Having worked now in eight different schools, I have taken away many lessons. Following is the short version of each. The school(s) in parentheses are where I learned the lesson - some because they do it; some because they don't but should.
1) A school should have an overarching curriculum that they expect students to cover by the time they leave the school. (Brearley)
2) Give students more and more responsibility as they get older; they will mature faster as a result and will benefit in many ways. (Groton)
3) Always be working on several big ideas, but don't attempt too many at the same time lest you fail to spend sufficient time and effort on any of them. (HKIS)
4) Start and continue several conversations throughout the year on various aspects of professional development. (Brearley)
5) The presence of bright, motivated students does not mean they do not need support; make sure your safety net is in place. (Stuyvesant)
6) Have teachers sit in on other teachers classes constantly and consistently; the best feedback comes from colleagues.
7) Character education is essential; plan for it and make it part of everything. (Groton)
8) Don't rest on your laurels; constantly strive to improve the teaching and the education. (Fieldston; Groton)
9) Bright students will learn despite bad teaching; don't assume that students learning means the teaching is any good. (Stuyvesant)
10) Spend the time - make the investment in people and processes. Take the first several days of each school year to lay the groundwork for a successful year. Get to know everyone; do character education; review expectations and give students the tools to succeed.
1) A school should have an overarching curriculum that they expect students to cover by the time they leave the school. (Brearley)
2) Give students more and more responsibility as they get older; they will mature faster as a result and will benefit in many ways. (Groton)
3) Always be working on several big ideas, but don't attempt too many at the same time lest you fail to spend sufficient time and effort on any of them. (HKIS)
4) Start and continue several conversations throughout the year on various aspects of professional development. (Brearley)
5) The presence of bright, motivated students does not mean they do not need support; make sure your safety net is in place. (Stuyvesant)
6) Have teachers sit in on other teachers classes constantly and consistently; the best feedback comes from colleagues.
7) Character education is essential; plan for it and make it part of everything. (Groton)
8) Don't rest on your laurels; constantly strive to improve the teaching and the education. (Fieldston; Groton)
9) Bright students will learn despite bad teaching; don't assume that students learning means the teaching is any good. (Stuyvesant)
10) Spend the time - make the investment in people and processes. Take the first several days of each school year to lay the groundwork for a successful year. Get to know everyone; do character education; review expectations and give students the tools to succeed.