Northern Tier Leadership

One of the facilitators of the Northern Tier Leadership course I am enrolled in, and a colleague and fellow administrator, came for a visit January 24. We sat and talked about the strengths of my school, my challenges, what I have been trying, my findings, and my next steps. It was extremely helpful to have two outside sets of eyes and ears. I felt quite comfortable with the arrangement of having another administrator come along, as we had worked together in a previous position.

I felt especially supported and affirmed in that meeting. Both visitors commented on the positive - how the school looked in appearance, how the students were engaged in learning, how the staff seemed to be at home with us popping in, and with my vision of learning for the school that I had voiced in our meeting. Our facilitator said he knew the moment I started talking like a leader: I sat up and announced how I saw learning progressing and what I was working for with the staff and students.

We talked about the upcoming staff meeting and my plans for presenting promising practices to the staff. I showed both my presentation powerpoint and was able to get some feedback from our facilitator. He told me that I should begin with my presentation and do the business afterword. Well, I thought I knew better and did the staff business first. Consequently, I wasn't able to spend the time on the presentation that I would have liked and I went over by about 20 minutes. I'll certainly take his advice next time.

I then went to my colleague's school and toured and talked with her and our facilitator again about leadership and learning. This time it was all about my colleague. I seemed to do a fair amount of talking too, but was assured that it was good feedback.

This whole learning experience was the best professional development I've done in a long time. It really helps to be in each other's schools, listening to other leaders and getting expert advice from those who are in the know.

I am grateful to my division for allowing me to take the time for this professional development. I will also say that this is probably the best professional development in building capacity for leadership, not just for principals and vice-principals, but for school staffs too.