they've worked their way up to be there &know what it's like
agree, everyone is a leader in the classroom
A5 To be led by someone who hasn't taught because they are considered a "good leader"? No thanks https://t.co/fGbAjB9YxV
Start off with the people who will buy into it first
or perhaps literally yes everyone can but how effective are they?
A fair point indeed! Something I had overlooked! Not all SLT are focused on t&l
Any 'frontline' leadership definitely need to earn stripes. Backstage less so
after all - aren't we as teachers still always learning too?
Is it possible to change once that step has been taken?
would say everyone needs to earn stripes if the community is to succeed
I am not saying they can't do both, it's just not for everybody, some people may want to do one, not other
I'm just quite aware that not everyone wants to be the inspirational leader, management is also useful
get involved in day 2 day school life; cover classes, assemblies, run clubs etc
It helps if there is a passion for something but shouldn't we challenge ourselves to push out of our comfort zone too?
Our head started 3 yrs ago we were bottom 47th percentile of schools. Look what a clear vision does
In conventional employment models, permission to lead comes from above. Otherwise, it comes from below
Of course it is IMV. This is why I say let people try and step back if 1/2
Leadership doesn't suit everyone,and many would miss the classroom too much.But the best should/could still train/share
A5 making the assumption you can only be good at one thing - the best leaders have in my experience been great teachers!
2/2 if not suitable or not happy
of course! (struggling to keep up here!) :)
how did they share the vision/create buy in?
Our dep head runs sewing club, I run Dig Leaders, we all do an assembly, in class...
Sounds like an amazing journey. Can you tell us more?
couldn't agree more, as long as you are effective!
clarity of vision & priorities are critical for healthy schools
My poor phrasing. I meant as a teacher.
the best leaders, managers and teachers tend to find a balance between all elements
if it happens, I can't see it being sustainable
It goes without saying need to prove they can do their own role.
Q4 not everyone wants or needs to lead. It's a personal choice with list of personal and professional consideration.
I agree work must be done together, but 1/2
Thanks. Could think of nothing worse.
Indeed, but doesn't that mean that your career isn't going anywhere?
i do think there should be more opportunities for teachers to lead and progress within teaching!
We got rid of schemes... Worked on staff subject knowledge, had a clear vision. Come and visit us...
A6 Difficult. I would try to make changes to pull others along
I think you can lead at any time if you're willing to put head above parapet?
a4 with the right support - yes! And leading effectively manifests itself in many different ways.
Why not? It has been at our school for the last few years
does that not depend on school?
Isn't there such a pressure to lead? "Oh, you've been in the job 5 years and you've not been promoted?"
Agreed. That also means accepting responsibility and potential failures though
How can it be sustainable with no teamwork?
Depends what you aspire to do. Depth can be better than climbing vertically up the ladder for the sake
yes - but I think it shouldn't!
Your predication is that we're all striving for the next step-the next step isn't always a promotion. There are options
Through coaching and development. Perhaps partnership with other schools. Avoid football manager style turnover if possible.
Depends on schools. Stepping back is welcome in some whilst frowned upon in others
Plenty of failure opportunities & risks for class teachers. Doesn't require leadership role.
a5 course not. If they stuck to the same thing they won't evolve into different areas.
A6 Leaders are accountable to the head & governors. (As well as students and parents) If I make a mistake I put my hands up.
A6 Leaders should seek feedback all the time. Reflect, review & adapt. Or it's performance appraisal time. https://t.co/pSJgrLVas0
Or breadth. Sideways moves for new challenges or development.
Leadership is not a position or a title, it is action and example ..... First rule of Leadership -everything is your fault
Sorry - misunderstood. Without team work it's not.
everyone is a leader of their own prerogative. Best leaders develop effective relationships
Never heard of the Peter Principal before! HAHAHA :)
Interesting you say that. I everyone IS a leader eg of own work too
Today one of my students fist pumped when I said we were going the the library for our reading lesson. So sweet :-)
Which in itself would then build your capacity as a leader. Getting over mistakes :-)
I agree. I can only speak for my school but I had a lot of support/opportunity is that common?
Peter Parker or Peter Pan?
Failures are the best! Here's the condition: when we're pursuing something we care deeply about.
But failures are more private then
Realise you're not alone through networks such as and as well as LA networks.
A6 1/2 There should be competency and diligence checks for all levels of school hiearachy. Just needs to beenforced.
everyone is a leader of their own prerogative. Best leaders develop & maintain effective relationships.
If not 100% your fault, 100% your problem to fix.
q4 first 3 days in leadership, I've taught all over the school, mentored NQTs & helped shape vision with head cluster
q6 poor leadership is tolerated too often. People need to speak up (appropriately) and ensure purposeful change occurs.
Turnover not ideal, but ppl find leadership doesn't suit, so giving chance & allowing step back is needed
2/2 Teachers need to be able to go to each other for support. Access to Governors also a crucial part of management.
Anyone teaching Latin or Greek out there please?
takes a while but it's an interesting journey!
Most likely to make mistakes when pursuing something relentlessly I expect!
if your in an environment where your personal choices aren't respected, change your environment.
If it's not for them that's ok. I meant when one thing happens and people are forced out if it's not fixed in a term
After all, we're encouraging deeper learning 4 pupils & moving from hierarchical steps
The 'step back' has too much stigma. A change of school is usually required. :-(
A7 Inspirational leadership can raise standards. ex- Setting high expectations & holding accountable with support/recognition
"Leadership is the art of giving people a platform for spreading ideas that work." - Seth Godin
creating an environment where everyone, student and teachers, feel valued and supported, in turn creates collaboration!
Being in a school with no vision, satisfactory, bottom percentile. 3yrs later new head, clear vision, top 100
Yes! When it is going well it is a team effort when going wrong, yours. We all follow greatness. https://t.co/28Zx5OSqEU
Leadership is not a position or a title, it is action and example ..... First rule of Leadership -everything is your fault
I'd agree with that cant have infighting or politics
Or the other way, where after ofsted externals come in and change ethos of schools
great point but does it happen in reality? I havent met anyone yet that has moved back out of leadership
Love that Sharon. Yes. Totally agree. Took me few years of 'defrosting' to realise how possible that it
A7 Inspirational leadership: Creates positive culture/climate in a school. Ensures student voice is heard. https://t.co/kdNrIsNIeb
Why do people strive to move up? Isn't their value is moving along into new areas?
A high staff morale...and low staff turnover and THAT is priceless!
hopefully ethos shared and embedded before externals move on!
I've experience both ends of spectrum. Rare for amazing teachers to be rewarded for what they do in the classroom.
That must have been, and probably still is, a great journey to be on.
Couldn't agree more! We still challenge each other but are a strong team
q7 inspirational leadership should listen, be fair and be clear. Most of all they should lead by example
may depend on schools. I think it's more perceived than real stigma
Agreed-hierarchy isn't the only way. I'm doing an EdDoc-no money or status as a teacher,but challenging and enriching.
no because there are not enough leadership roles for everyone and some people are happy not to lead
The journey never ends, when it does I think it's time to start a new one
class teachers are Leaders if their students choose them, otherwise they're just class teachers
yes that may only be seen during Obs. have seen that visibility or the loudest voice may be recognised first!
A8 Don't change your personality, stay true to yourself, that way relationship remains good
q8 relationships will definitely change. Difficult if you have friendships at work.
‘Where there is no vision,the people perish’. leadership= empowering others to do what they thought impossible
a driven leader that peels off the layers and sticks to the core of the message or vision of the school
I think there should be recognition of mastery in teaching, as well as leadership.
q6 inspirational leadership motivates and empowers others. It's facilitation, trust and shared vision.
I think everyone leads others to some extent but oneself always
As a non-leader... think about the impact your policies would have had on yourself, you was in this position once!
Shouldn't a leader look to shape that message, not just enforce it?
Wanting to take responsibility for an area, enjoy leading, new challenges
I went from Team Leader to Ass Head in same schl. Goes bck to earlier question of being seen in class, PPA, credibility
A8a Remember you are not now the boss dictating from your desk. You are there to lead, motivate, support, develop and challenge.
"Work worth sticking on the fridge". Created a gallery of excellence today with some nice frames. https://t.co/K6QxDCRP6o
Remember your roots from NQT (or in some cases, parent volunteer) all the way to the top!
Best advice - don't ask others to do anything that you wouldn't
Leadership 101: Ofsted is at the door? Don't worry, I got this. We've made progress this year... https://t.co/wpqBBCsIpe
A8: at the end of they day it's not a popularity contest and you are not going to please everyone!
. yes and remember those who supported you to achieve your goals, I doubt any leader got there as a lone wolf.
lead by example, smile,say good morning, high expectations,ask questions,involve pupils & staff in discussions
Interesting advice from people, but also as a leader students need to be on forefront, not just colleagues.
A8: delegate - give others opportunities to lead and recognise them for their contribution!
biggest mistake is to try and please everyone. Impossible to do!
Thanks Nicole :) Yes. My first GREAT teacher taught me to listen to myself first. I was 21 years old.
If anyone base in North West/ Wales is looking for a TeachMeet opportunity, I'm hosting one this month: https://t.co/FGc3CduRLG
That remark doesn't please me! ;-)
learn to wear different hats to support, challenge and be part of a team/ do not be afraid to roll your sleeves up
You can't tell :-) NQT year is horrendous even in the most supportive school. Like learning to drive after passing test
A9 Perfect position in a school is one where your voice is heard and valued. You have a rapport with Ss & are trusted by Parents.
see, impossible to do! :)
A8 I'm in my perfect position. It's taking time to create the respectful relationships but is worth it. https://t.co/S4kZ1RY1Ou
One where I feel I am still making a big difference whilst having an acceptable work life balance
q8 know the difference between respect and friendship.You can't be friends with everyone,you can show them all respect.
Ideally: Want to be an inspirational leader, trusted, respected, and known for making the best cakes! https://t.co/peVuKFRhSj
A9 Whichever role and position I had I enjoyed them all.
A9 I don't want to be a principal,but I want to be School Leader who involve students in all of kind of educational projects
Yes, enagaging f2f with all is very important
like what you did there! :-)
q8 check on everyone's wellbeing, give your time to support when they need it
q8.2 Keep@some@contact time-don't forget what the frontline feels like.Prioritise duties and trust those you delegate to.
We can talk about education generally, but it happens locally. Place based change influences education as a whole.
You can do that within the classroom, or as middle manager, no need to be principal for incl student voice
was only looking for one last night in NW but am away that day :( if anything changes I will be there!
And for me, authenticity.
Have you read Lencioni on organisational health? Great read.
