This article is contributed by Jim Pavlacka, NCEA Director of Leadership Development.
Even though the summer month of August has just begun, the start of another new school year is just around the corner. You know how one can tell? That’s right, the back-to-school sales have started and Staples is beginning to air their commercials with the Andy William’s 1963 Christmas song playing in the background, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” And truly it can be. The start of the new school year should be the most wonderful time for teachers, students and administration alike.
As a former school administrator, I remember how quiet and peaceful summers can be in a school building. While the building is getting refreshed and upgraded – fresh coats of paint, waxing of floors and surfaces, windows cleaned and new technology installed – administrators are busy ordering, receiving and distributing new materials, updating handbooks and already planning the use of their state title funding for the following school year. I know, it doesn’t sound so peaceful and quiet.
However, it goes without saying, a lot of planning occurs prior to the start of a new school year, and a little strategic planning can set the tone for the entire school year and have everyone starting off on the right foot.
The following are the top five things to consider as you approach the start of the new school year:
- Organize/Reorganize – Okay, overall the school is ready and the classrooms look refreshed. So, what about your office? When was the last time you sorted through that pile on the corner of your desk? Or that file drawer? Or maybe your entire office looks like it was hit by a tornado? Take time to organize your personal paperwork and professional documents. You never know when the diocesan office will call and you will need to produce and/or complete a form.
- Building Community & Relationships – What do you have planned for the upcoming school year that lets your faculty and staff know that you truly do care and that you’re not just sitting in your office or walking the halls peeking in their classrooms. We have already planned and scheduled events for our school families. Your faculty and staff are equally important and enjoy community building and relationship building times as well. Be sure to schedule some time and events throughout the school year for new and veteran faculty and staff alike to interact, mingle and engage with one another – both socially and professionally.
- Personal Professional Development – Now that you have your faculty, staff and school community planned for and taken care of, what about you? Set a goal or two for yourself. Select an area, professionally, personally and/or spiritually that you would like to see yourself improve. Then put a plan into place that allows you to successfully achieve your goals.
- Make sure you’re ready – So, the school is ready, the paperwork is complete, all textbooks have arrived and plans are in place… but are you really ready? Did you take some time for yourself? A vacation? If you’re not refreshed and renewed, everyone will know. Your job as the school leader is very demanding. Each new school year is an exciting new journey. Be sure to set aside some decompression time for yourself.
- Always keep it in perspective – Remember, there are four qualities of effective and inspiring leadership that apply to both Catholic school administrators and teachers alike:
- Be patient
- Be flexible
- Keep a sense of humor
- Allow your faith to guide your decisions
Have a great start to the new school year!
