Pay Theory Blog
March 3, 2022

8 Great Quotes for School Leadership

The leaders in our education system such as school administrators, principals, treasurers, and educators have the unique opportunity to create positive change in their students' lives. A recent study surveyed 180 schools and found that none of the schools were able to improve student achievement records without effective school leadership.  

Educators have the unique opportunity to empower and shape our youth and the education system as a whole. School treasurers also play an extremely vital role in our educational system.  

Strong leaders in our education system are able to create environments that shape, challenge, and nurture students. We compiled 8 quotes to inspire educators to continue fostering strong communities and relationships within their districts.

1. Focusing Attention

“Effective headteachers provide a clear vision and sense of direction for the school. They prioritize. They focus the attention of staff on what is important and do not let them get diverted and sidetracked with initiatives that will have little impact on the work of the students.” – Successful School Leadership

2. Warmth is Vital

“One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is a vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child.” – Carl Jung

3. Powerful Leadership

Indeed, there are virtually no documented instances of troubled schools being turned around without intervention by a powerful leader.” - Professor Kennth Leithwood

4. The Influence of Example

"Each day you are leading by example. Whether you realize it or not or whether it's positive or negative, you are influencing those around you." - Rob Liano

5. Caring versus knowledge

“All the knowledge in the world can’t make a good leader: It’s the care for the work and the people who collaborate with you that makes the difference, this is in large part because people want to follow a passionate leader. Someone who cares about not only the cause for which he or she is working, but also the other people who are involved in the effort. Passion for the projects, for the company and for the people involved are key to successful leadership.” – Nozomi Morgan

6. Building Your Efforts by Building Your Team

“Great principals focus on improving the quality of the teachers within their buildings. By carefully hiring the best teachers, by supporting their efforts and their ambitions, by holding all staff members to high expectations, and by working to carefully support the individual development of each professional, principals impact student achievement.” – Todd Whitaker

7. Enjoying the Journey

“Teaching is far from perfect. It’s messy, and it’s in that mess that you will craft your teaching and really enjoy the journey.” – Lisa Dabbs

8. Building into Your People

“Leadership is communicating to people their worth and potential so clearly that they come to see it in themselves.” - Stephen Covey