Communication - the key to understanding...
A school leader needs to clearly communicate and promote a positive school culture with board members, prospective parents, families, students, and colleagues. I meet regularly with Head of School and the senior administrative team; one standing item on each week's agenda involves reporting out on divisional events so that we are all aware of what is happening across the school and know how to support each other. A unified and supportive administrative team models encouragement and transparency and builds trust with all constituents in the school community.
"As a school board member, I had the opportunity to observe John work closely with the Head of School, other senior administrators, and the Board. In addition to maintaining and cultivating strong relationships with the school community, as a whole, John volunteered on numerous strategic initiatives and committees." - Sue Lynn Koo, SFS Board Member -
On a macro level, a school administrator is an ambassador; he promotes the vision and mission of the school. He coordinates efforts at all levels. fostering communication between various constituents. He bridges communication between governance, parents, administration and faculty. He also delegates authority appropriately, advocating for best educational practices and simultaneously maintaining fiscal responsibility.
I have had the privilege of working with a strong divisional leadership team and see this as an example of how any school leader might function as part of an administrative team. I work closely with an elementary curriculum coordinator, an assistant principal, two counselors, ESL and learning support specialists, and grade level team leaders. We meet regularly to coordinate efforts, plan parent presentations, discuss progress on action plans, collate and analyze data related to learning, and coordinate child study teams. I believe in building leadership capacity and empowering others in their area(s) of expertise. An open door policy has always been a part of my administrative career.
As an educational leader, it is also important to highlight major accomplishments and regularly celebrate success, creating a positive school culture. This is a people business; when all constituents feel valued and a part of the community, learning flourishes! It's all about creating a synergy that focuses on the positive.
A school leader needs to clearly communicate and promote a positive school culture with board members, prospective parents, families, students, and colleagues. I meet regularly with Head of School and the senior administrative team; one standing item on each week's agenda involves reporting out on divisional events so that we are all aware of what is happening across the school and know how to support each other. A unified and supportive administrative team models encouragement and transparency and builds trust with all constituents in the school community.
"As a school board member, I had the opportunity to observe John work closely with the Head of School, other senior administrators, and the Board. In addition to maintaining and cultivating strong relationships with the school community, as a whole, John volunteered on numerous strategic initiatives and committees." - Sue Lynn Koo, SFS Board Member -
On a macro level, a school administrator is an ambassador; he promotes the vision and mission of the school. He coordinates efforts at all levels. fostering communication between various constituents. He bridges communication between governance, parents, administration and faculty. He also delegates authority appropriately, advocating for best educational practices and simultaneously maintaining fiscal responsibility.
I have had the privilege of working with a strong divisional leadership team and see this as an example of how any school leader might function as part of an administrative team. I work closely with an elementary curriculum coordinator, an assistant principal, two counselors, ESL and learning support specialists, and grade level team leaders. We meet regularly to coordinate efforts, plan parent presentations, discuss progress on action plans, collate and analyze data related to learning, and coordinate child study teams. I believe in building leadership capacity and empowering others in their area(s) of expertise. An open door policy has always been a part of my administrative career.
As an educational leader, it is also important to highlight major accomplishments and regularly celebrate success, creating a positive school culture. This is a people business; when all constituents feel valued and a part of the community, learning flourishes! It's all about creating a synergy that focuses on the positive.
"John communicates well with parents;he is visible at all extra-curricular event, sends out a weekly newsletter and plans monthly chats to inform parents on various curricular topics." John Engstrom - SFS Head of School
Principal Gaylord has also manifested educational leadership in organizing periodic parent meetings to discus programs, curriculum, learning outcomes, and standardized test scores. His easy charm and good humor make him very approachable for many of our shy and reserved Asian parents.
Charles Barton - former head of school NIS and Saigon South
Principal Gaylord has also manifested educational leadership in organizing periodic parent meetings to discus programs, curriculum, learning outcomes, and standardized test scores. His easy charm and good humor make him very approachable for many of our shy and reserved Asian parents.
Charles Barton - former head of school NIS and Saigon South
Finally, I make it a priority to attend all events, even those hosted by other divisions. This visibility garners trust; my active participation in events outside of the school day is greatly appreciated by parents, coaches, advisors, students, and administration. I am seen cooking at the annual school picnic, participating in the dunking booth at the International Fair, mixing with dads and students at the Daddy/Daughter Dinner Dance, cheering our athletes at games, and attending Fine Arts events.
John Engstrom, current SFS Head of School, "I have been struck by the comments made by John's faculty members. In one of his end-of-year teacher reviews, one wrote, 'I think John Gaylord really has the best interest of the students at heart. He has a great relationship with the students and they can easily approach him.' Finally, a teacher wrote, 'The children absolutely love him!!'"
John Engstrom, current SFS Head of School, "I have been struck by the comments made by John's faculty members. In one of his end-of-year teacher reviews, one wrote, 'I think John Gaylord really has the best interest of the students at heart. He has a great relationship with the students and they can easily approach him.' Finally, a teacher wrote, 'The children absolutely love him!!'"
