On the martyred teacher syndrome

“Come down off your cross, we need the wood!” (Dolly Parton)

This post was written by Deirdre Torrance of University of Edinburgh and summer school delegate.

Andy Hargreaves was given the challenging role of sustaining an entire day at the Summer School on School Leadership. He engaged delegates throughout the day with interaction and good humour. The subject matter was informed and informative, covering:

• policy development past and present
• features of sustainable leadership
• the 5 pillars of purpose
• the 3 principles of professionalism
• the 4 catalysts of coherence
• and the 3 outriders of reform

Lessons learned from 5 R&D initiatives across the globe were used to illustrate key points throughout and clear messages were delivered which challenge school leadership practice and Scottish policy development. His analysis of what makes Finland successful was particularly useful.

 It was a privilege to engage with colleagues in discussion and debate throughout the day.

Today’s quote of the day comes from Alma Harris

“Lord, if I die let it be on a staff development day when the distinction between life and death is imperceptible!”

Today’s clip features Fiona Hyslop (Cabinet Secretary for Education)

This post was written by Lynne Sinclair (professional adviser to Scottish Government) and delegate to the International Summer School on Leadership

Professor Harris shared with us that she arrived at the conference  during a thunderstorm. Her insightful and thought-provoking presentation ensured that she departed to thunderous applause.

She opened her comments by sharing that she is passionate about understanding how schools improve in order to maximize the life chances in all children.  This passion was obvious throughout her seminar as was her determination to ensure that research is relevant and informative in educational reform.

She covered a wide range of areas in the short hour and I could happily have listened far longer both to her wisdoms and her wicked sense of humour.  By drawing together highlights in research she delivered compelling messages in relation to school improvement and leadership .  She argued that distributed leadership is a common denominator in schools that have secured and sustained long term improvement. She highlighted that leadership is highly context dependent. She emphasised the importance of effective teaching. Flowing through her comments was her view that schools can improve themselves. She urged us to ask the question before any improvement initiative is introduced, “What difference will this make in the classroom?”

Professor Harris wondered aloud if we would only have listened to 10-15% of her presentation as this would be in line with some research. I for one would say no as I was thoroughly engaged and inspired. Maybe the next time we hear her will be at the signing of her forthcoming book….

PS Alma referred during her presentation to the OECD report on school leadership.

The Cabinet Secretary got things going on day 3 with a passionate and packed address. Her commitment was to outline her vision for the education of Scotland’s young people in reference to the Curriculum for Excellence and to focus on the importance of leadership in delivering that vision. She spoke of the crucial importance of the early years, of the need for closer partnerships between Faculties of Education and teachers, of the new relationships between central and local government and the opportunities these bring, and of CfE and qualifications.

She gave an overview of some of the leadership activity which is happening across the country and paid tribute to the wealth of experience and the excellent practice that she had seen in many different areas. She reminded delegates of her intention to produce a paper on leadership as evidence of her belief that great leadership is fundamental to the programme of transformational change that we are currently undertaking.

Many delegates were still talking and thinking about Malachi’s session yesterday, and she informed us that in the 14 months that she had been in post, she had spent perhaps only 30 minutes at the computer screen. ‘Nuff said!

I am delighted to be able to join you here today at the 2nd Scottish Government International Summer School on School Leadership.  The excellent turn out during the summer holidays is a clear indication of the significance that this event has for educational leaders.  I am pleased to see that we have wide representations from within schools (headteachers, deputy headteachers, principal teachers, chartered teachers and classroom teachers) and from local authorities and other stakeholders.  I am also glad that the summer school has again been able to attract interest from abroad.  I am sure you are all enjoying your week - it certainly looks an interesting, varied and challenging programme. I want to do two things as I speak to you this afternoon. 

This post was written by Margaret Orr of the National CPD Team. You can find out more about Malachi Pancoast’s  work on his web site, the Breakthrough Coach

Following the lunch break at any conference is always a challenge but Malachi rose to it very well and energised the group, including a very good stress buster exercise – just breathe deeply! He also managed to make housekeeping an attractive proposition. I am sure that all delegates undertook a voluntary (or involuntary) visioning exercise of their own office. Maybe they also envisioned whose office was going to be grateful recipient of all their treasured possessions!

It would be easy to remember Malachi’s session for the above but miss the core message. In whatever context we work, there is potential and capacity to reflect on organisational practice and change. However that is managed will be based on the leader’s knowledge and understanding of the context in which they work.

The success of Malachi’s strategy is clearly dependent on the leader having a high calibre support machine (both admin and classroom-based) – factors outwith the direct control of school managers? How many of us have Ronaldos on our staff?

His invitation to be open to change by reflecting on our current practice is valid – echoing the emphasis of self-evaluation promoted by HMIE and chimes with the aspirations of a Curriculum for Excellence. The translation of his 7 steps to producing a breakthrough will be determined by internal and external factors and the encouraged expectations that our customers and clients have of the system.

While the open door approach does have its dangers if not carefully managed, there is an obligation on school managers to respond to the needs of pupils and parents – both legal and professional. Often, these imperatives cannot be ignored, no matter how impeccable your office or strong-willed your secretary!

All of us will have tuned into different aspects of Malachi’s vision. The degree to which it applies is also for each individual to determine. I wish you luck with your duster!

Chris Ward on day 2 of the summer school challenged us to come up with describing our best leadership qualities. This ‘cloud’ summarises the view of conference. The bigger the size of font, the more groups voted for it!

Both Chris and Malachi came away with a few crackers but quote of the day comes from Chris

“Nobody likes change, except maybe a wet baby!”

Clip of the day also features Chris