“This is the most sexist, racist place on the planet and I am underpaid, understaffed, overworked, and summarily ignored.” Where have you heard that before? Perhaps one of the descriptors resonates with you. If we are honest, maybe more than one of those sentiments has been in our heart (if not on our lips), and maybe more than once in … Read More
We’ve Got to Talk the Walk: Intentionally Supporting Women in Christian School Leadership
I was stunned. There she sat—an intelligent, energetic, Christcentered young faculty member—and her question to me, the (also female) assistant headmaster at her Christian school, was whether or not our leadership team values and supports women in leadership. We were having an in-depth conversation about our institution’s mission and vision, and she honestly wasn’t sure. After I assured her of … Read More
Women in Educational Leadership: Challenges and Supports
If one discovered an untapped source of gifted leadership for schools and organizations, it would be inexcusable not to share that with the educational community. Yet there is such a source, in gifted women leaders. Currently there is a scarcity of female leadership in Christian education. All leadership is costly—and tough, especially for women who believe God has called … Read More
Blessing the Culture for Good
When you are asked the question, “Why Christian school?”, what is your reply? Do you perhaps point to the biblical imperative that parents should teach their children the faith, or perhaps you cite the sociological evidence that subcultures are effective at reproducing religious faith? Maybe you argue that Christian schools are a conserving force in the face of moral decay … Read More
Using Research to Prove Our Point – Part 2
As consumers, we go through the process of constantly gathering data in order to make the best purchasing decisions. Parents do the same with school choices. Parents want proof for the claims we make which should not surprise us. We are conditioned to expect evidence to back up claims made by others for two reasons: experience tells us that people … Read More
Choosing a College? Beware a Short-Sighted View
When I was a high school senior, I focused on finding the best college that would benefit me and my future. It was an individualistic approach, paying attention to the best scholarships offered, how nice the admissions counselor was, and how many complimented me for being accepted to the school. I didn’t really consider or give weight to how my … Read More
Cost of Leadership: Brief Inquiry into Head of School Compensation
Conclusion as the Introduction: Traditionally, an essay concludes with findings and ruminations, but for this blog I’m using a different approach as I’d like to frontload my comments before you dig into the information below. When I started this blog, my assumptions of leadership, which I’ve written about in many blogs are: School success is dependent upon quality and stable … Read More
Teacher Shortage and Strategic Compensation: Conversation with Jon Eckert
Jon and I have had prior conversations on Collective Leadership, and I’ve become more convinced that building the professional and leadership capacity of educators within our schools and profession who enjoy doing hard and innovative work together is the primary way to improve our schools, educational opportunities for students, and the enjoyment of our work. I recently wrote a bit … Read More
“My Masters Story…”
I was on vacation with my family in Florida when I saw a man wearing a Masters Tournament golf hat. I started a brief conversation with this complete stranger by asking him if he was attending the tournament this year. This led to a very fun conversation and something that I think is a great reminder for us as we … Read More
Considering the Power of Bilingual Christian Education
Let’s say a world-renowned soccer expert happens to observe your preschooler, and then approaches you saying, “Excuse me, but I just have to tell you that your child has ridiculous potential to become a soccer star.” Odds are you will enroll your future standout in a soccer program before the end of the week. What if I told you that … Read More