Teacher Talk: How to Make Good Eggs!

This edition comes from Sufian Sadiq @unleashing_me

Introduction

When we think about teacher career progression, we automatically picture the incremental steps from ECT all the way up to Headteacher and beyond. But - What truly makes a good leader? Does the natural progression from ECT to Headteacher mean that you are best equipped to lead? Has that progression route equipped you with the skills to lead effectively? 

Or, dare I ask - can you be a great leader when you may not have been the best classroom practitioner? 

The answer, quite frankly is… yes. domain excellence doesn’t necessarily equate to leadership excellence? 

‘Do the suite of professional qualifications? Develop characteristics and traits? Or just knowledge?’

The Qualities of an incredible Practitioner 

If we think about the qualities of an incredible practitioner, they appreciate feedback. Are proactive and have incredible subject knowledge and passion.  

But do these qualities transfer to a leader? What other skills does a great leader require? And importantly, does a great subject expert mean you’ll become a great leader? The answer, quite frankly is… no. 

‘Domain Excellence - does it equate to Leadership Excellence?’

The very best leaders also have highly honed communication skills, the vision and integrity to drive forward improvement, make an impact for all, whilst showing empathy, decisiveness and accountability. 

Let’s take a moment to ask ourselves - Does the suite of professional qualifications develop characteristics and traits? Or just knowledge?  

Should you be responsible for people just because you are a master in a discipline?

The answer, quite frankly is, ... no.

• Just because you can teach…
  • Or you can Talk about teaching
    • Or you understand the science of learning
      • Doesn’t mean that you can lead teachers

AND the reality of this situation is harsh and having a true impact upon our sector. 

In football, the leaders get sacked for poor leadership.  In education, teachers leave if leaders are poor. 

So… what can we do about it? 

We regularly invest in our school improvement by providing CPD to develop our teachers. But, how often do we create environments and opportunities to turn great teachers into great leaders? Or realise the potential of staff that may not be great teachers but would make exceptional leaders? This pathway is not linear for all. 

This leads to the best part - How do you make Good Eggs?

Firstly, we need to Develop Leadership Expertise.

We aren’t talking about understanding frameworks or policy (although necessary). We are talking about human centred leadership. Let’s open communication channels, ensure our leaders can actively listen, empathise, are receptive and compassionate to all. Let’s Build Connections across and within our schools or Trust. Let’s connect our leaders via their expertise and joint missions.

As a sector we need to Empower Improvement but of leadership specific skills and explicitly train our leaders to be experts as leaders. If we get this right, we will Grow a Culture of Leadership and Development, which will retain and attract staff, develop our schools and have a positive impact upon achievement for all. 

So, what does it all boil down to… How to make good eggs!