There have been two recent articles posted within this blog space that struck a chord with me and my role within secondary schools over the years. In Scott Pennock’s article The Importance of Being Present, Scott talks about the balancing act leaders have to maintain in terms of the endless, but essential admin, with the ever-important need for us to be visible and available to all. This is very true as a senior leader but equally true within and around my department. I have found, post lockdown, that our pupils are thriving on myself and teachers making a concerted effort to be more present and more available to support their learning. 

At every available opportunity, teachers are eager to engage positively with our pupils having been starved for so long, of face-to-face contact.

The second recent article within this blog that grabbed my attention was Lipscombe Changes the Narrative for Middle Leaders. A previous Head Teacher used to describe the PTs as being ‘the engine room of the ship’. Having been a subject PT since 2006, with a few years as a DHT, I sometimes feel that there are some critical parts of my engine starting to fail. However, I agree with Rona Grant’s assertion that “middle leadership is where it is at” as being part of the ‘engine room’ is the best job in the school, we get to provide the power and help with the direction.

Quite simply, being a PT is the best job in the school.

Being part of the engine room, we as PTs must serve others before we help ourselves. I have seen that helping others grow is a vitally important responsibility. Focusing on the development of others is the business of education, because it creates a work environment and ethos in which teachers at all stages of their career feel respected, appreciated, and valued. It engenders team working as staff support each other with developments.  In turn this positive work environment and ethos has a positive impact on the pupils.

I have found that teachers respond positively when we work in an environment where everyone is regarded equally. From class contact time, to the allocation of the Higher sets; being humble gives me the perspective to see that I am as valuable as others in the department, that I too make mistakes and that the needs of others in the department are as important as my own. This is team working; this adds to a positive working environment for teachers and pupils.

Small wins are an important step towards great wins. As a PT, I set up teachers for greater success by helping them achieve incremental goals. Teachers respond well when their potential is magnified through achievement, and they appreciate support over a prolonged period and can help them thrive. It can be especially rewarding when you see your department team realising success together as everyone is recognised for their input along the way.

Being an effective PT involves understanding how to both relate to teachers of differing skills and abilities and to inspire them. To gain more respect among your department, you need to regularly instil confidence in teaching staff’s growth. Let them know that you trust the quality of their judgements, their time management skills and their ability to find the resources they need to deliver the best lessons for our pupils. Autonomy also encourages departments to work individually and as subject groups and to be creative, which has proven to be highly motivating and encouraging for both PT and teachers.

We all know that it can be exhausting being part of the Engine room, but passion produces energy and can ignite the enthusiasm of teachers.

A positive attitude can benefit pupils and staff working within a department, enjoying your job and being passionate in day-to-day working can really have a big impact on others. If you care deeply about something, your department is likely to care too.  A member of my department has said that he is inspired by me having clear, strong goals and the ability to meet those goals. By setting a good example, my department are now emulating my behaviours.

If you have high expectations for your team, then you also need to have high expectations for yourself. Be relentless in keeping your part of the Engine room working.