Middle leadership plays a crucial role in the success of schools.

There, I’ve said it. And this is the main reason I love being part of the middle leadership programmes offered by the Professional Learning and Leadership Team at Education Scotland. Middle leaders: department heads, team leaders, Faculty Principal Teachers, and coordinators, are responsible for driving improvement, supporting educators, and ensuring high-quality teaching and learning.

But what makes an effective middle leader? How do we determine the successful attributes of those in such complicated jobs? And how can schools develop and support these leaders?

I’ve recently been dipping into the work of Peter DeWitt. DeWitt, a renowned educational consultant, provides some insights into these questions. According to him, effective middle leaders share certain qualities that enable them to lead their teams and schools to success.

Building relationships

One of the key qualities of effective middle leaders, according to DeWitt, is their ability to build relationships. Middle leaders who have strong relationships with their colleagues, students, and parents are more likely to create a positive school culture and to be able to lead their teams to success. Middle leaders who can build relationships can also support and develop the skills of their team members, which in turn improves the quality of teaching and learning in their school.

Shared vision

Another quality is the ability to create a shared vision. Middle leaders who can articulate a clear vision for their team or department can help their colleagues to understand their role in achieving that vision. This shared understanding of the team's goals and objectives can help to ensure that everyone is working towards the same outcomes, which in turn can lead to greater success.

Communication

Effective middle leaders also prioritise communication. They ensure that their team members are informed about important developments and changes, and they provide regular feedback to their colleagues. This helps to build trust and ensures that everyone is working towards the same goals.

Effective decision making

DeWitt also highlights the importance of effective decision-making. Middle leaders who can make well-informed decisions based on data and evidence are more likely to achieve positive outcomes for their teams and schools. Effective decision-making also requires middle leaders to be able to manage their own biases and to be open to feedback and alternative viewpoints.

Reflective practitioners

DeWitt argues that effective middle leaders need to be reflective practitioners. This means that they are constantly evaluating their own practice, seeking out new learning opportunities, and adapting their approach based on feedback and evidence. Middle leaders who can reflect on their own practice are better able to support the development of their team members and to identify areas for improvement in their own leadership.

So how can schools develop and support effective middle leaders?

According to DeWitt, schools can take several steps to support their middle leaders, including providing regular opportunities for professional development and mentoring / coaching approaches, building a positive school culture that supports collaboration and growth, and ensuring that middle leaders have access to the resources and support they need to succeed.

In a nutshell, the research by DeWitt provides valuable insights into the qualities and skills required for effective middle leadership. With these in place, they can lead their teams and schools to success. I’ve always felt middle leaders are the people at the heart of our schools and that they remain close to the learning and teaching. They are the ones who maximise impact for learners. Dewitt sums this up nicely:

'Effective middle leaders are the glue that holds a school together'

It’s therefore a no brainer: by providing the support and resources necessary for middle leaders to thrive, schools can ensure that they are able to achieve their goals and fulfil their mission of providing high-quality education to all students.