Sunday, August 26, 2018

#ELB: What teachers want from their school leaders w/ guest NYC AP Dennis Bellantoni. Education Leadership and Beyond:Surviving & Thriving with Andrew Marotta. Blog & Podcast #58 with guest Dennis Bellantoni,

Enjoy the Podcast: Podcast # 58--What teachers want from their administrators with NYC AP Dennis Bellantoni

Isn't it great to connect with old friends? So happy to have my old friend and NYC AP Dennis Bellantoni on the show. I was a teacher back in Staten Island, NY in the early 2000's when I did my admin internship with Dennis. He really taught me the ropes of handling all things that come you way in a rough MS in Staten Island. Pleased to hear that IS 27 is doing so well these days. I have fond memories of learning how to teach there.

In the opening of the show, I discussed an article found in the Marshall Memo written by Jon Saphier entitled: "What teachers really want from their administrators." I loved reading this and it reminded me of the saying that the great Tony DiMarco used to tell me: 'The best teachers are the ones who never forget what it is like to be a student and the best Principals are the ones who never forget what it's like to be a teacher."

Saphier writes things that teachers really want from their admins:

Be competent * Notice that I am worthwhile * Safe, honest, & your motives are in the interest of children * Act courageously from initiative overload * Legitimate decisions * Results driven * Respect by listening * Caring and compassionate.

These are great...We as school leaders need to do a good job in these areas. They are part of everyday work and sometimes they can get away from us. I believe the first and last ones are the most important: be good at your job and show people you care!

Book Recommendation: Leading Narratives by Dan Spainhour

Quote: "A lack of planning on your part does not necessarily constitute an emergency on my part"

Dennis Bellantoni LOOKING TO BOOK ANDREW FOR YOUR NEXT ADMINISTRATIVE RETREAT?: **Contact me if you are interested in sponsoring the show & blog! Order your copy of The Principal: Surviving and Thriving today!

Go out and change the world for the better!