Principals are often encouraged to visit classrooms because that's how they provide instructional leadership.
And that's true.
But I think there's another reason principals should spend time in classrooms.
To remind themselves just how difficult teaching really is.
Last year, I wrote an entire book on instructional leadership. I get it. Classroom visits provide valuable opportunities to observe instruction, engage in meaningful conversations about teaching and learning, and support teacher growth.
But there's something else that happens when principals spend time in classrooms.
They are reminded of the challenges teachers navigate every single day.
The challenge of providing individualized support to a struggling student while keeping 25 other students engaged.
The challenge of responding to disruptive behavior without derailing an entire lesson.
The challenge of capturing the attention of students who are accustomed to the constant stimulation of their phones.
And the challenge of doing all of this while trying to deliver a meaningful learning experience for every student in the room.
Classroom visits shouldn't just make principals better instructional leaders. They should make them more empathetic leaders.
More supportive.
More understanding.
More gracious.
And more appreciative of the incredible work their teachers do every day.
So here's a shoutout to the principals who make classroom visits a priority.
Not just to observe instruction.
Not just to complete feedback forms.
Not just to identify areas for improvement.
But to stay connected to the work of teaching… and to the people doing that work.
Rock on,
Danny
And that's true.
But I think there's another reason principals should spend time in classrooms.
To remind themselves just how difficult teaching really is.
Last year, I wrote an entire book on instructional leadership. I get it. Classroom visits provide valuable opportunities to observe instruction, engage in meaningful conversations about teaching and learning, and support teacher growth.
But there's something else that happens when principals spend time in classrooms.
They are reminded of the challenges teachers navigate every single day.
The challenge of providing individualized support to a struggling student while keeping 25 other students engaged.
The challenge of responding to disruptive behavior without derailing an entire lesson.
The challenge of capturing the attention of students who are accustomed to the constant stimulation of their phones.
And the challenge of doing all of this while trying to deliver a meaningful learning experience for every student in the room.
Classroom visits shouldn't just make principals better instructional leaders. They should make them more empathetic leaders.
More supportive.
More understanding.
More gracious.
And more appreciative of the incredible work their teachers do every day.
So here's a shoutout to the principals who make classroom visits a priority.
Not just to observe instruction.
Not just to complete feedback forms.
Not just to identify areas for improvement.
But to stay connected to the work of teaching… and to the people doing that work.
Rock on,
Danny
