Nothing's Impossible

A really interesting read about Dr Lorraine Monroe's journey as a leader. Her vision included:
Creating a school which was ...

1. a place where teaching and learning were honored and taken seriously
2. a place of order and predictability
3. a place where kids, especially boys, could learn that it was okay to be smart
4. a place where teachers would have a great deal of autonomy in choosing texts, materials and methodolgy (as long as it worked!)
   

Together they developed 12 non-negotiable rules to develop/ begin the culture of the school.

Points of interest for me..

• Success for students was planned for explicitly
• Students that weren't achieving were targeted by extra learning resources
• Expectations were high. Students were expected to succeed.
• Teachers had high expectations
• The school became like a second home to some students - they were believed in

On the pursuit of excellence...

"The loneliness of the leader lies in having to think and dream about work all day, every day, day after day, and then make what you dream palatable and workable by those who have not thought or dreamed as deeply or as far into the future as you have. Most important is that the leader continue not only to believe in the dream and the need to pursue it but also to do the hard brain work of never doubting its importance. Doubts will arise, because of setbacks and failures that inevitably occur, as well as the intrusive demands of life, time and people. But the leaders job is to master these doubts and press on."

Her notes on teacher performance

10% are stars

10% are shukers and jivers

The rest are well-meaning strugglers.

She would focus her observations and feedback on the 10% who were there to collect a paycheck first. If there was no improvement, competency procedures were put into place. When it was discovered that there were commonalities in skill deficit across the staff, staff learning sessions would be held to address the issues - sometimes run by the "stars"

Well-meaning strugglers can be helped. Putting time into them ensures quality learning for students.

I enjoyed Dr Munroes obvious passion for the job, but also her lack of tolerance for incompetent teachers. Our students' learning is too important.

An inspirational read... Dr Munroe achieved amazing things in the most challenging areas of Harlem.