School leadership resources
School leadership comes with plenty of challenges. Leaders must balance managing staff, implementing policies, and fostering a positive school culture while ensuring student success. One of the biggest hurdles is driving change, especially when there's resistance from staff, students, or parents. Plus, leaders must meet government expectations, often with limited resources. Maintaining a work-life balance is tough too, as the role demands long hours and emotional energy. At the heart of it, school leaders need resilience, strong communication skills, and a commitment to both academic and social development, all while inspiring their teams to thrive.
💡Ideas
🎙️AOT Podcast Conversations
📕 Reading
"Leadership for Learning: How to Help Teachers Succeed" by Andy Hargreaves and Dean Fink
- Why it's useful: This one’s perfect for leaders who want to help their teachers grow and improve. Hargreaves and Fink talk about how leaders can create a school culture where teaching thrives. It’s all about giving teachers the support they need to succeed, which ultimately helps students.
"The Australian Principal: Leadership, Context and Competence" by Michael McKenzie and Brian Caldwell
- Why it's useful: If you’re a school leader in Australia, this book’s made for you. It looks at the unique challenges of leading schools here—like improving results, developing the curriculum, and dealing with local policies and contexts. It’s full of insights into what works in Australian schools.
"Visible Learning for Teachers: Maximizing Impact on Learning" by John Hattie
- Why it's useful: Hattie’s book is all about using evidence to improve student outcomes. It digs into what really makes a difference in the classroom, so school leaders can help teachers focus on the most effective strategies. Great for leaders who want to back up decisions with data and research.
"The Leadership Challenge" by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner
- Why it's useful: This classic is packed with practical advice on being a great leader. Kouzes and Posner focus on the core practices that inspire and motivate people—like setting a strong vision and getting your team to work together. It’s all about building a positive, motivated school culture.
5. "Teaching and Learning in the Primary School" by David A. P. Jackson and Ian Sutherland
- Why it's useful: If you’re leading a primary school, this one’s key. It’s all about how school leaders can support great teaching at the primary level. From curriculum ideas to classroom strategies, it’s practical advice for shaping a strong teaching environment for younger students.