Rockstar Leadership: Traits of School Leaders Who Totally Rock!

As a teacher, I’m consistently giving praise to the students I work with. This could be anything from telling them they should feel proud of their perseverance to giving them a high-five for using the doubles-plus-one strategy instead of [counting] on their fingers. A phrase I catch myself saying a lot is, “You are a rockstar!” and celebrating success. A student that I saw for math interventions when she was in kindergarten reminded me every time she saw me that I am a rockstar, even a year after she no longer needed my help.

While we praise our students, how often do we stop and give a standing ovation to the leaders who support us? Throughout my 15 years in education, I have worked with some leaders who hit all the right notes and others who were, frankly, off-key. However, I consider myself very lucky to have worked with leaders who embody my top five rockstar traits that I like to see in administration.

1. Bandmates, Not Bosses: Collaborative Partners

They act like bandmates, working alongside teachers and staff to improve the school. They value input from others and make collaborative decisions, creating a sense of shared responsibility and partnership. This approach naturally extends to building strong community relationships, involving parents and the wider community in school activities.

2. Ultimate Fans: Cheerleaders for Success

Rockstar leaders are the ultimate fans, celebrating staff and student achievements and showing up to support at events. Whether it's a conference, a sports game, or a school play, their presence boosts morale and fosters a positive and motivated school community.

3. Mic Drop Communicators: Empathetic and Effective

These leaders are masters of the mic, using empathetic and positive language to keep everyone in the loop and cool under pressure. Their empathy makes them approachable, fostering a trusting and open school culture where everyone feels heard and valued.

4. Innovative Rockstars: Forward-Thinking Risk-Takers

They’re the innovative rockstars of the school, encouraging staff to embrace new ideas and take risks without fear of major consequences. Their forward-thinking mindset inspires the team to think creatively and continuously improve, driving the school toward excellence.

5. Balancing the Beat: Work/Life Balance Advocates

Great leaders understand the rhythm of life and encourage teachers to keep harmony between work and family, ensuring a sustainable and healthy teaching environment. They believe that a teacher's family should be a priority over school and are always willing to step in and provide support whenever necessary, helping teachers stay energized and motivated.

There are so many other traits that I find important, but these are the ones that strike a chord with me as a teacher. To educational leaders, if you embody these qualities, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You never know what kind of encore this can inspire in the staff you support.

-Heather Brown