The characteristics that define an excellent administrator can be summed up in three words, Firm, Fair, and Consistent. Administration is a tough business, every day brings a new challenge and leaders must be able to tackle those challenges in a manner that is firm and decisive, fair to all stakeholders, and consistent with board policy, personal integrity, and ethical behavior all while keeping students at the center of all decision-making.
Being firm or steadfast is an essential characteristic for an administrator. Similar to a captain sailing on a stormy sea, administrators must know how to steadfastly lead everyone in their stewardship through the storms of everyday life whether they are teachers, students, parents, or community members. Firm decision-making that is research-based and aligns with the school and districts vision and goals will create a solid and steadfast foundation that both teachers and students can rely on and trust. Crew members follow their captain because they know that the captain will not steer them wrong or put them into mortal danger, the same is true for administrators who provide firm and steadfast leadership.
The second essential characteristic that defines an excellent administrator is their ability to be fair. This is my passion in life and the topic that I advocate for the most in my field of education. Fairness, equality, and equity. All students, regardless of where they live or how much money their parents make, their immigration status or the color of their skin deserve the same opportunities in education and life. Educational programs offered in wealthy school districts such as robotics, engineering, or design should be offered in all school districts. Struggling schools must be provided with more resources and specialized teachers to counterbalance the effects of poverty and other societal issues that are keeping students from obtaining high academic achievement. Students deserve every opportunity to find success and it is the administrator’s job to make sure that it happens. An excellent administrator is committed to fairness and equity of opportunity and will do whatever it takes to ensure that the students in their care receive the outstanding education they deserve.
Finally, excellent administrators are consistent in everything that they do. They are consistently seeking to improve themselves through lifelong educational experiences. They are consistently searching out new and innovative programs, technology, methodologies, and strategies to improve teacher capacity, and they consistently implement practices and actions that support the goals of the school and the policies of the district. Education is the business of shaping lives and helping others to reach their highest potential, whether they are students, teachers, or parents. Every person deserves to be treated with a consistent high level of respect, kindness, and empathy.
When it comes down to it, administrators are meant to inspire others to be their best selves by creating a safe learning environment that everyone, students, parents, and teachers want to be in. An administrator that exemplifies the qualities of being firm, fair, and consistent will be able to create an ideal learning environment that promotes high standards of academic achievement and social/emotional well-being.
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