Advice from the 2004 Principals' Partnership Summer Institute!

   More than 500 Partnership principals came together in San Antonio for the third annual Summer Institute to share ideas and hear information from some of the best presenters in the country.

     Below is a sampling of the advice offered at the Institute:

√ Union Pacific is tremendously proud of the work you (Partnership principals) do each day when the school door closes for the future of our country, our communities, and our children. Bob Turner, Union Pacific

√ Networking is important but nets have holes. We need to get into quiltworking where everything is connected. Principals need to connect with bus drivers, janitors, students and others. They know things you may not know but can help you. Dr. Bertice Berry

√ Somebody needs you. Dr. Larry Bell

√ Strong communities come from strong schools. When people succeed, it’s partly because you (principals) or someone in your schools have made a difference in their lives. Turner

√ I truly believe the principalship is the hardest job in America. It’s harder than being a superintendent. Dr. Gerald Tirozzi, NASSP

√ You (principals) are critical to your community. You hold the community together. If the school is closed, the community is closed. Dr. Berry

√ It starts with you. What teachers need is great leadership. Dr. Bell

√ Creativity separates managers from leaders, and we need more leaders. Dr. David Sousa

√ The problem with school reform is how it’s being done to us not with us. We’ve allowed others to take over school reform. Dr. Tirozzi

√ In order to change the world, we have to change ourselves first. Dr. Berry

√ The power of a teacher through high expectations is absolutely incredible. Tell your staff that at the start of the school year. Dr. Bell

√ Your purpose is not your job; your purpose is your calling. When I was homeless, my high school principal let me live with his family during my senior year so I could graduate. Helping young people was his calling. You principals have the chance every day to change the destiny of a young person. Dr. Berry

√ Leaders foster creativity by (1) encouraging others to question practices that are not working, (2) welcome constructive criticism and new ideas, and (3) get the community together to discuss furthering the school’s mission. Dr. Sousa

√ Make sure you stand for something; then let people know what it is. Get into the news media’s Rolodex, so they can contact you. They have to hear more from you. Dr. Berry

√ In the future, principals have to focus on instruction. You must either be an instructional facilitator or be willing to share that responsibility. Principals have to go into the classroom and be able to know what’s happening in teaching and learning. Dr. Tirozzi

√ Talk to elders in your community. We can learn from our elders. Dr. Berry

√ Being a principal is about having courage. It’s not enough to just have vision. You must have the courage to carry it out. Dr. Bell

√ If you haven’t re-cultured your school, nothing will change. Breaking Ranks II is a guidebook to re-culturing a school. Dr. Tirozzi

√ Principals should ask their faculty, “Are we satisfied with where we are today?” Dr. Tirozzi

√ Students need emotional connections. They used to be provided at home during the dinner hour. Quality time at home has dropped dramatically. Today students have their emotional needs met at school or in gangs. Dr. Sousa

√ We live in interesting times. The question is how interesting do you want your time to be. Dr. Tirozzi


Mark your calendar now for the 2005 Summer Institute July 11-14.

See our Feature Article Archives for past articles!