Best Practices in School Culture Leadership (December 2011) Ranae Case Evenson, principal Horace May Elementary, Bemidji
Personal and Professional Balance Evolve to meet the needs of your school
Healthy Hearts and Healthy Minds… What does that mean for an elementary principal?
Recently, I participated in thought-provoking conversation with principal colleagues from both urban and rural school districts regarding the many hats that many elementary principals wear. As I listened to the varied responsibilities of the group I began to reflect on my own experiences as a principal as I’ve led schools in both rural and urban settings. I also thought about the excellent principal colleagues I have worked with in the past and the varied roles and responsibilities that come with their positions.
A common trait that I have observed regardless of the population of the school district or size of the school seems to be that elementary principals strive to learn everything we can to make the most of our leadership abilities with regard to instruction, school culture, and resources. We make the most out of the time and resources that we are given for the success of our school community.
The role of elementary principal can look very different depending on the needs of a school district. Some elementary principals are also district assessment coordinators, athletic directors, curriculum directors, staff development coordinators, part-time teachers, special education directors, LEAs in charge of federal programs, and the list goes on… I myself am privileged to lead two great programs as I lead an elementary school and Early Intervention Programs for my school district. This dual or sometimes multifaceted role can present challenges despite the considerable rewards from working with students and staff in a supportive community.
The phrase Healthy Hearts and Healthy Minds makes quite an impact when you consider the importance of our role as elementary principal. We set the tone for our entire school community. Our staff and students count on us to be there to support them in their successes and struggles. If we as principals are not taking care of our “hearts and minds,” can we really provide the quality of leadership necessary for our schools?
As a colleague, I ask you to consider the following questions as you reflect on your own Healthy Hearts and Healthy Minds:
Are you able to “Go Deep” with a narrow focus in your professional development as you build your own skill set needed to lead staff instructionally?
What procedures do you have in place that contribute to your efficiency and organization as a principal? Is there something that could be delegated? Are there procedures that could be more efficient?
Do you find/ make time for the things that are most important to you like family, friends, exercise and hobbies?
When was the last time you said “No” to something that would require extra time outside of your principal duties and did not feel guilt?
Are you making time to share your knowledge and utilize the knowledge of your colleagues in collaboration with professional organizations like MESPA?
I believe that as leaders of school communities, it is our responsibility to ensure that we are taking steps towards continuous personal and professional growth. As the role of elementary principal continues to evolve to meet the needs of our school communities, it is absolutely necessary that we continue to find a balance between that personal and professional growth.
We set the tone for our school communities. We lead our school communities. We are at our best as leaders when we do so with a Healthy Heart and Healthy Mind.
"I believe that as leaders of school communities, it is our responsibility to ensure that we are taking steps towards continuous personal and professional growth."
Mission: The Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association is dedicated to promoting and improving education for children and youth, strengthening the role as educational leader for elementary and middle level principals, and collaborating with partners in education to assist in achieving these goals.
Leading schools toward excellence through the MESPA vision to be the premiere resource for preparing today's principals for tomorrow and a strong leading voice for public education.
Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association
