PRINCIPAL PERSPECTIVES
– Stacey Green –
Pk-7 principal at Stockton Grade School. USD #271 family. Follow our district at @USD271_Schools
Leading for Growth
Principal Perspectives #9, March 11, 2019
Ever since Peter Senge developed the idea of a “learning organization”, companies and schools alike have sought to use leadership as a catalyst for growth. In today’s Principal Perspective, we highlight Stacey Green as she is leading for growth in her school.
Leading a Continuum of Growth
The Principal Perspective
I believe we focus on the strengths and also look at a continuum of growth-what is the next “move” to get better. We never arrive…continued growth! – Stacey Green
Leading for growth is about shifting the culture. It’s about crafting a culture of learning and growth. This is what our schools need. This is what makes a learning organization.
There are 5 characteristics of a learning organization:
- Collaborative Culture (Systems Thinking)
- Growth Mindset (Personal Mastery)
- Inspiring Innovation (Mental Models)
- Future-Minded Leadership (Shared Vision)
- Open Knowledge Sharing (Team Learning)
A Journey of Growth and Change. Sharing the ins and outs of our redesign! Self-care first! @KSDEredesign @USD271_Schools #TigerPride271 pic.twitter.com/7nf3r09HJZ
— Stacey Green (@usd271sgs) March 4, 2019
Stories and Challenges of Growth
The Principal Perspective
This is the qualitative data-the stories and teachers in action. I love when staff members thank me for edging them into the uncomfortable and they flourish. It’s also the stories from kids, parents, and other staff. – Stacey Green
Data requires meaning-making and crafting of stories. Stories help us make sense of the challenge. Stories help us find meaning in the challenges.
The “challenge” is where the growth is. Growth is about moving from one way of thinking to another – from one way of doing to another. This is not always comfortable.
A culture of growth is one in which the people appreciate the challenge. There’s an understanding that discomfort is not always bad…it’s usually a sign of growth.
Growth is not just about teachers. It’s about growth for the entire school, and it shows up in the stories from kids, parents, and all stakeholders.
Leading for Growth, Inward Journey
The Principal Perspective
I determine my growth areas through purposeful reflection, our McREL rubric, district goals, and feedback from my trusted, honest peers. – Stacey Green
The inward journey of growth is the first journey of leadership. Without this ongoing inward cycle of learning, it’s difficult to lead others. John F. Kennedy once said, ““Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”
In a recent leadership article from Forbes, the author claimed that the best leaders are full-time learners:
“Leaders must be learners. It doesn’t have the same ring to it, but it’s just as important. I respect leaders who are continuously learning because I know they’re challenging their own assumptions and bringing more knowledge to the table each time we converse.”
Schools need leaders of learning. We need principals like Stacey Green who are constantly leading for growth.
Connect with Stacey on Twitter @usd271sgs
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