Back-to-School Tips for Superintendents (Part 2)
The new school year is well underway. As superintendent of your district, your leadership sets the tone for how the months to come will unfold. You likely have already visited your schools and made contact with all of your principals and teachers. They know you are there to help, offering guidance and assistance any way you can. Routines such as regular sit-downs with your principals and their leadership teams and attendance at faculty meetings can establish your availability as a source of support.
Now that the foundation for the year is set and internal connections are being strengthened, it’s time to reach out and spread the word to a wider audience. Enhancing your district’s communications with various stakeholder groups is an important way to demonstrate how engaged and invested you and your team are in the success of the entire school community. Here are three tips to help you:
1. Promote a Growth Mindset
Create a culture that encourages professional development. Raise awareness among your principals about upcoming opportunities for them and their teachers. Establish space in each building and/or online where principals and faculty members can easily access information about professional development opportunities.
Take it a step further by hosting a book study that covers a full range of education topics. This engages principals and teachers in learning from experts and each other, fostering dialogue that can inform how to create an environment that supports success for everyone.
2. Encourage Your Principals to Network with Each Other
Principals face a diverse range of challenges every day and must act decisively to address issues. By establishing a supportive network within your district, principals can troubleshoot and problem-solve with each other, sharing professional and personal experiences.
Encourage principals to visit each other and schedule sit-downs to exchange best practices and insights. This collaboration helps build a strong foundation of shared knowledge and support.
3. Promote Your District and Schools on Social Media
As a community leader, others look to you for direction and support. Use your professional social media platforms, such as LinkedIn and Twitter, to share district and school news and updates. Highlight successes within your school community and demonstrate your support for the educators, students, and families you serve.
Summary
As superintendent, you are the glue that holds your school community together. Your leadership sets an example for building a foundation for success and fostering a network of support. By promoting professional development, encouraging collaboration, and sharing your district’s achievements, you can help create an environment where everyone thrives.
