Principals as first leaders

The article this week is from Jim Knight, a leading expert on coaching and professional learning, and highlights the importance of learning for school leaders.

Key points

• If we want students to be lifelong learners, then teachers need to be learners.
• If we want teachers to embrace learning, it starts with principals and leaders. The idea that leaders should be the first learners in their schools is essential, yet it is often easier said than done.
• In the face of these constant demands, it can seem nearly impossible for leaders to carve out time for their own professional learning.
• However, the reality is that if leaders don’t prioritize their own learning, it becomes exponentially harder for change to take root in their schools.
• If leaders don’t lead by example, if they don’t demonstrate a commitment to their own growth, how can we expect teachers – and by extension, students – to take their learning seriously?
• Principals serve as the keystone for the entire learning culture of a school.
• If leaders are not actively engaged in learning – whether it is attending workshops, reading research, or participating in coaching – then the message sent to teachers is clear: learning is not a priority.
• When principals lead by example, teachers are more likely to follow suit, and when teachers are learning, students benefit most.

What you can do

• Leaders need to explicitly and regularly highlight the importance of staff development and learning
• Leaders need to attend professional learning workshops and be visibly engaged (no laptops or phone calls)
• Ideally, leaders are presenting workshops that share latest research on teaching and school improvement.

Read the full article.

Happy coaching,
Mark

Some upcoming events:

1. April 3-4: Flinders 2025 Science of Learning Conference
2. May 19-21 IBSC Conference Perth: (Registration – International Boys’ Schools Coalition