I am a strong subscriber to Dr. Ronald R. Edmondsís, Harvard University, philosophy of education. Edmonds contended that strong leadership, an orderly, humane climate, frequent monitoring of student progress, high expectations and requirements for all students, and focus on teaching important skills to all students are the essential ingredients in an effective school. I could not agree more strongly with this philosophy. I believe that all learners can and should have success regardless of race, religion, nationality, socioeconomic status, etc. To accept that some students cannot learn, is to destroy the very fabric of education. We, as educators, have an obligation to prepare all students so that they may enjoy success in their future.

This goal of educating all learners is not merely of benefit to the students, but to society as a whole. Better-educated students are far more likely to become educated, functional, contributors in their respective communities. It is the responsibility of all educators to ensure that all learners have an opportunity to assume that role in society.

Leadership is one of Edmondsí essentials in a sound school. Paul Hersey and Kenneth Blanchard are the fathers of situational leadership theory. I strongly believe in situational leadership for many reasons. It is unrealistic and egotistical to contend that oneís own leadership style or technique is the superior leadership technique. I believe that there simply is no correct or incorrect leadership style, merely appropriate and inappropriate choices for certain situations.

In short, a leader, in order to be effective, must choose the most effective style for a given situation. I prefer to use styles such as delegation, consensus building, and group decision making; however, I recognize that more authoritative styles are often appropriate and I am quite willing and capable of using them.

I believe that it is imperative that all learners grow to recognize their own self-worth. I believe that the first step in self actualization for a student, is the realization that ëI am bound only by my own desires.í Achievement is correlated directly with desire and time invested.

I believe there are two types of teachers, those who teach subjects and those who teach children. It is the primary responsibility of the building administrator to fill his or her building with teachers that want to teach children.

The teachersí role in the lives of the students is to aid them in attaining success, period. A teacher must always put the child above all else, including the subject matter. Of course, all subjects are important; however, the content must never become more important than the child we are teaching.

Climate, community, collaboration and communication are the keys to success in any organization. This is especially true of a school. All members of the learning community, parents, students, teachers and administrators, should strive to keep the lines of communication and work together to take calculated risks for the benefit of the learners.

Additionally, all members of the learning community must recognize their own value and the value of all other team members in terms organizational success

A truly exceptional school is one that promotes the desire for lifelong learning in every child and teacher. I am confident that this begins with the building administrator. As principal, the leader must model appropriate professional development involvement by seeking out and participating in activities.

Only through communication with the entire learning community can the building administrator make responsible and prudent decisions regarding professional development.

Although there are many steps an administrator must take in order to attain the vision of the learning community for the school; the most important ones are clearly communication and teamwork.

All members of the learning community must feel ownership of the school and every decision that is made. Not every person will agree, but all must have a voice.

Only through cooperation and teamwork can a truly outstanding learning institution be created and maintained.