Hey Reader,

Happy Monday and Happy Labor Day!

I hope today you are all resting, especially if you are a principal in New York because students and staff return this week for the SY24-25 school year!

Back in August I shared what school leaders need in order to have a strong start to the school year. Remember, to have a strong start you need to be proactive - the fires will come, you don’t have to wait and be reactive. Set up as many systems and structures needed to implement your instructional vision.

So what do you need for a strong start:

1. Clear vision and goals
2. Effective communication
3. Protected time to be fully present and engaged in your school community
4. Plan for impact

There are so many leaders with a great instructional lens, but not a clear instructional vision. They say they prioritize instruction, they are often in classes frequently, and they give feedback. I know you must be thinking, “Janique, that sounds great to me! I barely have time to get in classes.”

While they are visibly present, instruction and student achievement are at a stand still, because the feedback is often responsive to what they see in a 5-10 minute walkthrough vs what they see connected to the instructional vision in the walkthrough.

Reader, the school leader's primary role is to be the instructional leader and visionary. If you aren’t clear about your instructional vision then your impact and outcomes will be stagnant.

A strong start involves establishing the systems and structures needed for growth and achievement this year. That’s the labor and work of the beginning of the year.

So ask yourself these questions for a strong start to the school year:

1. What is the instructional vision and how clearly is it articulated?
2. What are the specific goals we aim to achieve THIS year through this vision?
3. Is the vision aligned with the needs of ALL of our students?
4. How do we ensure that all stakeholders understand the vision and their role with executing the vision?

Again, we are focusing on a Strong Start. Next week I’ll go into details about the systems you need to execute the instructional vision.

If you need someone with shared experiences, asking the right questions, providing the right support to improve teaching, learning, and student outcomes, let’s chat! I want to know more about you, your school, and your needs to have a successful school year. So if you’re looking to make an impact this year, schedule a call here or reply to this email to have a conversation.

Reader, here’s to an amazing week and a strong start to the school year!

Janique

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