MANX MAX

There is a somewhat counterintuitive concept in the world of education that I have been thinking about lately. I found myself being the obvious solution to a short-term teacher absence and covered in the classsroom – not an unusual situation for a headteacher. The teacher left me with notes, planning, info… but as I consumed their raft of expectations, I was worried. I couldn’t help but think I’d be doing a far worse job than if the teacher had stayed to do it themselves. I’m just not as good in the classroom as the staff who work under me. 

And this example illustrates exactly what I’ve been thinking about of late. The unspoken – probably unconscious – journey from being an exceptional teacher to becoming the “worst” teacher in a school as headteacher.

Let me say that again – the worst teacher in their school. Good headteachers aim, and succeed, in making themselves the worst teachers in the school. This may sound puzzling at first, but once you understand why it’s actually a crucial element of effective leadership from a headteacher in a school, it does come to make a lot of sense.

Imagine your favourite teacher – the one whose class you couldn’t wait to attend, whose lessons left you spellbound, and whose encouragement fed and grew your thirst for learning. Now, envision that same teacher taking on the role of a headteacher. As they step into this new position, their primary focus shifts from being the pinnacle of pedagogy in the classroom they create to empowering their whole-school teaching staff to shine even brighter.

Here’s the crux of the matter: the best headteachers help the teachers they lead to surpass their own abilities. This doesn’t mean they suddenly become ineffective or lose their competence in the classroom. On the contrary, they leverage their expertise to inspire, coach, support, and elevate their fellow teachers to new heights.

Picture a skilled musician becoming the conductor of an orchestra. The musician knows every note, every instrument, and every nuance of the music. Yet, as a conductor, their role shifts from playing a single instrument to leading and harmonizing the entire ensemble. In the same way, headteachers must transition from being extraordinary teachers to exceptional leaders.

Their new responsibilities revolve around supporting and empowering the teachers within their school community. They become mentors, motivators, and visionaries. The best headteachers understand that their success lies in the collective accomplishments of their teaching staff. Instead of being the center of attention, they work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure every teacher thrives in their role.

The magic of actively growing their teachers’ talent and thus themselves becoming the worst teachers in their school is this: while headteachers might not be as visible in the classroom, their influence permeates through every lesson and pupil interaction. Their guidance elevates the entire teaching team, creating a positive ripple effect that touches the lives of countless pupils.

The best headteachers instinctively encourage those around them to grow and develop and have no problem with others eventually bettering their own teaching abilities. By doing so, heads can achieve a powerful dynamic within their schools:

• Creating a Culture of Collaboration: Exceptional headteachers understand that fostering a collaborative environment among their teaching staff is the key to overall success. By empowering other teachers, they create a network of support and shared knowledge, enriching the learning experience for every pupil.
• Building a Sustainable Legacy: Every teacher dreams of leaving a lasting impact on their pupils. As headteachers, they have the incredible opportunity to magnify that impact exponentially. By empowering their teachers to flourish, they ensure that the positive effects of their teaching philosophy continues to resonate for generations to come.
• Staying Connected to the Classroom: Even as headteachers, remaining connected to the classroom is vital. By understanding the realities of modern teaching and the challenges faced by their staff, they can make informed decisions that positively influence the entire school community.
• Nurturing Teacher Growth: Great headteachers invest in professional development and growth opportunities for their staff. They recognise that supporting their teachers in honing their skills and exploring new teaching methodologies benefits both teachers and their eager learners. Great football managers, like Sir Alex Ferguson, took personal pride in helping players exceed his own footballing prowess. He recognised that his job was to grow and develop talent, exceed his own abilities on the pitch, and achieve lasting success by helping others become the best versions of themselves. He didn’t hold himself up as the pinnacle, rather he saw himself as a bar to reach, then surpass. He called this visionary approach “leadership.”

“At United we had plenty of people who could manage aspects of our activities far better than I could. The head groundsman knew far more about the technology of soil management and irrigation than I did. The doctors managed a realm whose subtleties I could not pretend to understand. The head of our youth academy knew far more than I about the abilities of each of the lads in the programme. I slowly came to realize that my job was different. It was to set very high standards. It was to help everyone else believe they could do things that they didn’t think they were capable of. It was to chart a course that had not been pursued before. It was to make everyone understand that the impossible was possible. That’s the difference between leadership and management.”

Alex Ferguson

So the next time a young ECT explains to me what they want me to cover for them whilst they are needed out of the classroom, I will be proud of my status as the worst teacher in the school, mindful that true leadership in education isn’t about hogging the spotlight. It’s about graciously transitioning towards the role of coach, and shining the light on others. The best headteachers understand that their legacy is not in being the best teacher but in helping others become the best version of themselves.