Reflecting on Leadership Qualities That Build Thriving School Communities
As I continue my third year as ATA president, I have had the privilege of connecting with unit members across various sites, grade levels, and departments. These conversations have reaffirmed the profound impact that strong, supportive leadership has on the success of our schools. It is evident that educators thrive when they feel valued and supported—a sentiment that often stems from the qualities of their administrators.
Outstanding school leaders consistently demonstrate key characteristics that set the foundation for positive and productive learning environments. Here are the leadership qualities the unit members I've spoken with value most:
1. Support During Challenging Situations
Effective administrators excel at supporting educators as they face complex challenges, such as dealing with difficult students or addressing parental concerns. They provide practical strategies, consistent support, and recognition of educators' efforts, reminding them they are not alone. In contrast, administrators who fall short in this area often undermine educators by ignoring disciplinary referrals and failing to assist in managing challenging conversations with parents, which erodes trust and morale.
2. Recognition and Encouragement
Great leaders prioritize building their teams up. They recognize and celebrate achievements, offering encouragement that fuels educators’ motivation and growth. Whether through a sincere compliment in a meeting or a private acknowledgment of effort, this positive reinforcement inspires excellence. In contrast, administrators who play favorites or neglect the broader staff contribute to feelings of alienation and undervaluation.
3. Inclusive Decision-Making
Leaders who seek and respect educators’ input foster a sense of ownership and collaboration. Involving those directly impacted in classroom decisions or workloads creates a culture of trust and shared responsibility. On the other hand, administrators who rely solely on an inner circle while claiming broad staff consensus risk alienating the people whose expertise they need.
4. Fairness and Openess to Feedback
Fairness and transparency are the bedrock of effective leadership. Administrators who approach challenges with integrity and treat all staff equitably help build cohesive, trusting school communities. In contrast, those who respond defensively to constructive feedback—such as concerns about the quality of site professional development or the effectiveness of consultants—can hinder progress and create unnecessary tension.
5. Effective Advocacy
The best administrators advocate tirelessly for their schools and staff. They amplify the voices of educators, fight for essential resources, and ensure the school's needs are heard and addressed at the district level. Leaders who avoid advocacy due to fears of political repercussions often struggle to secure the support that educators and students need to succeed and the respect of their staff.
These qualities are the foundations of successful schools. As we progress, let’s acknowledge the many administrators in AUSD who embody these traits and are dedicated to creating a district where every educator feels supported, appreciated, and empowered to thrive.
Ralph Hernandez
alhambrateacherspresident@gmail.com
