Summary

In this conversation, Mike Randolph and Martin Aftuck interview Justin Faulkner, a faculty professor at Florida Atlantic University and a leader in educational leadership standards. They discuss Justin's work with the Florida Educational Leadership Standards (FELS) and the importance of keeping students at the center of leadership. They also talk about the differences between being an assistant principal and a principal, the need for delegation and project management skills, and the importance of having fun in the role of a leader. Justin also shares insights on the 20-hour professional learning requirement for leaders and the importance of aligning learning opportunities with the FELS. In this conversation, Justin Faulkner shares insights and advice on leadership in education. He emphasizes the importance of leaders taking ownership of their instructional work and acknowledging their areas of growth. Faulkner advises new assistant principals to network with others in their field and to expect a challenging year. He highlights the need for leaders to focus on student learning and take care of their staff members. Faulkner also discusses the success of the Cougars Lead program at Green Cove Junior High School, which focused on developing student leaders.

Takeaways

• Keep the main thing the main thing: Student success should be at the center of all leadership efforts.
• Go slow to go fast: Building momentum and achieving goals takes time.
• Have fun: Enjoy the process of growing and developing as a leader.
• The difference between assistant principals and principals: Assistant principals focus on task-driven, physical responsibilities, while principals have a more mentally-driven role that involves caring for every person in the building.
• The 20-hour professional learning requirement: Leaders should align their learning opportunities with the Florida Educational Leadership Standards (FELS) to improve their efficacy.
• Delegation and project management: Leaders should learn to delegate tasks and manage projects effectively to focus on instructional leadership.
• Continuity and trust: Having a team that has worked together for a long time builds trust and allows for more effective leadership.
• Leadership is a continuous learning journey: Leaders should always seek opportunities to learn and grow, even if they are new to a particular role. Leaders should take ownership of their instructional work and acknowledge areas of growth.
• Networking with others in the field can provide support and collective celebration.
• New assistant principals should expect a challenging year and focus on building a team of like-minded leaders.
• Leaders should prioritize student learning and take care of their staff members.
• Developing student leaders can have a transformative impact on a school's culture.

Chapters

10:08 The Florida Educational Leadership Standards (FELS)

13:13 Professional Learning Requirements for Leaders

15:28 The Difference Between Assistant Principals and Principals

18:02 Building Continuity and Trust in Leadership Teams

20:29 Tips for New Assistant Principals

24:36 The Main Thing in Education

26:19 Growing Teachers into Leaders

30:14 The Cougars Lead Program at Green Cove Junior High