Managing schools out of crisis

The one common denominator of all schools that rose from the ashes to become academic champions is that they were all led. Properly, courageously, and fearlessly ed. One is well aware that other people place emphasis on other factors. And that given the last penny, they would prefer to invest it in those areas, other than leadership, that they consider very critical for the rise of a school. Well, they are very much entitled to their own opinions.

Their position should be respected. But if you were to ask me about three places where I could invest my very last penny and place my bet, I would comfortably and unashamedly settle for the following. Number one, I would choose leadership, number two leadership and number three leadership. That can only show how deep one’s faith is in leadership as the basis for a school transformation. We need not look further than our own jurisdiction to draw lessons of how inspired, patriotic, and passionate leaders can do to engineer and sustain a process of change.