By Peering Through Windows, I Let Principals Lead

My View

I’ve often heard that the proper vantage for school leaders is “on the balcony.” But to my mind, superintendents should be positioned “on the sidewalk” to carry out their work.

As the leader of a 1,500-student district in northwestern Pennsylvania, I try to be helpful, grateful and visible. To me, visibility means visiting every school every week and attending at least one evening event each week.

Sometimes, a school visit takes the form of a formal walkthrough conducted in the company of a principal or director. I do classroom walkthroughs partly to model the method and partly to communicate to principals the importance of visiting classes.

Teachers can tell it’s a real walkthrough when two administrators are touring together, talking to students and taking notes. Afterward, feedback is delivered to teachers and staff by their immediate supervisor, not by me.