tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17149965111410143002024-03-19T03:30:14.485-07:00My leadership journeyWhat I am learning as a leader in education.hunterjrmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158258024078409240noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714996511141014300.post-15807230434616361222023-07-22T07:20:00.001-07:002023-07-22T07:20:15.918-07:00Crying a river<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiimmtjEHzZAlZrvKNHzs1JdPt9eVYhH1Bgn_foxt9ww0HIsogth0w0Q3UJMpAlQX4Uzlt5830Lic996tnzT_HQp_GmW0FTTkcXetlP4qD7Yxa-qT7_YbIxLwcP1YIx7W8YqpxEAj7uuKzGxUNc6l0sCiuKYNEnRau9B26wecwhYlsT8g_8oeRhayeKjdXe/s512/IMG_2297.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiimmtjEHzZAlZrvKNHzs1JdPt9eVYhH1Bgn_foxt9ww0HIsogth0w0Q3UJMpAlQX4Uzlt5830Lic996tnzT_HQp_GmW0FTTkcXetlP4qD7Yxa-qT7_YbIxLwcP1YIx7W8YqpxEAj7uuKzGxUNc6l0sCiuKYNEnRau9B26wecwhYlsT8g_8oeRhayeKjdXe/s320/IMG_2297.png" width="320" /></a></div>No one prepares you for the moment you leave a headship. NPQH trainers take you through the mechanics of headship and stepping into headship but what about stepping out of a headship. Every day as a headteacher is full of emotions that we become adept at managing. The highs and lows of big events almost become the norm, so much so that even when “the call” comes we can easily appear calm (whilst being the opposite inside). But stepping away from a headship - well that’s a whole new wave of emotions. <p></p><p>Saying goodbye to a workplace that you have spent more hours in than your own home for several years is always going to be challenging. Writing my speech for awards evening I even planned with a colleague a signal for them to step in, as writing the words was challenging what was it going to be like to present it to a hall full of people watching and listening. Practise, practise, practise those tricky sentences. The magical headteacher skill will kick in to keep you afloat in those big moments. </p><p>As teachers we are always able to find the positive for children. When they say they’ll miss you when you are leaving the two options I stuck to were reminding them of school memories and pointing them to new events on the horizon. Celebrating collective memories is a powerful way to support others. As a headteacher helping others manage your departure is also part of the job. It’s little wonder that my go to guru of headteacher guidance told me to be kind to myself as I left this headship. They calmly told me from their experience that an outgoing headteacher may feel like they are leaving family - how true. With their words echoing in my head as I drove to school in that final week I kept telling myself to cherish every moment and by acknowledging emotions that was my only way to be kind to myself. </p><p>It was only when the leadership team politely pointed out that they were taking control of leavers speeches that I knew the biggest test was coming. Laughter, tears and many memories were presented by a colleague who knows me so well. As a structured leaving event the formal setting enables emotional regulation on a certain level. Particularly useful is not reading leaving cards until you are ready and that could be days later. Be kind to yourself is the go to phrase. </p><p>The final school day is not so structured with students and staff popping by to say goodbye. Emotional regulation can be tricky so find a way that works for you. Find a normal behaviour routine to reset throughout the day. I took a radio and helped with the pastoral team giving me freedom to pop in to classes walking school as normal. </p><p>The beauty of being a secondary school Headteacher is that the final school day isn’t really the last day. There are still results’ days ahead. An opportunity to see colleagues and exam year groups again before the final goodbye. I’ve got a few glorious weeks of reprieve to get ready for those days. </p><p>Leaving a family is hard to do. Leaving a school is hard too. It is such an honour to lead a school. I can thoroughly recommend it, so much so that a second headship is on the horizon for me. Looking back some talk about leaving an impact and a legacy. I’m not yet at that point but know that with distance I’ll rationally rather than emotionally see it. </p><p>For me I’ll close this chapter of school leadership with a quote from Winnie the Pooh who had many friends on his adventures, I did too. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ5loexUbTA07KORwB7sF5Hz-7XrXkpJxippnOUvRYQqJl2GKwQdzGL2fq2ZuAOTkqGNWRxWzVOF9YtKIbHa5SBEO58l8bN8b-2zRg9y7BcB4esHRaLrQgqX9PO4at35tPc1kxyPr5mpD48RbJGwdHANo9WZss_xLRnr5wWgbtUir00Fxkmc0D_g-kFPTq/s1080/IMG_2299.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ5loexUbTA07KORwB7sF5Hz-7XrXkpJxippnOUvRYQqJl2GKwQdzGL2fq2ZuAOTkqGNWRxWzVOF9YtKIbHa5SBEO58l8bN8b-2zRg9y7BcB4esHRaLrQgqX9PO4at35tPc1kxyPr5mpD48RbJGwdHANo9WZss_xLRnr5wWgbtUir00Fxkmc0D_g-kFPTq/s320/IMG_2299.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p>hunterjrmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158258024078409240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714996511141014300.post-4665693631500779392023-04-30T02:59:00.262-07:002023-06-08T13:40:05.005-07:00Leadership can be scary!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxeUSZBxZgMlXid3y3Cr14-dSQBKVM76q6JYjZACCTSzhSuiwinsvA2eddPQfja8M2L7HEbVSJSortMfImSn0AIFvcsgwQaCIIX9xcWeDqu5MWuApXb2bFPrsVWcweWf_JnUVE3nuqEI8S_eMDrrVkEYh7m_biW2CJU31EUn7t54ne-gpotL0ZcdMmAQ/s960/@MsHMFL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxeUSZBxZgMlXid3y3Cr14-dSQBKVM76q6JYjZACCTSzhSuiwinsvA2eddPQfja8M2L7HEbVSJSortMfImSn0AIFvcsgwQaCIIX9xcWeDqu5MWuApXb2bFPrsVWcweWf_JnUVE3nuqEI8S_eMDrrVkEYh7m_biW2CJU31EUn7t54ne-gpotL0ZcdMmAQ/w200-h113/@MsHMFL.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I gave a talk at a @WomenEd conference in January 2022 and only came across my slides again recently. With the background of leaders suffering from accountability measures in England now seemed like the perfect time for me to put my presentation into a blog.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'd like to credit the beautiful image to the Bad Cinderella production by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by David Zippel. I have a playlist I created 14 years ago to keep me going on scary leadership day commutes and Bad Cinderella songs were added way back in 2020 as they chimed with the emotions leaders often feel in the scariest school moments. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I remember sitting at The Festival of Education at Wellington College in 2016, as an assistant headteacher, listening to Sir Michael Wilshaw talking about school leaders. I was at the festival talking about happiness being taught in school straight afterwards and I just couldn't get the complete juxtaposition of our views on leadership being so different. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_o9fVzQ4YplxhNP6gpxcsUBKTdWJKVa9RKiR64Ht0uVGkPX8LUjG0jy1ir2Fi2ABDifPzCSwDlftwTbhhPIji7ZfNCytwk_NIwohmYtHibo2ZaEUcjmCHY2dPHHjhe5hR_Bc3RiznB28y6UDYabZYucZFHurkCz8uvFQLh2KZ2g8MAgtAd1Misodmg/s960/@MsHMFL%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_o9fVzQ4YplxhNP6gpxcsUBKTdWJKVa9RKiR64Ht0uVGkPX8LUjG0jy1ir2Fi2ABDifPzCSwDlftwTbhhPIji7ZfNCytwk_NIwohmYtHibo2ZaEUcjmCHY2dPHHjhe5hR_Bc3RiznB28y6UDYabZYucZFHurkCz8uvFQLh2KZ2g8MAgtAd1Misodmg/s320/@MsHMFL%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">On the mainstage I was listening to the sitting Chief Inspector of Schools in England saying that schools needed leaders to be more macho and that was what school leadership needed to be to see things improve. In terms of leadership language it wasn't the most helpful way to suggest leaders need to behave, however it did make me think about female leaders going to interviews and being expected to project this desired for quality of being macho, a ball breaker or a bruiser.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Macho - adjective <span> </span>- masculine <span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">in an overly, assertive </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">or aggressive way.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">Macho - noun<span> </span><span> </span> <span> </span>- <span> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">a man who is masculine </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">in an overly assertive </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">or aggressive way.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6CaMbI31zCZiVzpEinXDw4GhqLLPyIzl-oa7JO1XQgWg4kPsItoFdzrEmWPVsPx9ur3cb5QQVvlvYr20lbmwLT4RQcIZjw7uxY_NLdvV-0hBGOHLezoRNuIrciPw_HygpaMvkHjEZ_Vm8g0irmfTHmxB1ULMS5kagFXR5ifsFttibPIPHjKIml1xhxA/s960/@MsHMFL%20(6).jpg" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6CaMbI31zCZiVzpEinXDw4GhqLLPyIzl-oa7JO1XQgWg4kPsItoFdzrEmWPVsPx9ur3cb5QQVvlvYr20lbmwLT4RQcIZjw7uxY_NLdvV-0hBGOHLezoRNuIrciPw_HygpaMvkHjEZ_Vm8g0irmfTHmxB1ULMS5kagFXR5ifsFttibPIPHjKIml1xhxA/w640-h360/@MsHMFL%20(6).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So a female school leader has to balance societal expectations of them as a female and the expectations of what supposedly makes a good school leader? Every time I go to a WomenEd event I am still shocked by the statistics on female school leaders and it makes me wonder if part of it is not due to aptitude but how they are perceived. The Harvard Business Review has great articles about how judgements are made about female leaders being too emotional and nice to lead, yet the emotionally attuned and kind leader is exactly who we gravitate to when things are challenging. </span></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjY5wF9E1KGvec-ddBpErknpbXmXiAQK3Ppsfk1LUwksTW7-d8UNk9WyCwKtaV8aypbg5fbcRtrFKZgrmkCPAaeKb_JWkIs7K0rNvaC1XSggq8EdwWFrn1UAse9YujClZdQg_M0s-TR-L6B9vhXCUUzRhJiAv3Ts1MXeHVjSnjtTwmKymIh58gS0-7g/s960/@MsHMFL%20(5).jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjY5wF9E1KGvec-ddBpErknpbXmXiAQK3Ppsfk1LUwksTW7-d8UNk9WyCwKtaV8aypbg5fbcRtrFKZgrmkCPAaeKb_JWkIs7K0rNvaC1XSggq8EdwWFrn1UAse9YujClZdQg_M0s-TR-L6B9vhXCUUzRhJiAv3Ts1MXeHVjSnjtTwmKymIh58gS0-7g/w640-h360/@MsHMFL%20(5).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In my NPQH we were privileged to hear from lots of amazing female school leaders who were doing the job incredibly well. It was no surprise to hear one after another explain that they had gained a headship in the most challenging of settings. The glass cliff phenomenon is definitely part of many female leaders' career journey, where they are appointed at crisis points in a school improvement journey. These strong school leaders share their stories with refreshing honesty and humility in WomenEd spaces to empower those who take up the leadership mantel behind them. Psychologically safe conferences and training spaces for female leaders enables them to harness their full emotional toolkit for leadership. Sensitive, intuitive and empathic leaders are brave. A lack of sensitivity in school leadership drives out the best teachers as none of us wish to be in an educational setting where there is a palpable ethos of insensitivity. So if you are a leader who has been told that they are too nice or too kind, please remember what the opposite would do for your school setting. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgac6MkSLD9D9rSWh0MD4JQqvn2o4p6Rphs4QByb82lBjwVn0KtXE_DLOThg5-C5FEx2sFVh-TDw4RyePVKLrJQiLh2IbRfofSU7cnG-Qgfae6zaa6RtjwqPbZUttjMW6MKHQQSZoSNDGjo2u2FMpeQ_IDwSJHYCS1SN0nCyQHQNA1BUNRzQ_HactDPKA/s960/@MsHMFL%20(7).jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgac6MkSLD9D9rSWh0MD4JQqvn2o4p6Rphs4QByb82lBjwVn0KtXE_DLOThg5-C5FEx2sFVh-TDw4RyePVKLrJQiLh2IbRfofSU7cnG-Qgfae6zaa6RtjwqPbZUttjMW6MKHQQSZoSNDGjo2u2FMpeQ_IDwSJHYCS1SN0nCyQHQNA1BUNRzQ_HactDPKA/w400-h225/@MsHMFL%20(7).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So it wasn't a surprise to me to see the educational landscape becoming increasingly filled with a certain type of leaders and those who simply don't fit the mould finding it harder to remain true to their authentic leadership styles. Authenticity is key as a school leader and when you work with authentic colleagues everyone has the chance to flourish. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of the most scary parts of being a school leader is knowing that people regularly disappear from the profession. Like the fairy godmother in Cinderella has just cast a spell over night. This often happens after Ofsted and is something that sits heavily on those who are waiting for a phone call for a team to descend. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzddZ048iveFdlrgnOsC6dbf6YJxka0Dbr417tMbbcKrfomlUtTSg7QcU9dM-i1P3r9eXQ939p4X8tGAvvIYTAk2JQr4ToIsAmcJzc1pmpyK6Xz_ygVUziI2NHK71y3-a0zGlkaa03IjmiSjSjis1MJ5CVNDWOXCq2eCcw7uu4JZJG_V9Y782uYVVGoA/s960/@MsHMFL%20(3).jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzddZ048iveFdlrgnOsC6dbf6YJxka0Dbr417tMbbcKrfomlUtTSg7QcU9dM-i1P3r9eXQ939p4X8tGAvvIYTAk2JQr4ToIsAmcJzc1pmpyK6Xz_ygVUziI2NHK71y3-a0zGlkaa03IjmiSjSjis1MJ5CVNDWOXCq2eCcw7uu4JZJG_V9Y782uYVVGoA/s320/@MsHMFL%20(3).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">No-one in education at the moment is naïve about the impact certain judgements have on careers but having been through numerous inspections I hold on to one thought. A team of staff who are seen as requiring improvement/ in a category do not overnight become good colleagues based on one 2 day visit. A school judgement is not a judgement about any one member of staff. A headteacher's name is on a school report but if they are in a trust the whole trust are part of the judgement and if they are a local authority school then there is a team who are part of the judgement. Yet the psychological strain on the school leader is truly scary. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhnUgPtQPe7tZG08CZkxuX4lk4p6XbE9Y6LTTpKtGT-nLQfhpzoEjwPwlVv-axth2cMitKLG0a4HpFTkAoPXgWu7U1BdoSXODn0IDKNsTv0BSTS25AMQkL40F26YN18cC7nWbMvZ1ETz09ISmkWqpWAkICjNoEA6_2RBVdPiNVXgbcs6oKXe7dmRGTA/s960/@MsHMFL%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhnUgPtQPe7tZG08CZkxuX4lk4p6XbE9Y6LTTpKtGT-nLQfhpzoEjwPwlVv-axth2cMitKLG0a4HpFTkAoPXgWu7U1BdoSXODn0IDKNsTv0BSTS25AMQkL40F26YN18cC7nWbMvZ1ETz09ISmkWqpWAkICjNoEA6_2RBVdPiNVXgbcs6oKXe7dmRGTA/s320/@MsHMFL%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>New headteachers may believe in the fairy tale of headship, the golden period of stepping up to headship and that they can solve all things as the headteacher. School leaders who have been through the mill know that the reality of school leadership against a plethora of external challenges, whilst outwardly being a leader who is keeping a can do team spirit alive, can feel like we are pretending. I don't think anyone stepping into school leadership in this current perma-crisis climate can be naïve not to fully understand the scary role they are about to take on. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptM_hgrzWwZhUbdmSPnWxbxFuzIk7jnr9z0eRtrwvP1fgM8Qw9XMbdT8vTCbQAaud0jrnUiJ96MF2sHS0mXJTznZOnQCoZ71hnZ9BOp_DyDuLyTBrTu9GmUM3_o1XrhZY0e2gQb9dHou2jreVDe6_csgCu2_OAIibPZ0rQgWlTlpb7tqOiM_wxLdi9g/s960/@MsHMFL%20(4).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptM_hgrzWwZhUbdmSPnWxbxFuzIk7jnr9z0eRtrwvP1fgM8Qw9XMbdT8vTCbQAaud0jrnUiJ96MF2sHS0mXJTznZOnQCoZ71hnZ9BOp_DyDuLyTBrTu9GmUM3_o1XrhZY0e2gQb9dHou2jreVDe6_csgCu2_OAIibPZ0rQgWlTlpb7tqOiM_wxLdi9g/w640-h360/@MsHMFL%20(4).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Again the beautiful lyrics from Bad Cinderella sum up how some leaders feel in schools at the moment. School leaders are having to make crisis decisions on a daily basis due to staffing shortages at all levels, societal issues leading to safeguarding tsunamis breaching on pastoral leadership shoulders against a backdrop of funding being a perma-crisis default position. It is little wonder that there has been an outpouring of emotionally charged, yet realistic concerns from school leaders at the moment. If each day is a nightmare for school leaders how do they maintain their kindness that parents and society expect from teachers across the nation? Are schools unbreakable? Are school leaders unbreakable? We will see.<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2F4K_yJqqWl2Iavsb4fUXJw7NNodkzEyiOwqnmk2qvpWVJTmhR1sLtpaea4nhdr-U4pidBB0ACf3kT4bBmZIVnlTIIUvJgjhfoHOwgI8lU92aFNpcCvVK0XJ1Zl_fHJjBTJDnbOu31CVvN1WJJDtUWFAkIuTLZxmWnGKwDJAqR6HSVnbgOZCYbmnVg/s960/@MsHMFL%20(8).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2F4K_yJqqWl2Iavsb4fUXJw7NNodkzEyiOwqnmk2qvpWVJTmhR1sLtpaea4nhdr-U4pidBB0ACf3kT4bBmZIVnlTIIUvJgjhfoHOwgI8lU92aFNpcCvVK0XJ1Zl_fHJjBTJDnbOu31CVvN1WJJDtUWFAkIuTLZxmWnGKwDJAqR6HSVnbgOZCYbmnVg/w640-h360/@MsHMFL%20(8).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>So I started my presentation at WomenEd talking about the gendered language around school leadership and have brought this blog up to date with the current educational crisis we find ourselves in. My parting thought is about the truly inspirational leaders that I have the good fortune to know, because they keep me going. School leaders at the moment do need to be as tough as diamonds but they are the shining lights that will get us through this crisis period in educational history. When you feel trapped and alone in the depths of despair as a school leader it can feel scary, however you are never alone. No school leader should ever feel like they are alone - reach out to networks such as WomenEd and you will always find a listening ear, a mentor, a coach or simply someone to be by your side.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>School leaders of this generation are leading schools in an era where we are becoming the fourth emergency service in our communities. We are relied upon to look after the next generation of this country. It is time for us to put aside our modesty and embrace our collective grounded humility. We will not wilt and fade as collective team of school leaders but will grow and become stronger from our scary experiences. <div><br /></div><div>We have no time for silly games. Scary moments are what school leaders are made for and we can do this in our own authentic ways.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p></div>hunterjrmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158258024078409240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714996511141014300.post-87253016789632375582023-01-02T06:59:00.004-08:002023-06-08T13:38:24.810-07:00Lost in leadership<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkYHD-rrW6hYX1Z8ZeF-f0dIvm81EHq-iM-6-dtWXOYdV8B4DYuDDZD-BoyTCYLC8IlV5tnPFjlLTmT7dpJYlovLugg4x3f_RTdNxcsnubRK_lyzxai_Wc_gDjqvYCY_tv4pHm6gsbKfVvfjYNbbHT_5BFDF4lb5232k5dzr7F-156wYx3jTYDyT2Vg/s884/94D807CF-1212-449D-AFE3-6EC64321B804.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="819" data-original-width="884" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkYHD-rrW6hYX1Z8ZeF-f0dIvm81EHq-iM-6-dtWXOYdV8B4DYuDDZD-BoyTCYLC8IlV5tnPFjlLTmT7dpJYlovLugg4x3f_RTdNxcsnubRK_lyzxai_Wc_gDjqvYCY_tv4pHm6gsbKfVvfjYNbbHT_5BFDF4lb5232k5dzr7F-156wYx3jTYDyT2Vg/w320-h297/94D807CF-1212-449D-AFE3-6EC64321B804.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">2022 was a year I caught myself being lost in thought or losing hours lost in doing, rather than being. Looking back January 2022 was summed up by the daily cover saga of no supply staff available, which year groups needed to be on remote study and throw in an imminent inspection looming. The year ended with public health guidance about how school leaders needed to manage strep and scarlet fever outbreaks - gratefully similar to health risk management we had become adept at since 2020. As a school leader looking back 2022 was the year I realised that humble leadership is the way ahead. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Sitting in a meeting hearing an experienced colleague saying that headship shouldn’t be lonely in the rise of multi academy trusts made we think about the word help. Humble leaders ask for help and are happy to have a sage on the stage mentor or a guide on the side coach to support as required. We are in an era of such complexity that we can feel lost as leaders and that’s a lonely place. Networking within or beyond MATs, counties and even countries enables leaders to have a different viewpoint on the thoughts they get lost in. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXf632MMgIkrcZhky0uOH-Oj6EEd-TWA0dYsz7XrdRmXwJqYltlJJz0uoY1XbmNJ9eGYtEkRBUKlRx3ir6MepK9q26TrfJpuprsKAFOQzQuBan1IAGYKhiWOWC_MeoSxYPdqLn1p84qPtMSf-2kb-o45JOkdAQfffD2tLERdwbOrqTWGONE0zfhBthSQ/s913/F8FA3CF7-DDDF-4F33-95A1-43D595626D0F.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="913" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXf632MMgIkrcZhky0uOH-Oj6EEd-TWA0dYsz7XrdRmXwJqYltlJJz0uoY1XbmNJ9eGYtEkRBUKlRx3ir6MepK9q26TrfJpuprsKAFOQzQuBan1IAGYKhiWOWC_MeoSxYPdqLn1p84qPtMSf-2kb-o45JOkdAQfffD2tLERdwbOrqTWGONE0zfhBthSQ/w200-h181/F8FA3CF7-DDDF-4F33-95A1-43D595626D0F.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqaqegyi8DNbpOKQYXrVOP7YArtGHpsk3xzbQQLNu7w6ge2-ugjmymO8pU0JOrNP5-DTwunRfKhZsLOhgMVUZqKegd98PHuq-1k2A0ZSAScfAtiXXh974r3iEHvYK_hbQUVkRH7m-OPnCo3RvOlBtOXLkI4Zt6z943bJH3chpAIE7xNs12_Wb6Ne1wDA/s720/8C29A0B2-8E1E-4A91-B73D-D1EB64A7848A.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqaqegyi8DNbpOKQYXrVOP7YArtGHpsk3xzbQQLNu7w6ge2-ugjmymO8pU0JOrNP5-DTwunRfKhZsLOhgMVUZqKegd98PHuq-1k2A0ZSAScfAtiXXh974r3iEHvYK_hbQUVkRH7m-OPnCo3RvOlBtOXLkI4Zt6z943bJH3chpAIE7xNs12_Wb6Ne1wDA/w320-h320/8C29A0B2-8E1E-4A91-B73D-D1EB64A7848A.webp" width="320" /></a></div><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">We’re leading at a time of huge volatility and changes to society as we move through the (post)-pandemic landscape. Creating and surviving at the same time as leading our schools, staff, students and wider stakeholders. Yet old success criteria are still being used to monitor educational leadership success and school leaders are often being led by those whose own school leadership experience was pre-pandemic. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">There is very little clarity around a roadmap out of the complexities that children are bringing into school from their pandemic experience. There is, however a great risk of being pulled into the tyranny of the immediate rather than planning systematically as a cohort of school leaders for what success will look like in 2030 or for system leaders to be looking towards 2040 as civic duty moves towards being a root purpose that multi-academies are increasingly filling. Our horizons have shrunk to the micro-level with pessimism grounded in our daily realities.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Basically we become consumed with lurching from day to day crises, yet we need to carve out time to think big.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">With a macro approach to the society we are co-creating over a longer period we can make a huge difference. School leaders have a phenomenal impact on future generations. It makes me think about the positivity and brave decisions school leaders made after the last pandemic. Significant changes in the 1920s and 1930s were made during an economic crisis. To create time and capacity for change at difficult times requires us all to consider how <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>we can scale up a can do attitude across the educational sector. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><span class="s3" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedBody; font-weight: bold;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Permacrisis was chosen as Collins word of 2022. Dictionaries define permacrisis as ‘extended period of instability and insecurity’.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Survival driven sub-conscious minds prefers the perceived habits of our familiar habits. Being predictable is preferable to the potential threat of the unknown. As school leaders we know the ebb and flow of a school year and the expectations for our children. We are seeing huge issues with recruitment and retention of education colleagues. We are all finding it hard to reconcile the familiar with how the euros has and continues to change. We can flourish as we see many around us who are able to think big in a positive way.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">People who are thriving and are effective leaders in today’s complex world are calm, humble, tolerant, have capacity for fun, are open to not knowing, curious, challenge the status quo, pay attention to self-care, encourage others, are empathetic, good listeners and have a host of human qualities ie emotionally intelligent. Authentic in their own restless pursuit of making a difference.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjd4k-5knzDZ4C9fuGPun9rYt6H1I9wIOtL2tqaW9gQnmco3qTDUpMoQxBrfikm8Q5ytHvaOWEhQaqg21WYn-739ea99bBg2MZ_5Jhqpevsn5BOcav9Puf9GbsMJ1pnOw9QYuotDlTQ0Gi2ExmM27fdvXLw0xD40VJnu07su541TezkB8KNhOi4uwcSw/s526/E8CF3F0B-883A-4785-BF33-AA48C4F6D806.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="526" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjd4k-5knzDZ4C9fuGPun9rYt6H1I9wIOtL2tqaW9gQnmco3qTDUpMoQxBrfikm8Q5ytHvaOWEhQaqg21WYn-739ea99bBg2MZ_5Jhqpevsn5BOcav9Puf9GbsMJ1pnOw9QYuotDlTQ0Gi2ExmM27fdvXLw0xD40VJnu07su541TezkB8KNhOi4uwcSw/w320-h320/E8CF3F0B-883A-4785-BF33-AA48C4F6D806.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Authentic leaders resonate with where they work, how they work and who they work with. What would it look like and feel like to be truly authentic? In agreement with national and local decisions that we as leaders are duty bound to bring in to our schools effectively and efficiently? Is it the external push to ensure the status quo is maintained a big issue or is it the pressure to continue improving with ever decreasing budgets? It could be jumping through the expectations of a yesteryear being pushed by higher authorities or the sense of not having agency to make the decisions that are right for our own settings?</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Getting comfortable and effective in a landscape of constant change is a key area to develop in leadership programmes across all schools. It’s less about resilience skills and more about our psychological approach/ awareness of what we have inherited since the pandemic began. We need to engage with the reality of what we need in our own school settings. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Permacrisis can feel like we are in survival mode but we have expanded our ability to feel at home with the complex. We are capable therefore of having agency to make sense of these new complex issues. Agency is power - we are not victims or bystanders. With power brings capacity to take action. Action enabled us to bring hope and to be hopeful leaders for our schools. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMwehZYx7H3-sJz4chrhXW4e9yd4URSPpw0wK8I4h3hA8zQES-6xTio78ADCfIBbx83cQZrDAn1AqgA56Fl5JBZecL7t5ZtD8qxJHaLXyFr69oGDp2xryYodAgcuoJsezudqJiEiEfzi1nedcghBZgqjV6DhElb5QHyov5rVuQ4abwIKmythA9-v8eA/s960/D78B49E3-4AD6-4D41-81E4-84C64B992862.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMwehZYx7H3-sJz4chrhXW4e9yd4URSPpw0wK8I4h3hA8zQES-6xTio78ADCfIBbx83cQZrDAn1AqgA56Fl5JBZecL7t5ZtD8qxJHaLXyFr69oGDp2xryYodAgcuoJsezudqJiEiEfzi1nedcghBZgqjV6DhElb5QHyov5rVuQ4abwIKmythA9-v8eA/w320-h320/D78B49E3-4AD6-4D41-81E4-84C64B992862.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">For me 2023 is a year of authenticity - being restlessly comfortable with the uncomfortable and challenging the status quo. Just a small leadership challenge. </span></p>hunterjrmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158258024078409240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714996511141014300.post-85213800779206868882022-08-31T10:23:00.038-07:002022-08-31T10:35:01.599-07:00Magical things.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-NPTdvkqTItATPv4Y0h9QPdY3U_yKbGBr3-8amycUxuwQmUlMiVkw45iq9GM4UFFWizq_yEYqgJWEpWO3a8uXCGAUA9UFjtc437E4MKc8RkFYaKrhUR415uFzig0F_McmMhMubOlFdsrmdIVY8lx_5zcB9bOFtW84nr-G6Clr0gE1kCO5FtjCiQfDw/s736/9F4173A0-9D1B-4200-8793-D65C6B4BDB14.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-NPTdvkqTItATPv4Y0h9QPdY3U_yKbGBr3-8amycUxuwQmUlMiVkw45iq9GM4UFFWizq_yEYqgJWEpWO3a8uXCGAUA9UFjtc437E4MKc8RkFYaKrhUR415uFzig0F_McmMhMubOlFdsrmdIVY8lx_5zcB9bOFtW84nr-G6Clr0gE1kCO5FtjCiQfDw/s320/9F4173A0-9D1B-4200-8793-D65C6B4BDB14.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="p4" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">There are times in our working lives when we start to look forwards wondering what is still ahead of us. It’s at these points in time when we can start to dream big about using all of our talents to their full potential, in addition to hoping for something magical to occur.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p4" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Often at career change points we also tend to look backwards. Jobs we have done and career decisions we have taken were right at that moment in time. For each decision we have learnt something before we follow the next signpost to something shiny and new.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p4" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">At the start of a new academic year there are those starting new jobs and they have learnt so much from their previous jobs. They are ready to shine brightly.</span></p><p class="p4" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPADSn79wG9PfFmAB-PoAb42thyL8HlbYNwzPVDf0iza-02FfCgJI5L_dXkyFxfWl_GPSJgmXYuHxfNtCiY5x1ElEkbhfE8heADzA7AIVC21zqhXV6U--ATHzj8xlN3mCCRCOHLRaWAx3JHEUf_boCSSEyNe5LO5kMOXDF8tgBdZoUCpWmodCvAJP7Q/s828/38BF0CD7-FFE3-4123-A846-CC0DFB5FAA19.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="463" data-original-width="828" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPADSn79wG9PfFmAB-PoAb42thyL8HlbYNwzPVDf0iza-02FfCgJI5L_dXkyFxfWl_GPSJgmXYuHxfNtCiY5x1ElEkbhfE8heADzA7AIVC21zqhXV6U--ATHzj8xlN3mCCRCOHLRaWAx3JHEUf_boCSSEyNe5LO5kMOXDF8tgBdZoUCpWmodCvAJP7Q/s320/38BF0CD7-FFE3-4123-A846-CC0DFB5FAA19.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="p4" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">There are other colleagues entering the new academic year wondering how they are going to flourish in their current role. These colleagues will get to the other side of the challenge they are in. They might not yet realise the learning journey they are on.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdu2vLu-2P53KCdQQlBnpI9mU5jBEZiPVpAKyqbeny4tABXfgIrKqdMnIYRPJddT_59RIo7pICD7NbLYgXfk-8y7NXEWWpLeoPIu_qxEgZ6dRvFQrLZrHohcx2CCzEMi-3dox0NXmDqvzz1yM2cBfrHfmf0Ga4IeI7g67332v9YZkuK79gYkeBpSr8cg/s960/DCC69200-BA0A-40A1-A49E-39A40C4B40CF.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdu2vLu-2P53KCdQQlBnpI9mU5jBEZiPVpAKyqbeny4tABXfgIrKqdMnIYRPJddT_59RIo7pICD7NbLYgXfk-8y7NXEWWpLeoPIu_qxEgZ6dRvFQrLZrHohcx2CCzEMi-3dox0NXmDqvzz1yM2cBfrHfmf0Ga4IeI7g67332v9YZkuK79gYkeBpSr8cg/s320/DCC69200-BA0A-40A1-A49E-39A40C4B40CF.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="p4" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Working our way through challenges brings change. Change brings an emotional response and our experiences help us make future choices.</span></p><p class="p4" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskSClYiGuGEgSs-1dHJ76eapu-wpk4iBUe-Qd9hK4self7UilIHfH879QEIcREmgVnDIW7t3WRH26r8NUflsrxYOHQ5ldslnB8YPACI9JvxzK8BeifFvUg0Zzaz9vyH3TO1RDtN5k30_NOeItr10PyPwpVFpxh0Y3j8ZMrncZiAiBo94vj1rXdrKPtA/s1080/CB3FC943-35D5-4903-95EC-6362B5079FD0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskSClYiGuGEgSs-1dHJ76eapu-wpk4iBUe-Qd9hK4self7UilIHfH879QEIcREmgVnDIW7t3WRH26r8NUflsrxYOHQ5ldslnB8YPACI9JvxzK8BeifFvUg0Zzaz9vyH3TO1RDtN5k30_NOeItr10PyPwpVFpxh0Y3j8ZMrncZiAiBo94vj1rXdrKPtA/s320/CB3FC943-35D5-4903-95EC-6362B5079FD0.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="p4" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Challenges sometimes require us to be honest with ourselves and to realise that there are moments when asking for help is the advice we would give to others. Asking for help within a department, from a line manager/ friend / colleague / mentor or coach might not be something we think of doing as adults. Sometimes we feel as though we should be able to solve things by ourselves. If we put ourselves in the shoes of students asking for help - that’s exactly what we tell them to do when they are stuck. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTnFzf5ffFHrBu-jPHGv1GxMadlMD8OO9eMqPW-OZvBmvTIJ_pn5LRgHpnDnJrTILzS9rRC3WJHCX5exIyvkNUpkqfl5qodyaEdw5y-Ly_1TsS9x9vvd7xKCcQr4YEDgHT4_P8GaEGeW1Emt1Z58MzPHUVzuCT25XL9i39_qY8PIgjHkr8fjqEZxA5Bg/s2048/5DE72699-AD57-4D35-BBC5-D1C1255559C3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1583" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTnFzf5ffFHrBu-jPHGv1GxMadlMD8OO9eMqPW-OZvBmvTIJ_pn5LRgHpnDnJrTILzS9rRC3WJHCX5exIyvkNUpkqfl5qodyaEdw5y-Ly_1TsS9x9vvd7xKCcQr4YEDgHT4_P8GaEGeW1Emt1Z58MzPHUVzuCT25XL9i39_qY8PIgjHkr8fjqEZxA5Bg/s320/5DE72699-AD57-4D35-BBC5-D1C1255559C3.jpeg" width="247" /></a></div><p class="p4" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">I remember feeling stuck at the start of my career and I came across a compassionate and empathetic leader. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 9px 0px 8px; text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LAFkq-tYj4DT7rTWrBrtQT4Ie7fKSlq8gEO-M6nSSLHV7uaLImiVf3Lg5YDHxhkyjTprgmxapDp9oMHSLMqFL_FM2CAHj0g29m_XuYCPsRMxPojgDoVp3iivVSKA1JQ4uFwPhmOHcyy_Mfl53PFl2O9qX3lNSNzAqXTALC8d1ebATYcI_9cK_vfjBg/s800/3E2B5491-1D25-4439-AC4C-2D937E82871A.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="800" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LAFkq-tYj4DT7rTWrBrtQT4Ie7fKSlq8gEO-M6nSSLHV7uaLImiVf3Lg5YDHxhkyjTprgmxapDp9oMHSLMqFL_FM2CAHj0g29m_XuYCPsRMxPojgDoVp3iivVSKA1JQ4uFwPhmOHcyy_Mfl53PFl2O9qX3lNSNzAqXTALC8d1ebATYcI_9cK_vfjBg/s320/3E2B5491-1D25-4439-AC4C-2D937E82871A.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkyV7FC2tTmXWreuge8Z04D6vBK_ZYTrT3i-K5b8b65PBJyyaWiF42DFbjLltSoR-ouXy7A6QNE0EozTe8WcJkBJLUO3lQDSoCxKXITxpf1khoWBieMbSzdzybi19OMOXhHJTVUBKip7wAfqZbQhpCphgJJcD9zFTfnZl2jauOC0yO1zs1So3VrhYqw/s528/6B2EA0EB-901D-48C7-9089-B15C4B070E1E.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="528" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkyV7FC2tTmXWreuge8Z04D6vBK_ZYTrT3i-K5b8b65PBJyyaWiF42DFbjLltSoR-ouXy7A6QNE0EozTe8WcJkBJLUO3lQDSoCxKXITxpf1khoWBieMbSzdzybi19OMOXhHJTVUBKip7wAfqZbQhpCphgJJcD9zFTfnZl2jauOC0yO1zs1So3VrhYqw/s320/6B2EA0EB-901D-48C7-9089-B15C4B070E1E.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEN65RvpAiGItewdqq88jYUrsHb70IvilXXFkOp4fsdFdUdlLnh4rzwan5p3J5iQMwDG9lKGcyQW-PRctxpGAPLYj-x_nQkdA9gmhmguDyO2wUdXK0UYeqvkfNVONk8r_laEybYEqKC3ULYeshwh-hV3Ds_JF4z5jrczbsZ1dlfCpDoWu98sACMz2EoQ/s500/BB156F40-A5EE-4FBC-AA3C-5200F2B7E9CE.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEN65RvpAiGItewdqq88jYUrsHb70IvilXXFkOp4fsdFdUdlLnh4rzwan5p3J5iQMwDG9lKGcyQW-PRctxpGAPLYj-x_nQkdA9gmhmguDyO2wUdXK0UYeqvkfNVONk8r_laEybYEqKC3ULYeshwh-hV3Ds_JF4z5jrczbsZ1dlfCpDoWu98sACMz2EoQ/s320/BB156F40-A5EE-4FBC-AA3C-5200F2B7E9CE.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="p4" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">I interviewed internally on a Thursday and was told the appointment would be made at 12pm the next day. I was due to be on an external interview the next day, the last day in summer term to resign. The compassionate and empathetic leader had a frank and honest discussion with me about how to deal with the next day. I clearly remember them ringing me just before 12pm in the middle of my external interview day. I didn’t get the internal role but I got great interview feedback and guidance to help me with my interview panel 20 minutes after that call. I also learnt that a compassionate leader can deliver challenging messages that empower others to flourish. </span></p><p class="p4" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">The empathy the leader showed in that call meant a lot. Those moments teach us about the strength of kind leaders. I felt really bad ringing them back to say I had accepted the external role but they reminded me that it was the right job for me. Again a leader showing kindness.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJ6O--RJ1J9WzChQXo8b_SnBVSfTwJovmTGQGjWlX7650sfp6K0dUbhO5DghMUs9QIRkVeXv4PksU8oK8gS8KE-1NhC4ApCvRUPb--TTQ10-PKjn9EORVP8exMg0Sy1ZCmYMpef6LNjNCD-uww5327cDsgEET_S0q-MgrOmOMJVL8nU9PJ8zE8h10Qg/s2048/6493103F-0E97-4DE1-B8D4-AB515BE7065F.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1583" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJ6O--RJ1J9WzChQXo8b_SnBVSfTwJovmTGQGjWlX7650sfp6K0dUbhO5DghMUs9QIRkVeXv4PksU8oK8gS8KE-1NhC4ApCvRUPb--TTQ10-PKjn9EORVP8exMg0Sy1ZCmYMpef6LNjNCD-uww5327cDsgEET_S0q-MgrOmOMJVL8nU9PJ8zE8h10Qg/s320/6493103F-0E97-4DE1-B8D4-AB515BE7065F.jpeg" width="247" /></a></div><br /><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 9px 0px 8px; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="p4" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">So if you have a magical new job - enjoy. If you are feeling stuck - be brave and have courage to dream big. We all have the ability to grow something new and to blossom. Sometimes with a little help, when required.</span></p>hunterjrmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158258024078409240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714996511141014300.post-81133049123944580142022-07-13T08:47:00.000-07:002022-07-13T08:47:02.961-07:00Break point<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNamA8hmQU3HqZmyBlT7z5XDBtBRnF4FkLslWhixFHCZz6fnernD-fC4ZhArXplj_GFyBsf1SkuvW-Z78Xigsc9BzMtVKbs-8142L2l5LKv7OrCfoESBUCmdGTrR6rLIXj--ScwGvBfScJCXd7mONfZp5g-VWxrb2qBqUExtawGDGVX_aK9S7FxQlYg/s750/barrelingwave.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="750" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNamA8hmQU3HqZmyBlT7z5XDBtBRnF4FkLslWhixFHCZz6fnernD-fC4ZhArXplj_GFyBsf1SkuvW-Z78Xigsc9BzMtVKbs-8142L2l5LKv7OrCfoESBUCmdGTrR6rLIXj--ScwGvBfScJCXd7mONfZp5g-VWxrb2qBqUExtawGDGVX_aK9S7FxQlYg/s320/barrelingwave.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Driving along the motorway I started to feel the wave of bone aching physical tiredness and mind numbing emotional exhaustion crash against my senses. It is almost the end of another academic year and although I regularly hear people tell me that I'm a really resilient leader - there are moments when I need to delve into my leadership survival toolkit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've learnt to notice how I feel to help me be this resilient professional in the relentless, yet wonderful career of school leadership. Compassion and empathy at this time of year are exactly what we need to lead exhausted colleagues to the summer holidays. It is easy to be kind to others and counter intuitive to share that compassion with ourselves. Our own emotional battery needs time to restore itself and it's exactly at this time of year when we can't be emotionally there for others if we start to feel ourselves being pulled down by a crashing wave of emotional exhaustion. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHa40w1_zUWy99TzXLN0iinLNkNpnBK_kwrSeJJ7sYPGObRuh1gV4Om6xYCVP7d2Xq_CPCluSB3_XZ5e_QZH6-VukH6N1PckIeuhQMT2Ef4t_mIEfA-SmGnyxT25ZoraxzR5Wqdpux3Cerm2-_40UlRJygzgo1XCvHdQFGrP4WF24BMPVvPu7dNYE0sw/s1259/begood%20to%20yourself.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1259" data-original-width="799" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHa40w1_zUWy99TzXLN0iinLNkNpnBK_kwrSeJJ7sYPGObRuh1gV4Om6xYCVP7d2Xq_CPCluSB3_XZ5e_QZH6-VukH6N1PckIeuhQMT2Ef4t_mIEfA-SmGnyxT25ZoraxzR5Wqdpux3Cerm2-_40UlRJygzgo1XCvHdQFGrP4WF24BMPVvPu7dNYE0sw/s320/begood%20to%20yourself.jpg" width="203" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You will recognise the emotional roller coaster that appears at the end of the year. Going from one meeting, where you are dealing with lots of sadness, anger and pain from a colleague that you are there to support to putting on a joyously positive persona to greet new students and staff. All of this is cyclic and can be planned for. Be good to yourself and plan in little things. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My leadership survival toolkit is now well refined with a menu of things that as a young teacher I would have never have thought of planning and now it is the very planning that is part of my school routine. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Managing the swell before there is a breaking point. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last week I bought a bunch of peonies as I knew they would take a week to blossom into gloriously fragrant blooms to greet me in the evening after whatever had happened in work. Smells can be uplifting and my resilient leadership toolkit is full of seasonal picks. In fact, if my home didn't smell of a specific Christmas candle fragrance I don't think I would be as balanced in the mayhem of the school festive season.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYioEnF50PoMVNhfltm_fUV-cknwqRcnRuDzurzBzzodytOGr0N40dopP3rlOOWIH6CR2XBZLIVJTL5m7Fmk8OcdDB72kZpxCQZaDkQ6N_0gL_h_5dIQbU-mQ0JQpIRT5sg7Y5QezoNOLdVe6B5y0o6P_LyGC_dGpglWpWnv8ah5V_Rwjz-FmSNN7WKA/s1104/let%20it%20go.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="994" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYioEnF50PoMVNhfltm_fUV-cknwqRcnRuDzurzBzzodytOGr0N40dopP3rlOOWIH6CR2XBZLIVJTL5m7Fmk8OcdDB72kZpxCQZaDkQ6N_0gL_h_5dIQbU-mQ0JQpIRT5sg7Y5QezoNOLdVe6B5y0o6P_LyGC_dGpglWpWnv8ah5V_Rwjz-FmSNN7WKA/s320/let%20it%20go.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br />As hard as it is when leading there are times when we really cannot hold on to the emotional wake that we are left with after critical moments in our working day. Noticing the emotional thoughts and letting go is really hard but it does mean that the next day we are more refreshed and able to access the rational part of our brain instead of being triggered into an emotionally overloaded response. Spending time training to be a qualified mindfulness teacher has helped my own resilience. Noticing the rising swell of emotions and tiredness is a skill that can be honed. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonfyKma8rWaedVmWhgzjhYTSQ8tsUF8ZgbP6XNUjyw77AathnHD6fiCWzpt8gxOhmfWAHUzVEEzOumUGDcoKwNjR_Q_1EtSLF_OQUW19FzrNXtjiQHOYnVI90GWvsON97oP8RFHuWhaTg5umJ9Mo7E2fOi4pVhhdC9mkYVlxUUeV8oYyjZifNqi7ykQ/s1280/moments.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonfyKma8rWaedVmWhgzjhYTSQ8tsUF8ZgbP6XNUjyw77AathnHD6fiCWzpt8gxOhmfWAHUzVEEzOumUGDcoKwNjR_Q_1EtSLF_OQUW19FzrNXtjiQHOYnVI90GWvsON97oP8RFHuWhaTg5umJ9Mo7E2fOi4pVhhdC9mkYVlxUUeV8oYyjZifNqi7ykQ/s320/moments.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>My career part one was one where I easily moved through with a curriculum / teaching and learning focus. It was only when I started to consider pastoral roles that I realised that mental fitness was something I needed to find out much more about. Emotional fatigue, compassion fatigue and mental health are all phrases we hear regularly in a negative way, instead of simply as early warning signs. We hear less of mental wealth, mental strength and mental fitness. When physical fitness appears on your personal to do list then joining a gym may be something to consider but mental fitness takes the same dedication if you work in a pastoral leadership role. The ebb and flow of underlying mental health needs is something that pastoral leaders are more than aware of. Looking after personal mental fitness is something that school leaders are increasingly recognising as an area to focus on. Mental resilience is now on a parallel with physical resilience to make it through an academic year.</div><div><br /></div><div>So part two of my teaching career opened the door to pastoral leadership. In this new realm of educational leadership the mental fitness of students, staff and self come crashing into sight every day. When I trained to be a Thrive Practitioner we often talked about when a child is in distress and needs to borrow an adult's rational brain. Simply sitting quietly beside a child in those moments, like joy does with sadness in the movie Inside Out, is helpful in that particular moment. As a leader there are times when we too need to have someone acknowledge and validate our emotional responses to the leadership situation we are working through or have just survived. Validation can simply be reflecting back how the person seems. A simple task of sitting and holding the silence is something that many in the teaching profession are great at with children. Silence can be compassionate leadership and simply holding a psychologically safe space can mean so much to someone in a moment of need. Peer support of each other helps keep us all in this high octane career. <p></p></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXdhcF8lgpn8aan7pk9UaExD1qz-6RwRqd5vTeJYoBkV3vblKYT1eqJmXtje_53qTUx16SJwH1MPnrZC5DeK-xzYrRouw2L8bunHVGe0GCHQfl3rFPQd0S6Vn4kZ2NkmZYRbx4SU9NMXsHHlFvr1S_525TF9F772LewxkpGTWQl-kyvHBI6OyjhaPeRA/s1177/trauma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1177" data-original-width="1123" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXdhcF8lgpn8aan7pk9UaExD1qz-6RwRqd5vTeJYoBkV3vblKYT1eqJmXtje_53qTUx16SJwH1MPnrZC5DeK-xzYrRouw2L8bunHVGe0GCHQfl3rFPQd0S6Vn4kZ2NkmZYRbx4SU9NMXsHHlFvr1S_525TF9F772LewxkpGTWQl-kyvHBI6OyjhaPeRA/s320/trauma.jpg" width="305" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Every time I hear someone being described as resilient leader I often wonder where the resilience has come from. Often when you get to know really good pastoral leaders there has been a key learning point in their careers, where out of necessity they have had to drag themselves to a place of survival and as a result have become stronger. These go to pastoral leaders don't have a magical quality of resilience or mental strength, however they have added a vast array of coping strategies to their leadership toolkit. Many will have a trusted team of adults they can rely upon to have confidential talks to either within or outside of their organisation, former colleagues they know - who know them well, people in their organisation within a position of trust and increasingly sourcing coaches to help them work through particular issues they are stuck with.<div><br /></div><div>Over the past few years pastoral leaders have been hit with wave after wave of emotional needs from the communities they serve. Before reaching breaking point and ending up washed up, exhausted from holding the needs of others - figuring out a personal toolkit of what works to surf the crest of the wave is critical. <br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrEeq7oPGYclW1qjtILi0hwptUjwRpqJbQmER03zpkRdK-V2_fzzXxSN6H3JCDg9TR5b-_vWmkYL--4B8wGrra7RMqwB8JrhUmrlOUTFfoMWmbA6Li95xmgMvm8h3Z-K0xVvr-brERb1ckKYeYklAQ38RxAZ3IqShtdyVFQ5PIz07MWD-2QRVE_dMqA/s1086/galapagos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1086" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrEeq7oPGYclW1qjtILi0hwptUjwRpqJbQmER03zpkRdK-V2_fzzXxSN6H3JCDg9TR5b-_vWmkYL--4B8wGrra7RMqwB8JrhUmrlOUTFfoMWmbA6Li95xmgMvm8h3Z-K0xVvr-brERb1ckKYeYklAQ38RxAZ3IqShtdyVFQ5PIz07MWD-2QRVE_dMqA/s320/galapagos.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div>My motorway realisation that I had surfed a huge wave of need recently led me to the decision that I had to take notice and dip into my resilient leader toolkit. Thankfully I am a planner and have started to focus my thoughts to holiday beaches - a different ebb and flow is imminent. Whatever has happened in the past makes us stronger and moving forwards with the things we have learnt makes us even stronger. </div><div><br /></div><div>When Darwin visited the Galapagos Islands he started to form his Theory of Evolution. He theorised that different species of finch had evolved on different islands, their distinctive beaks being an adaptation to distinct natural habitats or environmental niches.</div><div><br /></div><div>When I visit the islands this summer, hopefully, I plan on reflecting on how my leadership has adapted this year. We are all products of different islands (school contexts) and our leadership can be adapted dependent on what the environment requires (leadership role). In the end we are all teachers and leaders but we bring with us distinctive skill sets that have been honed by our natural habitat (our current school setting and role).</div><div><br /></div><div>If you are finding yourself on the crest of a wave, ready to reach break point - remember you can learn from it and next time you will be able to surf such a high wave - maybe even have fun from the exhilaration and enjoyment that comes from being a school leader. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>hunterjrmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158258024078409240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714996511141014300.post-85543487416851114472022-06-01T08:25:00.003-07:002022-06-01T10:49:30.470-07:00Mindful leadership<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyH_sgJpUEFgCctd2XlTH4j_OU6MQwWnDPEpwfCcHXpsOPjCh1cyjNU-dFl1g1tHwqY_TLw4tN0wF_hmR_fO1xSBJrEVSYZ4CFkkIhGoeU8gm8ZtmaXKnpsXo2W0ROfvVZzPNLHmN-FaKsrzqcDLw_bfgyMsp8zkFbXnu91zmRjlxXWlFa5-UMmdI3kQ/s617/D26BF1E2-126B-4210-AAB2-D08E3AE5B352.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="617" data-original-width="616" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyH_sgJpUEFgCctd2XlTH4j_OU6MQwWnDPEpwfCcHXpsOPjCh1cyjNU-dFl1g1tHwqY_TLw4tN0wF_hmR_fO1xSBJrEVSYZ4CFkkIhGoeU8gm8ZtmaXKnpsXo2W0ROfvVZzPNLHmN-FaKsrzqcDLw_bfgyMsp8zkFbXnu91zmRjlxXWlFa5-UMmdI3kQ/s320/D26BF1E2-126B-4210-AAB2-D08E3AE5B352.jpeg" width="319" /></a></div><p>3 years ago I was about to step into the role of headteacher. Having completed my NPQH I had done the studying but 3 years on I have to reflect on the fact that the best training I had done was a Mindfulness Diploma.</p><p>Emotional resilience is a necessity on a minute by minute basis in a school leadership position. Everyone looks to you for a calm, rational and consistent response - that means being able to calmly rationalise your emotional response to any situation.</p><p>Mindfulness provides an opportunity to step back from the rollercoaster of emotions leaders face on a typical school day. Albert Camus sums it up nicely. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhaTN5C75MASJtStbCU4I0OLgqhwC7JuYeipAuiwp2X_RsgRA5_AFR4K-xxs_0-0DG4dka0CjMZPu0jkgpJnOjqOS2upZAkL4V5WfvRWfsoC8oXMW13LEopRI_vGYzMIeFVKn8Il2_Rk4mYk66Fx9jWhQqgh11MgW6mU-HNvukMX4CfGuta4hRw1vAgg/s1408/CD0B0262-5971-4643-AA49-205E134FFC5A.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhaTN5C75MASJtStbCU4I0OLgqhwC7JuYeipAuiwp2X_RsgRA5_AFR4K-xxs_0-0DG4dka0CjMZPu0jkgpJnOjqOS2upZAkL4V5WfvRWfsoC8oXMW13LEopRI_vGYzMIeFVKn8Il2_Rk4mYk66Fx9jWhQqgh11MgW6mU-HNvukMX4CfGuta4hRw1vAgg/w305-h400/CD0B0262-5971-4643-AA49-205E134FFC5A.jpeg" width="305" /></a></div><p>The letter C is part of being a mindful leader.</p><p>Be <b>curious</b> about the reasons why you have an emotional response to the scenario you are dealing with. Your emotions are often a deeply rooted response and it’s trying to tell you something. As a leader being rational is important but it’s equally important to authentically engage with your emotional intelligence too.</p><p>Have <b>compassion</b> towards your emotions and take time to work through them. Self-compassion may mean taking time out to deal with the emotions instead of pushing them aside. Your emotional response is valid and will help you to work through a similar scenario in the future. Compassion is giving yourself the same kindness that you would give to others. In a typical day leaders are compassionate to so many people that mindfully and compassionately connecting with our own emotions helps us become better leaders.</p><p>Have <b>courage</b> to be honest with your emotions. Leaders often ask colleagues how they are and make time to support. We, on the other hand, when asked how we are will often smile and diminish our emotional state to portray an outwardly strong leader. Mindful awareness of our emotions means honesty to ourselves. We cannot run away from our emotions and need to have a ready made toolkit at hand for whatever leadership task lands on our to do list. Micro-mindfulness actions to ground ourselves during a challenging task acknowledges our emotion and helps in that temporary moment. </p><p>We are expected to be <b>consistent</b> in all leadership moments. By being able to be emotionally rational we can be consistent leaders. Often leaders prepare resources, presentations and knowledge prior to meetings and events but mindful preparation supports with emotional consistency. Logically and mindfully considering the rollercoaster of emotions in those big moments can support us to be consistent in our responses to colleagues. Failing to consider emotional preparation can lead to big emotions hijacking our thinking at the precise moment when clarity is required. </p><p>In the midst of chaos the mindful leader will be able to be <b>calm</b>. It isn’t a magical innate ability for many leaders but one that they have practised. We all know those leaders who rarely appear flustered - I’m often mistaken as one but I work hard on mindful skills to appear calm externally. Calm can be seen as having no strong emotions or not showing them. A mindful leader will be in control of those emotions and should not be seen as not having them. True calm happens after that challenging moment when the mindful leader acknowledges their authentic response with compassion to learn from it for the next time.</p><p>Mindfulness to many can seem like a “nice” thing to try but regularity means you can be mindful in any situation. I recognise that mindful leadership may not be for everyone but for me it enables me to be a better leader. </p><p>Mindful leadership with the letter C.</p><p>- be curious</p><p>- have compassion</p><p>- have courage</p><p>- be consistent</p><p>- be calm</p><p><b>“In the midst of chaos, I found there was, within me, an invincible calm.”</b> </p><p>If ever there was a reason to trial some mindful leadership it is to be able to find calm amongst chaos. </p>hunterjrmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158258024078409240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714996511141014300.post-8085330556379174502021-11-13T07:07:00.002-08:002021-11-13T07:12:03.378-08:00Should I stay or should I go?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK_0PuOhr8dsDQs7ULvM2kI5zfSmzMM8DE86j9cRIWiIOb9e_Bg0P7BecY4zQSzxjmzhgSUS79LM5T4ysTeZotUu4-okiebpm07CVdTVdklTXYxMBkHY6Kq_JEPiwSD8CRDAbAr2Wje1tc/s225/9C13E1E3-DCE6-45BF-9504-82F695F2E131.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK_0PuOhr8dsDQs7ULvM2kI5zfSmzMM8DE86j9cRIWiIOb9e_Bg0P7BecY4zQSzxjmzhgSUS79LM5T4ysTeZotUu4-okiebpm07CVdTVdklTXYxMBkHY6Kq_JEPiwSD8CRDAbAr2Wje1tc/s0/9C13E1E3-DCE6-45BF-9504-82F695F2E131.png" width="225" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12pt;">I knew I was awake but couldn’t move, so I lay in bed trying to figure out what was happening. I noticed that my ear was wet and realised that saliva was dribbling across my face. I lay consciously trying to open my eyes. It took forever and when I managed to open my eyes I lay in my bedroom grappling with some big questions.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I either continued to take the pain killers to help me deal with my injury or I stopped taking them. If I continued to take them then I would have to agree to the 4 weeks off work that the doctor had suggested or I stopped taking them and went into school in agony. As I couldn’t move I had a long time to think about the traumatic event that had led to this problem. I also thought about my role as headteacher. Could I really take 4 weeks off as we had returned from lockdown? Did my staff, students and school need me? Presenteeism is something I always say to staff isn’t good. Should I model my own advice? Would me being off reenforce that I was really injured? Should I now give up teaching and move on to another sector?</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">When you are chemically immobilised but your brain is active there is plenty of time to reflect. So I rewound my thoughts back to the event and played it back. On lunch duty I had been punched in the back by a student. The blunt force used meant I couldn’t feel my shoulder/ arm for around 4 days. This all happened at the end of lunch in front of lots of students so obviously I went into teacher mode not letting emotions come out. Indeed it was only almost half an hour later that I made it to a safe space by myself to stop. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I realised that phone calls and paperwork needed to be completed so the adrenaline kept me going. Even talking to people I think I truly played it down - words such as a serious event but I was ok kept coming out of my mouth. I heard people telling me to call them if I needed to talk and to call the police. I knew that police would say we don’t like to criminalise children so I didn’t make the call. Shock makes people do strange things. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I have a long commute and drove home wondering what to tell my family. I played it down and said there had been an incident but that I was ok. No further details. That night I couldn’t lean back on the sofa, changing clothes was painful and trying to find a comfortable sleeping position was not easy. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The next morning I could so easily have rung in ill but I had paperwork that had to be completed. I also knew the students who had seen the event would notice if I wasn’t in school. Staff already knew what had happened to me and would be concerned if they didn’t see me. So I made the decision to go to work. I still couldn’t feel my arm. I was in agony unless I put my arm on an armrest or walked around holding it with my other arm. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Driving into work that morning I was greeted by torrential rain. I stood at the student gate with my umbrella and a massive smile, greeting everyone with a cheery good morning. Inside I couldn’t believe I was doing this but I knew I needed people to see I was still there. Staff asking me how I was were greeted with comments such as “a bit of a sore arm but I’m fine.” </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It was only at the weekend when my daughter hugged me and I squeaked with pain that I had to explain that I was in agony. It made me realise that without adrenaline and shock that I was badly physically injured. When a doctor tells you that you must have medical intervention it all takes a different toll. So I did ring the police. Reliving the incident and having a police officer tell me that the threshold for assault with actual bodily harm had been reached made me feel really sad. After over 20 years in education it had come to me being the victim of a criminal act from a minor. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I started to do research around national statistics about physical assault towards adults and I realised that lots of people are victims every year. When you try to find out how people coped there isn’t a lot of clear information out there. I am still in pain but have discovered how to cope to alleviate the issue. The fact that I showed up everyday astounds me. School continues whether you are injured or not. Children move on and these traumatic events are quickly forgotten. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Thankfully there are support phone lines for educational professionals. Charities support those in need so that they can continue their jobs and lives. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This blog has not been written for sympathy. I hope that if a colleague is injured in a school and they want to hear that this has happened to others at least there is an account shared. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Going back to my original question - should I stay or should I go? Twenty years into teaching and I am still proud to be a teacher. I know this is an unusual event that happens rarely. Letting people know that you are there matters. Letting people know that you support them to stay home or come in is supported - matters. Letting people know that even if they look like they have physically recovered that mentally you are there for them - matters. </span></p><div><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>hunterjrmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158258024078409240noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714996511141014300.post-75841948023276651492021-05-29T03:09:00.014-07:002021-05-29T03:18:38.744-07:00Stars and sentinels<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqcmRe1u1gDBqZtrn4DpdLHYtfQjzoT-hesDa6RcU4N_NRB7VMFF37AUAGsDEr8PEG8y_idKJNPk8uiWI_GqXqG1Xxxl0ktLg5f2MerWr59D-uVDqXAh15mTqRf6iW6Tx8M3jqlnOUwjwd/s800/83C644A1-3DCA-48FB-AF78-6ADA97B5A776.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="609" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqcmRe1u1gDBqZtrn4DpdLHYtfQjzoT-hesDa6RcU4N_NRB7VMFF37AUAGsDEr8PEG8y_idKJNPk8uiWI_GqXqG1Xxxl0ktLg5f2MerWr59D-uVDqXAh15mTqRf6iW6Tx8M3jqlnOUwjwd/s320/83C644A1-3DCA-48FB-AF78-6ADA97B5A776.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
After 15 months leading a school through a pandemic I thought it was time to reflect on how I as a leader keep going. I have said before that during the pandemic I lost my joy for listening to music. Now that I have become accustomed to leading through whatever issues COVID raises I have started to really listen to lyrics. <div><br /></div><div> My daily commute from January 2020 - March 2021 was consumed by listening to news channels. On returning home I was reading about how other educational settings were getting ready for schooling in the pandemic. I also read constantly numerous times government documents landed. My own pressure came from knowing that my school community needed to believe that I had answers. If answers weren’t readily available from my own government or union I could at least fall back on what educators had shared from abroad. That was in wave 1.
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Since January 2020 the inner drive leaders have needed has taken a huge level of resilience. The lyrics from Stars in the musical les mis sum it up for me. <div><br /></div><div>
Stars <div><br /></div><div>
In your multitudes <div><br /></div><div>
Scarce to be counted <div><br /></div><div>
Filling the darkness <div><br /></div><div>
With order and light! <div><br /></div><div>
You are the sentinels <div><br /></div><div>
Silent and sure <div><br /></div><div>
Keeping watch <div><br /></div><div>
School leaders across the globe in every sector have had to be a beacon of order and light. Even when terrified for their own health and wellbeing they have been calm, as well as reassuring to their school communities. The phrase “clopen” was a particularly interesting time as a school leader. Maintaining a presence in your virtual school, being available to maintain order in school and keeping watch for everyone’s wellbeing - without truly understanding the science behind keeping everyone safe. Leaders became experts at managing the heightened expectations that we knew how to keep everyone safe from a new risk. A year on and anyone leading a school can add that to their CVs as risk assessments have had countless iterations.
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People keep talking about life returning to normal. I have to disagree. We have all been changed, our collective experience and living with this new risk means that normal has also changed. Our expectations have changed and our collective trauma from these recent events mean that we are in the process of co-constructing what our normal will be for the next part of this Century. After the last pandemic in the 1920s society embraced additional opportunities for leisure activities. As a leader now is the time for me to reflect on what educational provision is needed for the normal we are about to embrace as a society.
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The les mis lyrics from Stars continue ...
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You know your place in the sky <div><br /></div><div>
You hold your course and your aim <div><br /></div><div>
And each in your season <div><br /></div><div>
Returns and returns <div><br /></div><div>
Leaders know their place in their school communities. They will plot a course and navigate as required for their school. If this pandemic has taught us anything, it is that leaders return and return. They simply don’t give up.
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As we lead into the 2020s school leaders should be celebrated for the massive task they undertook for our nation and the next generation by keeping education going. Children kept learning, teachers have worked throughout this pandemic. I personally owe a debt of gratitude to my own daughter’s school and I know that society understand what schools have done. As educators we are often humble about our work but now is the time to be proud of what we achieved. Look back and reflect on what we thought we couldn’t achieve. We did it.
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The future is bright. Leaders will continue to be stars and sentinels to guide generations through their education. Collectively we can fill any darkness with light. We simply have to decide on our why and how.
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I am excited about the normal we can create. Yes it is our next challenge but we can achieve it as we work together for our children and society.
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I’m off to celebrate the end of GCSEs 2021 with my teen by embracing the marvellous world of musical theatre. Life continues and we all need light.</div>hunterjrmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158258024078409240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714996511141014300.post-1920316761389155332020-10-26T04:09:00.001-07:002020-10-26T05:42:31.334-07:00Teacher5aday slowchat8<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkMCEmL2K_e9suutJhbODpUpkQiw34xNxJmUAeqmnJ44Hf_U32ROVgI66rXB3FhwlxukFY44A_iNQOmXLnQDnBl4mD_hviyFUUUP4m6bldnURsthMkJerKmCDiCpxngcymOzaYzRVgNAIL/s1755/79ABEB98-0C22-4D3D-AED2-5655015332A4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1755" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkMCEmL2K_e9suutJhbODpUpkQiw34xNxJmUAeqmnJ44Hf_U32ROVgI66rXB3FhwlxukFY44A_iNQOmXLnQDnBl4mD_hviyFUUUP4m6bldnURsthMkJerKmCDiCpxngcymOzaYzRVgNAIL/s320/79ABEB98-0C22-4D3D-AED2-5655015332A4.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">#teacher5aday </span><p></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">#slowchat8</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">#volunteer</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">This year I have volunteered to talk about #volunteer because it can be great for your wellbeing. Join in on Friday 30th October with responses to questions throughout the day. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">I was gifted a book a few years ago called The year of yes by Shonda Rhimes. It inspired me to say yes to lots of amazing things. Emails inviting me to stand for a professional election post, talking on the BBC, sharing the stage at a national exhibition centre etc. This book made me step up to the plate when I could see that volunteering would have a significant impact on others. I had never said yes to so many things. Volunteering opened up my world, helped me connect beyond my day to day sphere of connections. I learnt I was capable of so much more, even when things terrified me. I noticed that the more I said yes - the more volunteering opportunities opened up. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">For those who know me I’m not a natural socialiser. In fact I find meeting and talking to people exhausting so a year of embracing events where I volunteered started to become too much. So I fell back on another book called No! this book complimented the year of yes and clarified the need to say no. Wellbeing can be enhanced by saying yes, however saying no is also needed to find a balance. By saying no I was able to hone in on the volunteering which gave me energy rather than exhausted me. My year of yes was needed and now I look back at the volunteering I did noticing what I learnt. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">2020 may be the year you think you just need to look after yourself. Volunteering may help your wellbeing. Join in the slow chat with these questions. </span></p><ul class="ul1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><li class="li1" style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><span class="s1" style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">Do you ever #notice opportunities to #volunteer and don’t say yes? What stops you from saying yes?</span></li><li class="li1" style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><span class="s1" style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">Do you ever sit down and measure the impact of when you #volunteer on your own wellbeing and others?</span></li><li class="li1" style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><span class="s1" style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">Do you ever carry out micro-volunteering in school? Could you do something next term? Cover for someone’s duty? Bring your colleagues a hot drink? Run a zoom quiz? </span></li><li class="li1" style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><span class="s1" style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">What have you seen others do as a #volunteer that you would like to do? How will you change things to make it happen? </span></li><li class="li1" style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><span class="s1" style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">Could you link #volunteer with #connect #learn #exercise and notice? What could you do to maximise your choices without being a drain on your wellbeing? </span></li></ul>hunterjrmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158258024078409240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714996511141014300.post-77027569125057263402020-10-23T03:10:00.001-07:002020-10-23T03:14:32.264-07:00Pack Up your troubles get your old grin back. Don't worry bout the cavalry!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimk4fv8LJgKlzPhnMV80jcMKdQdnnvt75Ewg_TT3MHTXFqXQxTgcshd9k8w1Q3Bjsgiy0lclIApEzITaJmI7TLmVWw7s0MkebWh-cMv1P2kJAELrTgs3GNWexFSq2OP4AJjZZQ02Lw13Bd/s720/6B740683-7A5D-4459-BD6C-7605E9A1C5FD.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="547" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimk4fv8LJgKlzPhnMV80jcMKdQdnnvt75Ewg_TT3MHTXFqXQxTgcshd9k8w1Q3Bjsgiy0lclIApEzITaJmI7TLmVWw7s0MkebWh-cMv1P2kJAELrTgs3GNWexFSq2OP4AJjZZQ02Lw13Bd/s320/6B740683-7A5D-4459-BD6C-7605E9A1C5FD.jpeg" /></a></div><br />Leading a school returning after a national lockdown and in the middle of a pandemic is a unique situation. Every school context is different and guidance can be applied in different yet equally suitable ways. For me this term has reminded me of how to survive a traumatic event. Live each moment as it comes. Many times this term I have had to have a micro mindful moment to pull myself together as I knew others were looking to me for a calm response to the situations which arose.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">As a trained teacher dealing with an infectious virus in a school community has been a steep learning curve. From the first moment children and adults started to arrive back in school flow charts and scripts were pinned to my office wall. I kept saying to myself that it was the calm before the storm and we needed to use the time to get prepared. That preparation phase paid off. From the first confirmed case phone call you learn to trust your preparation. Trust your flow chart and calmly phone those in situ to support. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Leaders need a support network and need to recognise when their teams are reaching the point of exhaustion. Making sure that the minute you leave your office it is with a calm we can do this exterior dialogue. Your internal dialogue might be that you are in a rudiculous position but educators are not epidemiologists and can only take decisions they feel are right for others. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> One thing I have had to work on this term has been packing away my troubles at the end of the day. Ruminating and catastrophising takes you down an exhausting rabbit hole. When a confirmed covid-19 case lands on our shoulders to deal with you need mental alertness. My go to is immersing myself in other peoples lives via Reality TV. On Monday evening I wondered how the cast of Made in Chelsea would handle working in a school in this pandemic. The reality of children going hungry during school holidays, children struggling to have access to digital learning and staff struggling to find time to exercise against the trials of the MiC and the housewives of Cheshire gives me the energy needed to go into school day after day. We make a difference as teachers and open the door for brighter futures. Switching off is critical to avoid burn out. Half term is necessary to get our old grin back! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> Leading in this pandemic has reminded me that being an adult is hard work. There is no point hoping and longing for the cavalry to arrive. Conversations around how long we have to deal with the current way of teaching can be mentally draining. The cavalry are our amazing scientists but we can't put a date on when this will all end. So we all need to find a way to move on from the stress of our school setting, find a way to laugh and be realistic. This is the new normal. Be proud of everything you have achieved this term. Brace yourself for next term being worse but trust your planning. We can all do this. We already are. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxtH0cr79bQYEjGacIh4fYDgkQKEvHpC6iGYsqh4DuPJk4aFJ02GU6D1d_LsIW41I_hefsNvnHECPmtQAbdurC5rTQeRLQC1SBUwyjmBNgUyXoa4wMrmRHdKRALvZh2JobDy_lUr9qy6u/s960/25458EBA-9566-4EBD-A6CE-255C2A4415DC.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="696" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxtH0cr79bQYEjGacIh4fYDgkQKEvHpC6iGYsqh4DuPJk4aFJ02GU6D1d_LsIW41I_hefsNvnHECPmtQAbdurC5rTQeRLQC1SBUwyjmBNgUyXoa4wMrmRHdKRALvZh2JobDy_lUr9qy6u/s320/25458EBA-9566-4EBD-A6CE-255C2A4415DC.jpeg" /></a></div> . . </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQXz9IJ1nf8QZd0vDdDgoh67x8g9aue6ArCMQftH_wOFJuEF6bccvqw6mNdy9fH5lvcW2NdZXZo-4VshemtxW4bEBfNKFvs7JvsmcGY7PPzDAkMQTTNdxZu-VNyX039T0q4hrnedVdk7cc/s960/68B99A6E-CC09-4C71-8AC8-7DA9F7A43349.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></a></div>hunterjrmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158258024078409240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714996511141014300.post-15878441197617653122020-08-31T10:00:00.002-07:002020-08-31T10:02:27.017-07:00#Teacher5aday 2020<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTZVaNccV-U3OzAJ8T9Qu8eo9XNAoXL0dqFxqQrn7lDudOZLbHTRvQSP4lcadQU6KveZ3sgJJ5cXE8QgL-EfTfv-e5CMjUCKu6KYPqSn1vlkOFHf0_wG89M3bpp2_9rJf2yC9g0MBFPs8/s2048/45F64055-3F5B-4E2A-A74F-A4B87042FF62.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1676" data-original-width="2048" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTZVaNccV-U3OzAJ8T9Qu8eo9XNAoXL0dqFxqQrn7lDudOZLbHTRvQSP4lcadQU6KveZ3sgJJ5cXE8QgL-EfTfv-e5CMjUCKu6KYPqSn1vlkOFHf0_wG89M3bpp2_9rJf2yC9g0MBFPs8/w200-h164/45F64055-3F5B-4E2A-A74F-A4B87042FF62.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>As the new academic year is about to start we have a window of opportunity to plan our own approach to wellbeing. I always find the #teacher5aday approach one that is achievable and memorable. #learn, #notice, #connect, #volunteer, #exercise<p></p><p>Last year I pledged to do yoga every school year. I’m not beating myself up for not achieving 190 yoga sessions but I did manage it relatively frequently. Having just finished Couch to 5km I know running during the school week doesn’t fit into my schedule. I also know that on a typical school day I walk miles in addition to my pre-breakfast dog walk. I do think it’s important though to be fit to do my role therefore this year my #exercise pledge is 2 runs a week. For the past 9 weeks I’ve managed 3 runs a week so dropping to 2 means balancing my commute and long school days with exercise. </p><p>Having spent the past 3 years helping to set up a brand new school I am looking forward to year 4. The staffing structure is almost what you would expect in a fully formed school. Most roles will be in place so rather than being so operational it is now time to #learn to find a balance for strategic planning in addition to making sure that layers of leadership support everyone in school. As a new school grows rapidly every year it requires flexibility from those who join/ remain in the team. Every year brings change in schools and this year brings more change than ever before. For me I need to #learn to trust my instincts and to listen to others as much as I can. </p><p>One of the things I have written every year has been about needing to find time to be fully present for my family when I am home. Setting up a new school in the first few years has meant long hours when I haven't been physically or emotionally around as much as I think I should have been. Lockdown was a blessing as working from home meant being able to stop and have lunch together. Yes the weeks of late evening government guidance have eaten into family time but on balance time together became the norm. So I need to put work away and be fully present at home to #connect and #notice how my GCSE teen is doing. I predict another roller coaster year when I will need to notice my own emotions to deal with exam decisions/ local lockdowns as they arise. </p><p> I have always tried to give back to different organisations such as WomenEd, WLiE coaching and community sport but this year I have had to reduce the time I gave to #volunteer purely because I found that dealing with my first headship in a pandemic meant having a singular focus on doing whatever was needed to make things work at school. This academic year I am supporting some people through new leadership moves and projects. There are ways of being a #volunteer but sometimes doing less better can be useful. #volunteer when I can make a difference is for me this year. </p><p> So another pledge, let's see what the year brings. My gran gave me the glass swan above and when I look at it I always remember that it is made of sand heated to really high temperatures to become liquid. When temperatures rise at school this year, due to covid or metaphorically speaking there will be an opportunity to craft something beautiful. It is the next normal and #teacher5aday will guide me through. </p><p><br /></p>hunterjrmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158258024078409240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714996511141014300.post-83916721093120754742020-08-29T07:59:00.006-07:002020-08-29T08:09:18.550-07:00Year 1 headteachering<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkaildKc1p3yPToUtKl0wbQrrtyt0afBclLuVU6BpQcMkNeHNPRe_6pL6T5tMNgUCLLyo0HiS1V7dM_qKzBwlyeT9u_VylCEkNJOwR_6hP5Ns5ek9umSzzk_Y78EnvVNDwXxkPPvOaPspM/s205/913BA8E2-4F26-4A82-B392-C5273CD8165B.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="205" data-original-width="204" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkaildKc1p3yPToUtKl0wbQrrtyt0afBclLuVU6BpQcMkNeHNPRe_6pL6T5tMNgUCLLyo0HiS1V7dM_qKzBwlyeT9u_VylCEkNJOwR_6hP5Ns5ek9umSzzk_Y78EnvVNDwXxkPPvOaPspM/w199-h200/913BA8E2-4F26-4A82-B392-C5273CD8165B.jpeg" width="199" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">This time last year I was thinking about starting the academic year as an Acting Headteacher. Yes, there were nerves but at the same time I felt buffered by a new Executive Headteacher being around as top cover. I didn’t even need to do the traditional welcome back to staff or first assembly. </span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Little did I know that within a matter of weeks I would be interviewing for the substantive headship and as the successful internal candidate was able to start with no delay. I had assumed that Acting headship would give me a year to find my feet but it wasn’t to be. 4 weeks, just 20 school days into the school year and the world felt like it was being turned upside down. </p><p>Day 40 of the academic year and I was in day 1 of substantive headship. No Executive Headteacher to be on hand ( a few days a week until Christmas ) so for the first time in forever it felt like I was the adult expected to have the answers. </p><p>If you read about those early days of headship there is often the idea of your first 100 days. Plenty of articles suggest using those 100 days to get to know your school. On paper and having read those articles it sounded luxurious to spend time studying your school. As an internal appointment in the middle of the autumn term it didn’t feel like I had much time to get to walk the school slowly. </p><p>Building issues, HR items you don’t get training on as a teacher, budgets, planning, the hundreds of answers you are expected to have and the rapid decision making required of a headteacher require a calm mind. In just a few weeks I realised that exhaustion would occur if I didn’t start to slow down. I needed to follow the mantra of putting my own mask on first to be able to help others. </p><p>Things started to get into a pattern and I started to realise that there were layers of support available. Local headteacher networks, multi-academy trust partners, social media networks and unions will always have someone who can help. So not knowing an answer straight away is not a problem. Finding time to consider the best option is more important. </p><p> I like to learn from others and take time to look at what is happening around the world. Colleagues in China, Malaysia, Italy and Spain were sharing information about educating in lockdown. I started to spend as much time as I could following the International sector dealing with Covid-19. So by my day 100 I had to tell my team that school was closing, reopening in 2 days virtually and we would open in 2 days for childcare. 100 days for new headteachers teaches us many things. </p><p> I learnt that speed reading government guidance, calmly writing long daily detailed letters to parents, daily staff bulletins meant finding a way of calmly disseminating information. The entire summer term of rotas and rapid reaction also showed me the flexibility required from those leading schools. </p><p> So if you are stepping into the role of Head or Acting Headteacher in September the multi-faceted requirements can seem overwhelming, however there is a once in a lifetime bonus for the headteachers of 2020/21. Noone in current UK leadership roles has run a school in a pandemic. People can no longer say, When I was headteacher ..., therefore there is a liberating opportunity for new headteachers to feel that their opinion is equally as valid as experienced colleagues. We are all in this together so it is time to speak up and be counted. </p><p> As I get ready for my first ever headteacher welcome I know I don't have all the answers. Working as a team we will be ready to welcome our students back. Whatever happens this academic year I'm excited for my second year in headship. </p><p><br /></p>hunterjrmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158258024078409240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714996511141014300.post-76955166676917226652020-07-25T04:37:00.001-07:002020-07-25T04:37:37.753-07:00Train your mind<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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At the start of this academic year I was Acting Headteacher and one thing I was taken aback by was the sheer amount of decisions Headteachers are expected to make on any given day. Decisions can come from emails, random corridor conversations, meetings with colleagues - students and parents. Each time someone appears there is a possible decision to be made. One thing I quickly figured out was that I was expected to rationally and swiftly make a decision and remain calm, as well as seemingly knowledgable.<br />
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As the year progressed so too did my ability to train my mind not to explode with the speed of information and random topic jumping. A micro moment just to breathe and think about what additional information was needed to take the decision with the knowledge that there is always time to say you’ll get back to the person with a considered response. </div>
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A long commute gives me time at the start and end of every day to really consider those tricky issues waiting for a headteacher decision. Often decisions interlink and impact on numerous parts of school and community life. Being able to step back and think outside of the school building can often remove the day to day pressure. It is also the time to let the build up of having to get a perfect answer dwindle. Compromise or offering a few solutions can sometimes be better than a concrete answer. </div>
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Later in the year my headship became a substantive post and that did bring a change in the way people appeared to expect even more decisions to be made rapidly. I have had to learn to be at peace with my decisions, even when I have an angry adult in front of me demanding a U-turn to suit their position. As long as I have rationally thought through the consequences then I can know that I have done my best. </div>
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Of course 4 months into my substantive headship a pandemic arrived to test out my mind training. As the mind gym training in the previous part of the academic year had shown, time to reflect, time to get information and time to consider the impact of decisions had served me well. Pandemic leadership really was the complete reverse. The week beginning 16th March I had several versions of letters being typed simultaneously for parents and staff. Waiting for staffing updates, government and trust guidance. I have never had to read and type so quickly, whilst letting my mind analyse what had been read to hit sensible timings for all stakeholders. I must thank my A level History teachers for telling me speed reading would be a skill I could always fall back on. It’s true. </div>
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What I learnt during the week of Department of Education guidance document after document delivery was that there is truly an absorption point where information is not going to stick. I needed to only take in the important and necessary information required to make decisions. At the start of the year I had been doing the opposite as I had time.<br />
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Time pressures+information quantity+decision quantity=mind control required<br />
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All headteachers around the globe were taking decisions which impacted on their communities. Education, safety and employment decisions at a moment in time would be considered as the time to take your time but it felt like there was never enough time to hit deadlines. I will look back on my first year as headteacher and remind myself that you can train your mind to cope with the situation. Mind training can happen on the job. When there is time to stop and reflect your mind will absorb what has been achieved. Anatomically your brain may not be a muscle but by treating as one and exercising it you will benefit from that in the future.<br />
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My mind has been truly exercised this year. To keep it healthy and functioning I will take a rest this summer. I know there will be more brain gym activity in pre-September opening decisions but I am hopeful that year 2 of headship may be the time I can lean on the training I carried out this year. Daily training this year has made my mind stronger but now it is time to switch off.<br />
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hunterjrmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158258024078409240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714996511141014300.post-43646776953585150312019-12-20T10:52:00.001-08:002019-12-20T11:09:52.787-08:00Smiles and sweets<br />
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I have had people congratulate me this year. Lots of comments about how great things are and throughout it all I have smiled. I have given the socially acceptable thank yous and above all else I have maintained an outwardly positive can do manner to everything which has come my way.<br />
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However since term has ended I have started to wonder if my approach is unhelpful to those who think that school leadership is not doable for them. Lots of people have queried how I manage to keep so positive and that they don’t have the same mental strength that I have shown.<br />
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I hope this small glimpse into the most challenging year of my teaching career will show a simple tip anyone can use when the going gets tough. I have had to dig deep into my reserves to make it to the end of 2019. In fact I have had to go to the memories of the worst time in my life to remind myself how I could survive. I recently became a substantive headteacher and spent the 5 hour drive home in tears. I just wanted to call my mum and hear her say well done. As my mum died unexpectedly when I was in year 7, I was never going to hear the well done phrase on a career highlight.<br />
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I’m not expecting any condolences about my blog but want to point out some skills I learnt in year 7, which have been used lots by me as Acting Headteacher and in my substantive post. Sweets and smiles are the key for me to get through anything. Mindfulness wasn’t a thing I had heard of when I was in year 7 but sweets and smiles actually started me on the journey of noticing/ connecting with my emotions.<br />
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As a headteacher I have noticed that there is an expectation to be able to micro-manage emotional changes at break neck speed every day. Consoling, encouraging, celebrating and being the adult brain in all settings. So what do sweets and smiles have to do with being a resilient leader? On the morning of my mum’s funeral I remember (memory from a traumatic time may not be how the conversation actually happened) wondering how I could get through the day. In the car I started to do the whole hiccuping hiding tears thing. My dad gave me a packet of sweets, most unusual when I was growing up! The instructions were if I felt I couldn’t do the service, listening to people talk about my mum and trying not to look at the coffin - I was to suck on the sweet and pay attention to the taste etc. Now I understand the science behind this mindful eating technique of being in the moment. Instead of getting swept away on the emotional train that day I slowly connected and grounded my thinking by eating a sweet.<br />
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As a school leader in 2019 I have had to give myself a good talking to when situations have felt beyond my capacity to deal with everything. As a headteacher I have felt all eyes on me expectantly. On several occasions I have driven home telling myself that this was the most challenging time in my career and asking myself if I was going to be able to do what was being asked of me. I then remembered that funeral day and was able to self coach myself with the mantra of you survived that aged 12. As an adult you can use the same techniques.<br />
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The smile? After a week off school in year 7 I dreaded going back. We were doing families in French class and I didn’t want friends or teachers asking me if I was ok, or being kind as that brought tears. What is it with people asking if you are ok that makes tears form? I was given a script. Smile and say you are fine. Again if a 12 year old can do it so could I as an adult, whatever happened this year. The science bit is amazing. By smiling the muscles tell your brain to circulate happy chemicals and you<br />
start to feel better. Fake happiness until you make it!<br />
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So it might have been my annus horribilis but I am not stronger than anyone else. I am not to be congratulated on being so resilient. Resilience for me has been a matter of reflecting and implementing methods I have used in the past. I am sure I will look back on this year the next time I have to dig deep and remind myself of sweets and smiles. So the next time you think you can’t do something hunt out a bag of smiley sweets, notice those emotions and then just get on with the task. As teachers, leaders and parents we need to show that we are not invincible but that we have learnt coping strategies.<br />
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So in 2020 whatever lands on your desk, in your pigeon hole or your inbox you have the emotional resilience to survive. Remember also that people you think who have an awesome job, personal life and are full of smiles may be finding things a challenge. Kindness can sometimes be a smile but asking someone if they are ok or how they are may not get the accurate full response. People will protect their emotions until they are strong enough to share their experience. Adaptability, emotional strength and resilience are not innate. Learn from those who seem to exude calm as they have potentially learnt calmness from adverse situations.<br />
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Growing up if I ever complained that life was hard work I was reminded that life only gives you what you can cope with. I stick by this. This year has been hard work but with amazing people around me the team have made it doable. My end of term thank you over mince pies ended reminding colleagues that a smile or glance across the corridor has kept many of us going. A positive mindset as a team helps boost those in need.<br />
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Maybe next year will be my annus mirabilis.hunterjrmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158258024078409240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714996511141014300.post-5611189107842643072019-08-28T02:40:00.001-07:002019-08-28T02:40:28.160-07:00#teacher5aday 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There is nothing I dread more than a beach holiday, so why did I book one the minute I knew I was about to take on an Acting leadership role? I have taken on acting leadership roles before and have always found that mid-year is a challenge as there is an expectation from stakeholders for you to fill all aspects of the role swiftly. 7 1/2 weeks I knew would be about giving my all as well as my best. So the summer term was the chaos before a calm holiday where I was stranded on an island with nowhere to go apart from the sea or the pool. It did give me time to reflect.<br />
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As the new school year approaches I am planning lessons and my own #teacher5aday pledge for 2019/20.<br />
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#exercise has been a challenge for the past few years due to injury and the hours needed to set up a new school. I have been inspired by the run every day movement but my pledge is yoga every school day 190 sessions is my personal goal. I even have an office yoga programme!<br />
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#learn as a lifelong learner there are times books are helpful and other moments when on the job learning takes priority. Having just finished my NPQH and started a headship role my learning pledge is to embrace those challenging moments, which are bound to happen, and find the positive learning point. The aim is to become a positive leadership role model.<br />
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#connect is critical as teaching can be a lonely profession in a classroom seeing no other adult all day. For my first 38 days as a headteacher I felt the loneliness which accompanies the weight of ultimate accountability. I pledge to connect with leaders via networks such as #womened<br />
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#volunteer roles can be a way of looking up and beyond your current setting. My role on the Chartered College of Teaching Council comes to an end shortly. I have been an advocate for the College since it began, have been impressed with the quality of Fellowship applications, standard of research resources and how there is a positive professional profile being consistently given for our wonderful profession. If you are looking for a volunteer pledge do stand for the elections - you won’t regret it. I am pledging to support #teacher5aday by being on the newly formed steering group. #WEllbeingbeginswithWE<br />
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#notice is my most important pledge. On my island holiday my daughter asked if I could be more like holiday mum at home during term time and leave teacher mum at school. She had noticed that I may be physically present at home but mentally still at school. So I pledge not just to get home in time to be with family but to #notice my mental presence too.<br />
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My pledge goes further though as I am responsible for staff wellbeing. We have a staff wellbeing room with displays to support and sustain us. I pledge to have a #teacher5aday display and to get our staff wellbeing committee to consider what can be done for #teacher5aday week 2nd-6th December.<br />
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So what will you pledge to do this year? Share your pledge with 5 other teachers.<br />
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hunterjrmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158258024078409240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714996511141014300.post-81945455474601470772019-05-15T11:32:00.000-07:002019-05-15T11:41:47.001-07:00Leading in the dark<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The challenges of school leadership mirror the challenges of life. I am often asked about the most challenging moments I have experienced as a school leader and I always reply with the same response. Leading during dark times. Managing to control your own emotions whilst supporting others is a large ask. I remember the time a colleague was facing a terminal illness and students were not aware. Keeping parents and students onside when you knew the colleague was being amazing turning up to teach lessons but that the end was in sight, was difficult. However the biggest ask was keeping tears at bay when the colleague died and the entire school had to be told. Deciding whether to stay at school or go to the funeral, knowing that there was no right or wrong, simply going with what felt right. Leading in those dark moments means holding on to what keeps you strong. Taking each moment as it comes.<br />
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I recently talked about leadership surfing the waves of emotion in a building. Go with the flow as there are real highs and lows in the field of education. It's not just the long planned for death of a colleague but also the annual resignation deadlines. Each subject leader, phase leader and senior leader holds their collective breath as they wonder what their team will look like in the next academic term or year. Once you know who is staying or going then it is the preparation for the adieu or final goodbye. When you have worked with colleagues for years or during an intense time the end is like a wave of grief. You know that you won't be in that relationship together again but hope that the goodbye will not be forever.<br />
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So remember to take every day as it comes. Teamwork shares the emotional burden and there is always light at the end of each painful period of turbulence. Vulnerable leaders are courageous leaders as they embrace the challenges ahead.<br />
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<br />hunterjrmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158258024078409240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714996511141014300.post-33767150960728855962018-10-28T11:17:00.002-07:002018-10-28T11:17:38.417-07:00Missing pieces<br />
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During my 20 years in secondary schools in England I have noticed that there are often missing leaders at a variety of different levels. I have gained from stepping up and filling roles, always taking the view that it is all good experience. </div>
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At the start of my teaching career I was in the great position of working with an advanced skills teacher. The missing leadership piece came when they weren't in school and went out to help other schools. In these cases there are options: reply to the parents who want to speak to the head of department, filling the void or sticking to your own role. By being pro-active I was able to learn on the job which made the step up to running my own department easier. </div>
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Finding yourself with missing leadership seems to follow me as I move jobs or I seem to find myself noticing that there are missing leaders. My second school was a learning experience of being on a high maternity rate setting. The head of faculty followed by two heads of subject all missing in action over just 2 academic years. Being able to fill the missing leader puzzle can be quite a challenge for Headteachers and if you are willing to step up to the mark be ready to negotiate. When I taught 3 people's timetables with a team of cover teachers on no free lessons it was the only option at the time. Even though everyone involved in the missing leader puzzle knew it was not sustainable there was still room to negotiate admin support, planning time on a weekly basis and time built in for leadership tasks. </div>
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Of course providing the solution to the missing leader crisis is not a long term solution. Once the leaders are back on the scene they take back the reins in their own indominatable style. The person who had held the whole puzzle together will inevitably feel relieved, however they have shown that they can be a leader. So do they then end up leaving that organisation? School leadership have now got the opportunity to build a stronger team. The best leaders will ask what the new found skills could be used for and what the person, who has gone above and beyond to keep everything together, would like to do for their next steps. Sometimes that will be moving on, however we do need to be thinking of retention of talent in our schools, which may mean creative horizontal positions, could involve use of time or showing interest in alternative leadership ladders. </div>
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When I started my NPQH the first task was to look at the types of headships available, a raft of differences from stand alone academies to large regional hubs within chains and the small number of maintained schools all with elements of potential pockets of missing leadership for senior leaders to navigate. I only started as a deputy Headteacher last year with the traditional model of a headteacher in the building. This traditional model of a full time Headteacher assigned to one school is becoming increasingly rare and colleagues need to consider what the senior leadership is in any school they are applying to. I found having a full time headteacher focussed on my school setting was critical in the early days of starting a brand new school and meant occasional days with no headteacher in the building was organised in advance and catered for. As a new deputy it helped build experience and leadership capacity for our year 2 model. </div>
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So another academic year has begun and we had a saying last year that year 2 in a brand new school would be easier! I find myself with another perceived layer of missing leadership as the model changes to a school with an Executive Headteacher. How have we gone from every school having a headteacher to this executive headship model? What does working in a sibling school sharing an executive Headteacher mean for the leaders left in either school building? Well my positive outlook is it's a great opportunity for all Deputy Headteachers to become trainee Headteachers on a daily basis. I am pleased to have a trainee Headteacher buddy on this journey as a glance across the dining hall is all it takes for us both to understand what needs to be done. </div>
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As my year 7 Geographers know weather is the day to day changes in the atmosphere. Trainee Headteachers will know that when the executive Headteacher is not in the building we are operationally responsible for the day to day educational weather in the school building. When the executive Headteacher monitors the daily conditions it is up to us to have responses ready and/ or implemented. In terms of the climate - y7s will tell you that is a 30 year pattern but in a school it is when trainee Headteachers and their executive Headteacher start to have their strategic planning meetings. This is my term one impression as I seek to understand this new piece of perceived missing leadership. I know in reality the leadership is always there, however my learning journey has been to move from leadership in the building at all levels to leadership which might be via email or a telephone call. </div>
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As I start to consider the impact of this stage of my career on my leadership learning I am starting to look at the layers of additional drop-in leadership from central teams in large academy chains. It remains to be seen how leadership will change in the next 20 years as I head towards mid-career as a teacher. Leadership in education has changed lots since I trained and I remain open to dealing with any missing leadership pieces I come across in the future. </div>
hunterjrmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158258024078409240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714996511141014300.post-49002988746135101812018-09-01T03:27:00.000-07:002018-09-01T03:36:16.298-07:00Job, life and living.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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There have been lots of press articles recently about lack of teachers and there being a recruitment problem. I have experienced the lack of retention of superbly talented teachers who are leaving due to work place demands. A colleague went on jury service and came back, resigning immediately. The reason being they had seen friends, family and had quality time to think about life. </div>
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Teachers have 2 modes, term time and holiday time modes. Lots of tweets this summer have been around the topic of life admin being completed. I had a conversation with a medical practitioner recently during the heatwave and they had been inundated with teachers. The question they asked was if their employer was following best practice guidance on making changes to help employees cope with the rising temperatures. Not one teacher was able to answer with heatwave changes due to exam marking, reports, sporting events etc. </div>
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My pledge for change this year is to model wellbeing in a better way as a school leader. If we are responsible for the retention of teachers in the system and growing the next generation of leaders then we have to model wellbeing. Some leaders will say loud and proud that they do no work when they leave the school building. Some leaders are seen emailing all weekend, others are seen filling their boot with marking every Friday. Wellbeing is a different fit for us all. As a working parent I am the person marking at the weekend. This works for school pick up, marking while a film is on and being at home with my family. It's not ideal but I cannot stay in school all hours and need to be at home too. That's my compromise. I explained this to a working parent colleague recently and they agreed that the ethos of presenteeism is rewarded in many schools. Parenting and teaching is doable. It is down to leaders to be non-judgemental when any colleague leaves school at a perfectly reasonable time. A healthy happy teacher will perform well and stay in the profession.</div>
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My pledge for change is to speak up for parents in the teaching work force. Maternity teaching project is doing a great job in raising awareness at the start of the parenting teacher journey. We need to be proactive in supporting them as parenting never stops. I have seen so many talented teachers giving up responsibility points, going part time at crunch points in their parenting journey. My pledge for change is to show that it can be done. </div>
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No one should need to be given the advice I had when gaining a promotion, which was don't let the job ruin your family. This rang in my ears last year as I left the house before seeing my family at breakfast and returned after they had already gone to sleep. It rang in my ears when I arranged for them not to be home all day Saturday and Sunday so that I could get my work done. It was only in the summer holidays when I could see what that advice had been - well meaning and from a teaching parent who had made the same mistakes. My pledge for change is to heed that advice this year and to help model that teaching can lead to living a full life - not just a holiday life. </div>
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I was watching a movie in the holidays, actually watching without marking! The main character had a boss who had emailed at 4pm on a Friday saying they needed a document before Monday. The character had already stayed late and was going to be late again to do the school pick up. The character turned to their boss and said, " I have two jobs, I can't tell my children that being a parent is less important than my paid job. I'll start it on Monday." The boss looked shocked and then told the employee to go and have a great weekend and to enjoy their family time. How often do we say have a great weekend to our colleagues knowing that they will be planning, marking, emailing, reading or researching their latest CPD project and basically working on their paid job? Pledge to change and foster a culture where employees irrespective of being parents or not can have a truly get weekend. </div>
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We have a job, we have a life and my pledge for change is to get to the living it part. </div>
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Now I'm off for a mummy/ daughter day before my pledge gets tested. </div>
hunterjrmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158258024078409240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714996511141014300.post-5249493910198637042018-07-30T01:56:00.000-07:002018-08-01T23:59:02.915-07:00Earning your wings<br>
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I spotted this great Banksy sculpture in Bristol at the end of my first year as a Deputy Headteacher. It's in the museum opposite Bristol University's Graduate School of Education where 20 years ago I completed my PGCE. I always think of my teacher training days when I'm back in Bristol. Walking around the vibrant city always reminds me of positive humour and the can do attitude I always see there. It was also Pride weekend so even more colour and sparkle than usual. </div>
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The sculpture caught my attention and as I stood looking at it I realised that I felt like the paint pot Angel. There have been roles in my career I have loved and clung on to. I loved being Head of Faculty leading my suite of subjects with the passion I held from my degree days. Being solely responsible for progress, curriculum, teaching standards and behaviour was my dream job during my PGCE. I was able to be my authentic self. So moving into senior leadership from middle leadership wasn't much different. Having a whole school responsibility as an assistant Headteacher still has autonomy and accountability within a tight remit. So why, a year in to deputy headship did I feel like this statue?</div>
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As Deputy Headteacher I have felt the expectation of others to stand firm in the face of whatever adversity happens during the school year, to be a non-waivering holder of School vision/values and to swoop in to any situation to create a positive outcome. These expectations could be my own lens on my year but how I have dealt with it has been telling. With the perceived expectations I have self censored a lot this year. It really would not be helpful to be vocally oppositional when the executive Headteacher is not in the building the role of deputy is to ensure the school runs per their wishes. Opposition behind closed doors is a new learning curve for me, as a second in department I was that annoying nay sayer all the time. At times, though, it has felt exhausting. Life behind the paint pot has hidden my authentic voice. In year 2 I need to find a balance of voicing disagreement in a positive assertive way.</div>
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I wondered if I would be able to be a deputy Headteacher with a portfolio of everything I have avoided my entire career. It has amazed me how quickly you can learn new skills and become proficient. Yes there is a difference between proficiency and enjoying your work. I have enjoyed the professional challenge. There is a massive difference between working with spreadsheets and classrooms to working with social services, the police and family lives. Emotional resilience beyond the classroom has been a steep learning curve. I have been amazed by the wide ranging complex </div>
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cases schools are expected to lead on. Teaching qualifications and leadership experience is different to social care experience. </div>
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When I was at school we all did a career questionnaire. My joint 2 top career paths the software came up with were Prison Governor and Lawyer. Being responsible for behaviour this career pathway memory kept springing to mind this year. Faced with piles of statements can feel like making a case for and against different levels of sanctions. Sitting on local in year fair access panel meetings listening to school leaders putting forward behaviour cases has reminded me that all school leaders have to be fair and transparent in all life decisions we hold. Students make behaviour choices and as a local team we then need to carry out due diligence and keep the child at the heart of each hearing. The case of prison governor: with a small team I have spent many an afternoon supervising and organising centralised restorative sessions. I have read juvenile justice system documentation this year to see how restorative justice works. So maybe the career software was looking at skills more than career pathways. </div>
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I have learnt a lot about form filling, fairness, paper trails and holding the silence in highly emotionally charged meetings. The ability to have a paint pot to shield emotional leakage is handy. A professional visage at all times has been my deputy head super skill this year. </div>
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As I started my NPQH this year I took a look at Headteacher CVs. It had always fascinated me to see why some Headteachers only have 2 years as a deputy and will willingly say they knew they would make a better head so didn't stay long as a deputy. It is still early days in my deputy days and my verdict on how long it is doable is still being considered. I have had a truly challenging year as deputy head and have earned those leadership wings. I have year 2 to work on my NPQH, be inspired by shadow placements, mentoring and work on my destination. Rather than paddle upstream learning a whole new portfolio of skills next year I plan to use my NPQH projects to help me push beyond my current role boundaries. </div>
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hunterjrmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158258024078409240noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714996511141014300.post-3957818951243189322018-05-30T10:38:00.000-07:002018-05-30T11:08:01.881-07:00Eyes wide open<div><br></div>
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When I first heard about new schools being opened it seemed like a dream job. I watched as new schools opened and wondered what it would be like. So the opportunity arose for me to apply but there were no blogs which shared what the leadership journey would be like. When I was appointed I started to prepare myself with the mindset that it was going to be a unique experience, maybe the most challenging of my 20 year teaching career.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTPrNP9zT8sffwVvJ2LiJPNy6He-V-Glajk9-yZVJM8igbfS7_cSaIUCTW3dhw0gitwFN20we7dCt9Ojr7lpsdusxV2Puv7pMKxyp6rF2GM9ctOh3poBAbqZJl2UVMFtUL02HUDk5X6fe/s640/blogger-image-527409103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTPrNP9zT8sffwVvJ2LiJPNy6He-V-Glajk9-yZVJM8igbfS7_cSaIUCTW3dhw0gitwFN20we7dCt9Ojr7lpsdusxV2Puv7pMKxyp6rF2GM9ctOh3poBAbqZJl2UVMFtUL02HUDk5X6fe/s640/blogger-image-527409103.jpg"></a></div><br>
I was at Oxford University when a student asked our outreach contact if it was hard work as a student at Oxford. The reply was how hard could you work if you only had to work 8 weeks and then had a long holiday? I have told myself the same thing over the past 9 months. How hard can you work when you get a holiday every 6 weeks? In hindsight that wasn't healthy as there is a difference between teaching and being a student. We have 6 terms and Oxford University have 3 terms. It will come as no surprise that as I head towards the last 7 weeks of Year 1 in a brand new school I have decided on a new plan.<br>
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This blog is my journey. I have learnt lots. A lot has happened in 9 months and I have decided that the three Rs are my new survival strategy.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWC8K8tY14S0FtBBGm4h-vx222eQEzhAVncKVqh3QNu7VwStZL1meF3NhbqwgJJOeDmBC6L5xHiMXdOOiljUmUwcnrAxOqCODoRYGoBW4OZ8OnhxBfYAhqmDtMyFNFrSAE44m60RWWuFm_/s640/blogger-image-1624766686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWC8K8tY14S0FtBBGm4h-vx222eQEzhAVncKVqh3QNu7VwStZL1meF3NhbqwgJJOeDmBC6L5xHiMXdOOiljUmUwcnrAxOqCODoRYGoBW4OZ8OnhxBfYAhqmDtMyFNFrSAE44m60RWWuFm_/s640/blogger-image-1624766686.jpg"></a></div>
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<b><u>Resilience, responsibility and reward</u></b><br>
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Resilience is something you need in bucketfuls as a teacher. In a new school a never ending supply is needed. I started my teaching career as an NQT responsible for my own subject. Working in a small rural school is like being in a new school. You have no one else who teaches your subject, so every time there is a scheme of learning, exams, resources and lessons to plan there is no faculty to share the work with. Resilience means pacing yourself.<br>
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Responsibility can be overwhelming in a new school. You may have lots of ideas but each part of the system in year one is working at a single point of failure model. Each person in the building knows that there are simply so few people in a massive building that every action counts. The reward is that you do have responsibility for lots. This can be empowering if you make sure it isn't overwhelming.<br>
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Resilience this year for me has been working hours. Due to being in such a small team, things just need to be done. No one else is there to sort out the mess, however when a real mess occurs everyone needs to muck in. My first day in the building set the tone, I learnt how to unlock and put toilet rolls in to cubicles. Teaching staff have been on the lunch tills and even the headteacher has served food, more than once.<br>
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I have always wondered why teachers talk about working hours as an issue. Apart from my PGCE year, my year of teaching 49/50 lessons and my year taking over a failing department - I have never felt working hours to be my biggest issue. My PGCE year was ridiculous with planning/making resources past midnight being the norm. In a newly opened school I have been logging my hours since January as I knew I was feeling tired. When you see a pattern of 65-70 hours becoming a pattern of working hours it does make you realise that working hours is a challenge. It is a short term challenge. I can't wait for year 2 staff to arrive. Resilience increases as new teams form. My responsibility as a leader is to be realistic about my own wellbeing and my expectations of others. I have learnt that after 11 hours at school my resilience plummets. I have realised that after 3 twelve hour days in a row, my resilience is very low. I have realised that as a leader six day weeks are not the way to stay on top of a to do list.<br>
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9 months in to this leadership journey I have learnt that long working hours are simply an issue to manage. Yes it is not healthy in the long run but I know that as the school expands then working conditions will normalise. I came into this experience with my eyes wide open. My resilience has been and will continue to be tested but my responsibility is to complete the task. There is a clear vision and community we are all building. The reward is knowing that we are collectively making a difference. Each person in the team is responsible for making this new school a success. The short term reward is when we have external visitors who can see what we are working to achieve. Feedback from external visitors is like gold dust, that extra sparkle you need to push through to the next phase of development. We have the responsibility to create a school and need the resilience to help it grow. Rewards in education are often intangible. I have learnt that my reward just might be knowing I am doing my best for future generations.<br>
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Education is currently measured by GCSE results yet the long term impact of this new school will not be known for at least 10 years when we see where the first alumni are in their lives. Short term growing pains of my first 9 months pale into insignificance when I consider the big picture.<br>
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If you are considering working in a brand new school, prepare for the 3 Rs and go into it with your eyes wide open. I whole heartedly recommend it.<br>
<br></div>hunterjrmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158258024078409240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714996511141014300.post-84087363072446295332018-05-04T12:26:00.000-07:002018-05-04T12:26:23.022-07:00Guardians of hopes and dreams<div>
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I have attended the Empowering Young People To Change The World conference for the past three years. Last year I felt honoured to present my Global Citizenship programme and jumped at the chance to talk about Embedding Wellbeing into Schools. The reason I wanted to attend on a Saturday 10-5 was because I knew the quality of speakers would be phenomenal. I was not disappointed.<br />
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I had never heard of the term dispersal town until I listened to @SwindonCofS @swindonharbour. Cristina definitely opened my eyes to how refugees are "processed". The impact of this session has been me sharing Sanctuary School status as a concept in my own school to students via assembly. It is a topic which affects us all as refugees under 18 do need a sanctuary as they start education. I have added The Lightless Sky to my reading list to broaden my own understanding of how we welcome refugees in the UK. Does your school break down hostilities and challenge unpleasant attitudes towards refugees? Does your school have a culture of hospitality, welcome, embrace and celebrate skills and diversity of each new refugee student? I wonder if the UK offers this in every community. As I returned to school I started to think this linked with our Righs Respecting School work with UNICEF but we can still do more. Can you?<br />
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@IvyMayBarbara and I completed a peer to peer review of a primary school a few years ago. I learnt much from the 2 day experience and had to sit in her session when she shared her vast experience of education. The tone of teaching - Children know by your very tone if you believe in them. Never walk past something that worries or bothers you. Make sure you poke about in your learning. Values help you to poke about and access the meta cognitive layers of learning. We want our learners to investigate and explore, to use their natural curiosity. Don't put a lid on their learning. Take time to slowly walk your school and listen to the script of your school. What is your script? Does your school script empower your students to be people of distinction? The script students hear at school can often be different to their home script. How do we bridge these different scripts to enable students to flourish and develop a script they own? Every child needs to have a relationship in school where there is a high level of trust and where they have a feeling of worth. I've added My fantastic elastic brain to my reading list and can't wait to catch up with Julie in the future.<br />
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@StephieWeissman ran a session about her Inside Out charity. Happiness fuels success - not the other way round! Using the 5 pillars of wellbeing this charity runs experiences for primary students to look inside, move outside, share more, be curious and be kind. www.TheInsideOut.org.uk opens a world of magical days and school tool boxes for wellbeing interventions. I'm looking forward to seeing their happiness index update as student impact is measured as well as the forthcoming school quality mark scheme.<br />
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At one stage I thought about leaving early but I knew @RWBAHolocaust would have an amazing closing keynote. Rob Ford from @WyedeanSchool was superb. Rob reminded us that as educators we are the guardians of hopes and dreams. Do the educators need educating? Do we narrow the curriculum and can we think of other opportunities? Rob asked us what we offer students outside of our curriculum. What do we recommend our students read, watch, see, visit, eat and experience? Do we offer this in September with our curriculum guides so parents are part of the enriching learning journey? Do we offer a stretch and challenge curriculum alongside a classroom based curriculum? What does it mean to experience our school? Students and parents need to have faith that our schools will provide them with the education needed to flourish. We need to make sure that we have a world class education with high performing skills on offer for all learners. We need staff who want to do things. Why were we all still at the conference at 5pm on a Saturday? We all want to do things! Rob reminded us to believe in the professionalism of our staff, to believe in the transformative power of education and above all else - as leaders we are the lightening rod to soak up the pressure from external sources. <br />
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After year three of #EYP2CtW I am still recommending this conference if it appears in 2019. Thank you Nic. I've learnt so much. My golden nugget is Sanctuary Schools.<br />
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<br />hunterjrmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158258024078409240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714996511141014300.post-28708046915593281952018-03-16T13:26:00.001-07:002018-03-16T13:42:31.411-07:00Laughing in the wind<br>
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When I got a promotion to deputy headship I was given 2 pieces of advice by a senior leader: don't let the job/ school ruin your family and hold onto your sense of humour. I have been thinking about this advice a lot recently as I reflect on my first 200 days as a deputy head.</div>
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Job specifications for teachers, middle and senior leaders often have the essential quality of have a sense of humour. I have always been able to laugh at the ridiculous things I have done in my teaching career, there have been times when that laughter has been in hindsight. This term I sat in a serious meeting dressed as a flamingo from Alice in Wonderland and had to stop myself bursting into laughter. Being in a brand new job in a new school has been like leading in the eye of a storm, trying to cling to my high standards whilst being blown from one task to the next. </div>
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Humour often fails when you are pushed to your limits as your inner strength is slowly eroded over time. When I pulled over on the motorway due to extreme tiredness and illness I got the giggles. What would I say if highway patrol/ police asked why I had pulled over. It was in that moment that I started to piece together the reason why I had reached the need to just stop. Hours worked that week had been beyond the norm. I decided then to start logging my hours. I knew I had been doing a lot but a weekly working hours log told me I needed to find a better way to meet my own standards. </div>
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So did I learn from this situation? Sort of. I get the giggles when I remember Wednesday roast gate. A typically busy day meant I sat down to dine on a fabulous roast dinner with 5 minutes to go before the end of lunch. In addition it was interview day and I was running a task so needed to collect candidates, be professional and welcoming too. Have you tried to eat a beautiful roast dinner, yorkshire puddings etc in less than five minutes? It didn't end well. We might work in a building where we walk swiftly but I did run that day as a student was already sat in the sick room! My colleagues have nicknamed me the swan and will laugh with me when I say I went from that disastrous event to the interview, smiled and carried on regardless. Professionalism in the face of adversity and a situation I can laugh at. Next time I get asked to give an example of humour as a school leader this moment will pop into my mind. I now make sure that if I have only 5 minutes a yoghurt is doable! Lesson learnt. </div>
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So does my working hours log look better now? Have I a handle on workload? On Mother's Day weekend my daughter proudly announced we were going out for the day for a family meal. I immediately panicked. How was I going to get books marked, lessons planned and emails read?! Instead of enjoying the idea of being spoilt by my husband and daughter, who I really don't see much of during the week, all I could think of was work. This was a real low point this academic year. I can now look back and laugh at my ridiculous solution. Whilst mothers all over the country were having a lie in with breakfast in bed I had a genius idea. Get up a few hours earlier than my daughter to get my lesson plans done and emails replied to. Once she woke up I then enjoyed my day, after negotiating being home by 5 so I could mark my books. Frankly even I can see how ridiculous my solution was. I can confirm that it will not happen again next year and that I will give my daughter the quality time she deserves. Teacher workload is never ending but family times are for making memories together. </div>
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So that advice I was given continues to be in my head. My sense of humour is intact and I keep planning family time so that quality memories are made. This is my learning journey from assistant Headteacher to deputy Headteacher. Learning never stops and I'm looking forward to more giggles, even when it feels like I'm laughing in the wind. </div>
hunterjrmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158258024078409240noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714996511141014300.post-43198424704029456012018-02-11T03:24:00.000-08:002018-02-11T03:37:26.364-08:00Leadership lessons from Oz<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkDGX7aBUG7xza5hUDaZ6fOBjBfMHQefLbbfYNvPc7I50BIyfsHYAOsxXCnCrfNi333lk2nSdyMT5jr7d6G9vBtCrHQmpeQg0H3I66b2NrA0RKIBGGyN3CSQcFTDIw2KFJS1sQnIH41BX/s640/blogger-image-164025448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkDGX7aBUG7xza5hUDaZ6fOBjBfMHQefLbbfYNvPc7I50BIyfsHYAOsxXCnCrfNi333lk2nSdyMT5jr7d6G9vBtCrHQmpeQg0H3I66b2NrA0RKIBGGyN3CSQcFTDIw2KFJS1sQnIH41BX/s640/blogger-image-164025448.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Starting a new job and a new role was like landing in Oz. There was a palpable magical can-do attitude from the entire school. 100 days in the building meant we came together as a pioneering community, where we set up new ways of navigating 21st Century learning. Now where was the journey going to take us as we headed towards day 200?</span></div><div>
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In my previous school I had a great pair of red shoes 👠 which my daughter always said were my Dorothy shoes. These shoes were a reminder that no matter what happened I could click my heels and think of happy home memories. This truly kept me going when situations were tough but these magical shoes broke before I started my new job. I have hunted for new shoes but have had to survive without them. </div>
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Over the past term I have had lots of firsts to deal with. One thing I had heard from people as they were promoted was how isolating leadership can be. I have never experienced such isolation as I have always found friendly colleagues to work with. As a middle leader there were other curriculum leaders dealing with similar tasks and as an assistant Headteacher there were deputies to discuss issues with. I am lucky to work in a school with 2 deputies on site and our regular chats help me clarify thoughts as we continue to craft our new community. But ...</div>
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There is a difference now being a deputy Headteacher when the headteacher is not on site and there is no second deputy on site either. It can feel like walking through the scary woods in the wizard of oz movie, just waiting for an unexpected situation to jump out at you. Leadership courses didn't really mention this aspect of sole responsibility. On the drive home this term I have reflected on how I would have coped a year ago - I don't think I would have. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYaGICtIRF9rJBv_fXipcHBEw0Rbdne6Uw4PEBpKKNhJBGpnGRGK1vrzXi9GVz-JZSXnrLQLEZus8N-uYHNxj_kOk628h0cTgq3jlQsKxz3HEpYFEqitROrXuSObwzQXLdyZAPREwIlxIa/s640/blogger-image--171075515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYaGICtIRF9rJBv_fXipcHBEw0Rbdne6Uw4PEBpKKNhJBGpnGRGK1vrzXi9GVz-JZSXnrLQLEZus8N-uYHNxj_kOk628h0cTgq3jlQsKxz3HEpYFEqitROrXuSObwzQXLdyZAPREwIlxIa/s640/blogger-image--171075515.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I have felt like Dorothy wanting to be rescued by a magical kind force but have come to realise that Glinda was right. Leaders have the ability to make decisions, reflect and ensure that all avenues are explored for the best decisions to be taken. They grow from each leadership opportunity, learn how to respond the next time and flourish when given responsibility. </div>
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Next term sees our 200th day and an official opening. I start my NPQH too and without a pair of Dorothy shoes I know I have the ability to make a difference. Helping students to grow, learn and flourish as I start using Thrive techniques will increase mental strength even further in our thriving community. I can't wait to meet our year 2 colleagues as we interview those keen to join us on our educational journey. This is team work with no magic needed. </div>
hunterjrmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158258024078409240noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714996511141014300.post-33761462416271867792018-01-07T00:34:00.000-08:002018-01-07T00:36:20.689-08:00Internal dialogues<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgng_ZJsozRLbRvz0LIXlIomBqR38vo4Qg0dIqQJ_Mlmviq2LnYRZdUMvvm3v_bgV8RQ3TWXk4ZRBfpxNRearbs3bAKqF2PNe3it8KlSp9MmeGPmMvP7XdwUQwRwaDHvzAT3ff39_FTHJmP/s640/blogger-image--709526296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgng_ZJsozRLbRvz0LIXlIomBqR38vo4Qg0dIqQJ_Mlmviq2LnYRZdUMvvm3v_bgV8RQ3TWXk4ZRBfpxNRearbs3bAKqF2PNe3it8KlSp9MmeGPmMvP7XdwUQwRwaDHvzAT3ff39_FTHJmP/s640/blogger-image--709526296.jpg"></a></div><br></div>If every human being in schools arrived with emoticons would we deal with situations differently? We would be able to see the internal responses to our actions and adjust our language tasks etc immediately.<br>
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Students arrive to school with their minds full of thoughts and we are trying to add more information. We even keep asking them what they think of the information to illicit deeper learning. However ..<br>
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At what point in our school curriculum do we spend the time teaching students about internal dialogues? How much curriculum time do we devote to explaining how our internal dialogues can derail rational responses to situations and that our perceived reality is just an internal dialogue that we have imagined and created?<br>
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By introducing time every day teaching #mindfulness students and staff start to learn how about the mind works. They learn about treating their internal dialogue with kindness and that it will take them on a creative journey or even keep wandering off track. By teaching the workings of the mind then when we ask students what do you think about xxxxxxxx they start to interrogate the internal dialogue appropriately.<br>
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Yet do we offer the same curriculum offer to staff? Do we build an opportunity for them to understand and space for rationalising their internal dialogues? Do we offer descrete timetable sessions where theycab sit and ruminate - immerse themselves in an internal dialogue which would boost their wellbeing?<br>
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As school leaders we can provide wellbeing time. We just have to prioritise it. Investing in quality mindfulness training for just one member of staff, cascading and modelling how to have healthy internal dialogues. If the adults in schools showed students how to have healthy minds then we are helping to build strong minds in future generations.hunterjrmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158258024078409240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714996511141014300.post-82318948875615149282017-12-26T09:57:00.001-08:002017-12-26T10:43:48.955-08:00Liberty to lead<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JeZV4RbUas7UQqkv18STF46X2WcekZ6WG3fa2uWmAHIaxjOZrxIpyHuZ1RATNP34i-fw7w-BFZAohhz6BmcxqaRg2tTkYeh5xbi5RYLbKmOTdWeU2ksGx52Uz8eUpjOUV2k1E4dkHfDP/s640/blogger-image--937190782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JeZV4RbUas7UQqkv18STF46X2WcekZ6WG3fa2uWmAHIaxjOZrxIpyHuZ1RATNP34i-fw7w-BFZAohhz6BmcxqaRg2tTkYeh5xbi5RYLbKmOTdWeU2ksGx52Uz8eUpjOUV2k1E4dkHfDP/s640/blogger-image--937190782.jpg"></a><br>
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At the end of 2017 I found myself looking at the Statue of Liberty. Such an iconic monument on a grey day which stood brightly shining a torch for freedom and democracy. It made me think about my place and role in education. I have the liberty to lead but at the start of 2017 I wasn't making use of that liberty. A change of role and a change of school means I am ending 2017 helping to create a new school with liberty and democracy as part of our school community entitlement. Starting a new job can be filled with days of self doubt yet using values to help make leadership decisions has been enlightening. A values based secondary school - liberty to lead in a new way is a freedom I am learning about. </div>
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The Statue of Liberty enlightening the world. The gift from the French reminds us of the Enlightenment ideals (the belief that people have natural rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness). At the start of 2017 I was a school leader implementing systems which were not making students very happy. I was concerned about their mental wellbeing and I did not feel I had the liberty to change the system. </div>
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Facing the impending ratings from OFSTED had changed the systems in my leadership environment to build an academic machine. The clear message was to toe the line or be trampled by the system. Being part of WomenEd had given me a community of school leaders to talk to about different school leadership roles, environments and courageous leaders who were looking at building school where students were flourishing. A network I could contact and talk to that were non judgemental, supportive and helpful. Free coaching was exactly what I needed to place me in a position to be outward looking. 2017 started with the promise of finding a role with liberty to lead a school for students to be happy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvyEvIvo2JJ27tWeyGrgdZLrcJM9aoXNJSxkpCZcZLm1nXNkJZ5igc_7aThxjHMmXqKp79FrLlpzkoWTLix_RiVvUOdh14zt7qMBraMNtRs0_zUS5-kgd_72iZs_9DyrA4KZe2KCfesqzg/s640/blogger-image-1701491408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvyEvIvo2JJ27tWeyGrgdZLrcJM9aoXNJSxkpCZcZLm1nXNkJZ5igc_7aThxjHMmXqKp79FrLlpzkoWTLix_RiVvUOdh14zt7qMBraMNtRs0_zUS5-kgd_72iZs_9DyrA4KZe2KCfesqzg/s640/blogger-image-1701491408.jpg"></a></div>
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<br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: '.SFUIText';">Starting a new role can be challenging. A power pose really does seem to release much a can do state of mind when needed. Being part of a team with a can do attitude is a liberating way to lead in education. This girl can make a stand and question educational tradition. If we build a new school following the academic and pastoral systems which have been in play for decades, or even a century, then there will be no change to society. Being a pioneering leader in our new school brings responsibility, liberty and democracy. There is a freedom and a need to say when we disagree with systems. Educating the whole child and considering their wellbeing is essential for them to grow into well rounded citizens of planet earth. </span></p></div>
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<br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: '.SFUIText';">Looking at skyscrapers from the top of the rock gives a different perspective at day and night. During the day the tallest stand out. At night the brightest and most intricate call for our attention. Schools, academy chains and leaders are all like skyscrapers vying for attention. When I was looking for a new school, a new role and a new challenge there were the big chains, the bright outstanding schools and schools with intricate stories of success as well as failure. Looking at job descriptions from different viewpoints helped me decide where to apply. </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: '.SFUIText';"><br></span></p></div>
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<br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: '.SFUIText';">2017 started reading #teacher5aday blogs and tweets wondering how these leaders managed to get wellbeing into the fibre of their school offer. Looking at art in the Guggenheim made me giggle. Laughter is a great way to connect and to notice how others are coping at work. I am ending 2017 being able to laugh again. I hurt my foot in September and after struggling with trainers I gave in. Bouncy Air soles and pink DMs have helped me walk the new corridors with a sense of humour intact. Black shoes to pink ones - 2017 has become colourful again. Wellbeing is a decision for each of us to consider. Oxford University outreach once said to a group of students "how hard could you work if you knew you had a holiday every 6 weeks?" Well that has been my mantra since September. It's not ideal but 2018 can take another look. 2017 is ending with 30 minutes of mindfulness every day with y7s and has been a welcome addition to my working day. </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: '.SFUIText';"><br></span></p></div>
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<p style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: '.SFUIText';">After visiting the United Nations and seeing how disgusted my daughter was with 2030 being the date for gender equality, I am looking forward to my next WomenEd regional event. 2017 sees me in a STEAM school where all students get to see different future roles for themselves. In 2018 I need to make sure that all students see how they can be leaders and make a difference to the world they wish to inherit. They have liberty and democracy to create a fairer world. I have the liberty to lead and to help them make a difference. </span></p>
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<br>hunterjrmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158258024078409240noreply@blogger.com0