As a teacher, I had a philosophy of education. This one page document outlined my teaching philosophy, practices, and hopes for my students. I had it printed for easy access and referred to it often during my first few years of teaching. In a nutshell, it defined who I was as a teacher and the impact I hoped to have on my students.

As an administrator, why should it be any different? I recently attended a workshop with Harvey Alvy that focused on school leadership and, at this conference, he and I spoke at length of the importance for school leaders to be clear of their own personal philosophy and to have it written down. Being clear of my philosophy as an administrator takes me one step closer in ensuring that my core beliefs and vision are at the forefront of daily interactions, discussions, and decisions with all school stakeholders.

The first assistant principal position I applied and interviewed for I was not offered the job. Upon reflection, I know that the main reason I was not offered the position was because I was not clear of my own vision and philosophy as an administrator. I imagine that most people in that room left my interview saying, “That was fine. He had good answers. But we wanted more. Who will he be as an administrator?” Simply put, if I was not clear in that interview of my own philosophy and vision then how do I expect others to be able to know who I am as an administrator and to trust that I can lead and together we can move the school forward?

So, I ask this very important question…what is your philosophy of education as an aspiring administrator (or current administrator)? Are you able to share it with others?

To help you get started, if this is your first time conceptualizing this larger idea, start by listing down those educational beliefs that are non-negotiable.

Here are a few of mine:

• improving student learning and teacher instruction
• building a collaborative school culture (the importance of team)
• supporting teacher leaders and future administrators
• creating positive relationships with all school stakeholders (listening)

After you have completed your list of non-negotiables, craft your philosophy of administration to match your character and personality. Most importantly, remember that all of your conversations as an educator, with all school stakeholders, should be grounded in and come back to your core beliefs and vision. This will be especially important during difficult and/or heated discussions.

It is nearly impossible to make others clear and confident of your beliefs and ability to lead if you yourself are not able to clearly and confidently articulate them.