Abstract

School administrators are currently faced with increased responsibilities and expectations as a result of escalating state and federal mandates. As a result, administrators need to learn new skills and acquire additional knowledge in a variety of areas such as curriculum and instruction, data analysis, assessment, and diverse classrooms. Unfortunately, while these demands intensify, budgets are tightening and making it difficult to engage in quality professional development. Finding the time, motivation and finances necessary to be a life-long learner continue to be a challenge. With his Seventh Habit of “Sharpen the Saw,” Stephen Covey (1989) warns of letting our minds atrophy after leaving the discipline of formal education, and the critical importance of “continually honing and expanding the mind” (p. 295). This article will highlight effective ways for administrators to continually engage in life-long learning to meet the increasing demands of the job, in spite of limited time and budgets.

Over the years, researchers have identified school principals as among the most influential individuals linked to improved student achievement (Branch, Hanushek, & Rivkin, 2013; Edmonds, 1982; Hechinger Report, 2011; Lezotte, 1999; Sergiovanni & Greene, 2015). Increased responsibilities and expectations as a result of escalating state and federal mandates are compelling principals to gain new knowledge and enhance current skill sets in areas such as curriculum and instruction, data analysis, assessment, teacher evaluation, and diversity. Unfortunately, while these expectations intensify, budgets are tightening and making it difficult to engage in quality professional development. Finding the time, motivation and finances necessary for a principal to be a lifelong learner continue to be a challenge. With his Seventh Habit of “Sharpen the Saw,” Covey (1989) warned of letting our minds atrophy after leaving the discipline of formal education, and the critical importance of “continually honing and expanding the mind” (p. 295). If principals want to continue to be effective 21st century school leaders, they must expand their minds and become lifelong learners.

Recommended Citation

Steffes, Bob (2018) "Sharpening the Saw: How to be a Lifelong Learner While Leading a School," Journal of Educational Leadership in Action: Vol. 5: Iss. 2, Article 4.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.62608/2164-1102.1039
Available at: https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/ela/vol5/iss2/4