informal leaders – The Friendly Librarian

ETL504 Reflective Practice

Posted on October 5, 2021October 5, 2021 by emma.veitch

I had never given much thought to the leadership structure that existed in schools. To untrained eyes, formally recognised leaders hold positions of authority over a hierarchy of middle managers who oversee professionally trained teachers. It is a simple view, but until you’re asked to examine school leadership more closely, it is a fair assessment. With an unusual start to the school term, I posted my thoughts to my blog about leadership in lockdown and how the leadership team in my school changed their focus to support staff through a crisis situation (Friend, 2021, August 26). Continue reading “ETL504 Reflective Practice” →

ETL504 Teacher Librarian as Leader

Leading Change in School Direction

Posted on September 20, 2021September 20, 2021 by emma.veitch

When I returned from maternity leave our school principal had taken on a position of higher duties and one of our deputy principals was relieving in the role. The deputy principal was doing a wonderful job of managing the school and she knew the community well. But she had made it clear that it was not her long-term aspiration to remain in the principal’s position on a permanent basis. Under her leadership the staff were well supported as the first wave of covid sent schools into the unknown world of home learning. Leading in a crisis environment must have been a big challenge, but this leader had developed trust with staff and ensured communication was always forthcoming. Returning to school was daunting for many, but the staff trusted our senior executive team and their safe and well considered reopening plan. Continue reading “Leading Change in School Direction” →