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I am digging into the archives of Principal Matters to bring you an episode from January 2018, when I had the privilege to interview Dr. Judi Barber.
First, let me tell you a story. During the previous Christmas break of 2017, I had taken my family to see the newest Star Wars movie. In the opening scene, Jedi-in-training, Rey, has journeyed to the planet where the retired Luke Skywalker, has hidden himself away from the universe and its troubles. She climbs the heights to his hidden village and finds him meditating on a cliff overlooking the sea.
Rey introduces herself: “I’m from the Resistance,” she says, “Leia sent me. We need your help.” To her surprise the elder Luke refuses to help and walks away. And thus, begins the most important conflict of “The Last Jedi” as Rey must find a way to convince Luke to train her and help her save the Rebellion. Thankfully, Luke finally begins training her and then takes the steps necessary to save the universe.
You can see the movie for yourself, but I had that opening scene when I traveled two hours from Tulsa to the backroads in Grove, Oklahoma, in January 2018, on my way to see a Jedi-master-in-education. I wound my way up a long driveway to beautiful home nestled on a bay above Grand Lake. After greetings on the front porch, we moved into the house for a cup of coffee and some catching up. This was her 50th year as an education leader, and I had sat under her teaching and coaching in my early years of school admininstrator. Dr. Barber had agreed days before to letting me capture an audio recording of our conversation.
Meet Dr. Judi Barber
Judi Barber has just finished her 50th year as an educator. She has been a Teacher, CurriculumInstructor, Arts-in-Education Coordinator, Principal, and Director of Curriculum and Instruction, in Norman Public Schools. Since her retirement she has continued work as a Special Instructor and Adjunct Professor at the University of Oklahoma and the President of her own school district consulting company, Collaborating for Results, Inc. You can also see her bio as an Oklahoma Education Hall of Fame Honoree in 2005.
Asking for Excellence
Here is a summary of the questions and takeaways from our talk. Listen to the entire podcast episode to unpack these bullet points:
What would say are timeless truths that apply to education just as much today as at the start of your career?
- Parents love their children.
- A strong education in the basics of reading and mathematics are essential AS ARE science, social studies, and the arts to build the capacity of curiosity.
The 9 essential elements of school are the rubric of effective schools
- Curriculum
- Evaluation and Assessment Strategies
- Instructional Strategies
- Learning Communities
- Family and Community Connections
- Professional Development
- Leadership
- Organizational Structures and Resources
- Comprehensive Planning
What ways do school leaders need to be adapting with the changing times?
- Understanding digital communication
- Becoming open-ended thinkers
- Applying shared leadership
If you could go back in time and talk to yourself as beginning school leader, what advice would give?
- Be consistent in the way you follow the 9 essentials of effective schools.
- Work with parents as EQUAL partners in the education of their children.
What advice would you give the veteran administrator?
Understand and apply that it is ALWAYS about student learning – although OTHERS often create very difficult environments. You must stay open-minded, constantly learn, and work collaboratively–there is no place for autocratic leaders in schools.
One of your strengths has been helping other leaders grow. How can other leaders build their own capacity in developing new leaders?
Many, many ways:
- Sharing leadership – Structures – groups and teams and consistent conversations about the progress of the teams
- Dialog rather than commands
- Listening more than talking
- Respectful, authentic relationships
- Understanding adults learn through experiences
- Model the way
- Talk the walk
12 ingredients for building a strong culture:
- Collegiality
- Experimentation
- High expectations
- Trust and confidence
- Tangible support
- Reaching out to the knowledge bases
- Appreciation and recognition
- Caring, celebration and humor
- Involvement in decision making
- Protection of what’s important
- Traditions
- Honest, open communication
If you had to recommend one book for education leaders to read, what would it be?
First, strong up-to-date leaders are readers! Two recommendations:
- Michael Fullan’s Coherence: The Right Drivers in Action for Schools, Districts, and Systems.
- William D. Parker’s Messaging Matters: How to Inspire Teachers, Motivate Students, and Reach Communities.
Let’s Wrap This Up
Since this conversation with Judi, I have already listened back to the audio-recording three times. And each time, I have to pause and reflect. This is a conversation that is so packed with wisdom and experience, I want to encourage you to take notes as you listen or repeat the conversation if you really want to be really challenged in your growth as a school leader.
As we unplugged the laptop and microphone, I felt a little like I a Jedi-educator-in-training talking to a Jedi-master. In my mind, I was really thinking, “I’m from the Movement to Serve Schools. Other school leaders have sent me. We need your help.” And Judi Barber did not fail to step up to the call. You can stay connected with Dr. Barber online or reach out her by email via jbarber920@gmail.com
Now It’s Your Turn
Copy the 9 essentials for effective schools and 12 ingredients for culture and tape them on your office wall or make them the background on your desktop. Review them daily for the next week and ask yourself “Where is my school in these areas and where can we grow?”.
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