Leadership: Temperature Check

The philosophy of a school may be identified in the way each institution carries out its daily procedures, it is established through their core practices, beliefs, values, traditions, patterns of behaviour, climate, and environment. No school operates without its own culture it has a unique personality; often times it is a subset of the country’s culture, emulating its ideal practices and best customs. School culture is also seen as a distinct part of the hidden curriculum it is not taught by teachers or written on the walls, it is a message spoken without words; its members adopt an approach to living and an attitude to learning- sometimes positive, sometimes negative. However, in an effort to achieve our goals as educators we should consider "breathing life" into our work spaces.  

Fullan (2001) argues that leading in a culture of change means creating a culture (not just a structure) of change, it means producing the capacity to seek, critically assess, and selectively incorporate new ideas and practices – all the time, inside the organization as well as outside it. Leadership helps to define what the future should look like, it aligns people with that vision and inspires them to make it a reality despite the obstacles. It is difficult to lead in toxic environments that ‘strangle and stifle’ the passion within educators to rise up and meet the demands of this ever changing industry. Leaders have the responsibility to eradicate the tensions and dispel fears and seek to establish within their communities a mind set for success through communication, critical thinking, creativity and collaboration at its highest level. 

It is important to note that leaders manage systems and lead people and not the opposite. Management is a set of processes that can keep a complicated system of people and technology running smoothly. Once this is understood the moment of transformation takes place at the point of convergence between forces for change including circumstances, follower readiness and the emergence and effectiveness of the leader; the leader must create the follower readiness through his or her own ability to influence others. Leaders should deem it important to check and adjust temperatures especially in the midst of change. Since our educational philosophies ultimately determine how we function as leaders in our learning communities. As an instructional leader it is important to create a space where the process of improving teaching and learning is deemed as desirous and up lifting. 

I believe that teaching and learning is at the heart of every booming educational institution.  The right support will enable persons to grow within the profession. Therefore the right supervision will ensure that the teacher is able to function in the complexities of the classroom while adapting to the changes. This may be achieved by creating a climate that facilitates the exchange of ideas, celebrating victories and learning the lessons from challenges encountered and trying again.                                                                                                                                                              

As an educator it is easy for me to put forward that leadership is both an art and a science and thus school organizations need strong leaders for optimum effectiveness. When leaders are able to articulate a vision and out line and communicate the vision and mission to all relevant stakeholders then all concerned will see the importance of implementing any policy that will improve the institution. Marketing and selling ideas may not always be easy but a good leader will see the importance of reinventing the strategies to gain "follower-ship". In a world where education plays an imperative role to its development and sustainability more than it did two centuries ago, appropriate guidance, management and leadership is absolutely necessary within educational environments. It is through effective leadership that schools will adapt to the ever changing demands and complexities of the society to produce students who will achieve the required knowledge, skills and attitudes to succeed in a competitive world. 

 The truth is, leadership is a learned behaviour; over a period of time people are taught and eventually learn how to lead and be valuable leaders. Chapman (2014) argues that “change management entails the thoughtful planning and sensitive implementation and consultation with, and involvement of the people affected by the changes. If change is forced on people normally problems arise. Change must be realistic, achievable and measurable”. Ultimately, leadership affects the climate, it either increases, decreases or stabilizes the temperature in the school environment. If leaders intend to get the job done well, we have to examine the climate and make the changes where necessary! Nobody likes to work in the rain. As leaders let us make a conscious effort in our approach to managing the climate change by using our Jamaican way of saying - “Tun up di ting!”

-Teacher Pat

Patricka Blake-Dennis is the founder and CEO of PD Educates, a successful teacher of History and Curriculum Coach. She's been invited to train, coach and motivate, students, teachers and young professionals by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Norman Manley Law School, Shortwood Teachers College and Northern Caribbean University.


Follow her @mzpattie11