The Unexpected Path: From Teacher to School Leader

My school leadership journey has been an enlightening adventure filled with challenges and opportunities across public and private Pre-K through school settings, encompassing physical school buildings and remote learning platforms. My work experience in education has ranged from being a preschool director and substitute teacher to an assistant principal. In every scenario, it was essential to cultivate a mindset and develop skills that uphold creativity, innovation, adaptability, and resilience. These experiences have shaped my approach to leadership, allowing me to navigate the complexities of modern education and continuously strive for improvement and growth.

An Unexpected Opportunity at a Café

One of the most significant experiences occurred a few years ago. It was the day after the close of the academic year for the School District of Philadelphia. I was excited about an upcoming meeting with a colleague for breakfast at a charming new bookstore with a cozy café in the Germantown section of the city. As I ordered an orange juice and gourmet breakfast sandwich, I could not help but feel a sense of anticipation. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, mingling with the scents of fresh baked goods. Just as I finished ordering, I heard an unfamiliar voice behind me saying, "It is my treat." I turned around in surprise, and a tall woman stood smiling warmly at me. I thanked her and mentioned that I was just laid off for the summer. She told me she is a principal at a K-8 parochial school and was trying to fill several teacher openings. We exchanged contact information, and I emailed her my resume that afternoon. She immediately scheduled an interview. That unexpected encounter marked the beginning of a new chapter in my career.

Embracing New Challenges

However, this opportunity came with unexpected challenges. Accepting the role of lead teacher at a private Catholic school introduced me to many new responsibilities and hurdles. The journey ahead would test my resilience and adaptability in ways I had not anticipated.

For instance, I discovered that the school recently underwent a monumental leadership change that impacted the organizational culture and community stakeholders. The school board ended the practice of using nuns from the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM), who had voluntarily operated the Catholic school for over 100 years. These changes created numerous vacancies and escalated financial obligations, adversely impacting the school budget.

Additionally, the principal was a novice with only one year of experience as an assistant principal at a public high school before joining the private elementary school. Shortly after working there, I discovered that the principal had started restructuring systems without observing the organizational culture. One of her immediate changes was to promote me to assistant principal. Subsequently, I received several administrative responsibilities, including fundraising and school safety management, without training or preparation.

Navigating Leadership Transitions

I heavily relied on the foundation of my undergraduate studies in Organizational Leadership and the advanced knowledge from my graduate studies in Urban Studies with a concentration in Community Development. This educational background equipped me with the skills and insights necessary to navigate my new role's complex challenges and responsibilities.

Unfortunately, student enrollment continued declining, and the school continued to experience budgetary and workforce issues. Although the school remained open for two more years, it grappled with financial challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, it did not survive for long and was shut down permanently at the end of the 2020/2021 school year.

Reflections on Effective School Leadership

The continued survival of an educational institution relies on the management's proficiency in effectively navigating change. Researchers describe leadership as the actions or processes that individuals employ to inspire people to achieve common goals and objectives (Lord et al., 1999; Northouse, 2022).

Interestingly, studies reveal a link between a principal's leadership style and the creation of sustainable learning environments. Principals must develop competencies and behavioral traits that enhance their knowledge and skills to manage organizations effectively. Key elements of competent management include accountability, authenticity, and self-awareness (Llopis, 2016; Reimer, 2016).

Sometimes, opportunities find us when we least expect them, reminding us to stay open to new possibilities. An effective leader understands that organizational needs differ, and leadership styles must align with the institution's mission and vision, especially when entering a new environment. Additionally, schools experiencing significant leadership changes pose monumental tasks for experienced and novice leaders. My experience at the parochial school showed me how challenging running a school can be, particularly for newly recruited leaders tasked with facilitating a school turnaround. Furthermore, I learned that guiding educational institutions through transition periods demands self-aware leaders who make decisions focusing on the organization and its stakeholders.

Reflecting on my journey through various leadership roles in education, it is clear that the experiences and lessons learned are not just my own. They serve as a guide for others who are navigating their paths in leadership. The challenges I faced as a new school leader and the growth I experienced have provided invaluable insights that will inspire and empower you in your journey. With this in mind, I offer the following suggestions to help you embrace your potential and positively impact the world of education and beyond.

First, I urge you to embrace opportunities that come your way and also be aware of seen and unseen obstacles when entering an unfamiliar environment. Stay open to the unexpected possibilities yet alert to the hidden or unknown ethos or culture. Also, remember that adaptability and resilience are key to navigating change as you become the leader you aspire to be.

Secondly, continue to invest in your education and seek ways to expand your knowledge and skills. Commit to lifelong learning and personal development through formal studies or real-world experiences.

Lastly, advocate for effective leadership practices prioritizing accountability, authenticity, and self-awareness. Create sustainable learning environments that focus on the community's well-being and foster leadership that aligns with the organization's success.

These recommendations can help aspiring school leaders enhance their leadership effectiveness and drive positive change within their institutions. By embracing these actions, leaders can foster environments that support creativity, innovation, and resilience among students, staff, and the broader school community.

References

Llopis, G. (2016, March 29). Leaders must develop six competencies to avoid causing chaos. Forbes.

Lord, R. G., Brown, D. J. & Freiberg, S. J. (1999). Understanding the dynamics of leadership: The role of follower self-concepts in the leader/follower relationship. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 78(3), 167–203. https://doi-org.links.franklin.edu/10.1006/obhd.1999.2832

Northouse, P. G. (2022). Leadership: Theory and practice (9th ed.). SAGE.