School Culture → Dr Jake Madden

Every Message Shapes the School You Want to Become

Communication in school leadership forms the invisible architecture of your institution.

Communication in school leadership forms the invisible architecture of your institution. Every email, assembly address, corridor conversation, or staff meeting remark contributes to the culture you build. Leaders often focus on strategy and results, yet overlook how daily messages quietly define the school community.

James Humes - The art of communication is the language of...

Words carry weight. They inspire or deflate. They unite or divide. In 2026, with hybrid working and digital channels, messages multiply faster than ever.

Why Communication Matters in Leadership

Strong schools rest on trust and shared vision. Communication in school leadership builds both. It signals priorities. It reinforces values. It models behaviour for staff and students.

Research shows that clear, consistent messaging improves staff morale and student outcomes. When leaders communicate thoughtfully, teams feel valued. Innovation flourishes. Resilience grows during challenges.

The Cumulative Effect of Every Message

One positive note brightens a day. Repeated over time, it creates a supportive ethos. Conversely, hurried criticisms erode confidence gradually.

Think of culture as a mosaic. Each message adds a tile. Over months and years, the pattern emerges. Leaders rarely see the full picture in real time, but staff and students live it daily.

Small interactions matter most. A quick “well done” in passing. An empathetic response to concern. These moments accumulate and shape perceptions.

Practical Strategies for Intentional Communication

Leaders can harness this power deliberately.

Pause before sending — Ask: Does this align with our values? Will it build trust?
Balance feedback — Pair constructive notes with genuine praise. Aim for a positive ratio.
Use multiple channels wisely — Face-to-face for sensitive topics. Emails for clarity and records.
Seek feedback on your style — Anonymous surveys reveal blind spots.
Celebrate successes publicly — Assemblies and newsletters amplify positivity.

These habits turn communication in school leadership into a strategic tool.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Watch for these traps:

Inconsistency between words and actions.
Over-reliance on digital messages for emotional topics.
Assuming clarity when jargon dominates.
Neglecting listening as part of communication.

Key Takeaways

Every message, big or small, shapes culture.
Intentional communication in school leadership builds trust and vision.
Reflect regularly on your messaging habits.
Start today: One mindful interaction can begin change.

Your school becomes what your messages repeatedly reinforce. Choose them carefully.

For related insights, explore these posts on Leadership Echo and Organisational Culture or Building an Instructional Coaching Culture in Your School.

The Hidden Costs of Overworking During the Holidays: Why School Leaders Need a True Break

Attention school leaders: This holiday season, prioritise rest over catching up on work. Constant connectivity and an endless to-do list can lead to burnout and reduced effectiveness. Set clear boundaries, delegate tasks, and turn off work notifications. Engage in activities that bring you joy and help you recharge. Remember, true leadership isn’t about how much you work, but the quality of your impact. A rested leader is a better leader!

The holiday season, often filled with joy, family, and relaxation, can be anything but restful for school leaders. Emails, strategic plans, and unfinished administrative tasks loom large, tempting even the most disciplined among us to keep working. But here’s a provocative question: What if working during the Christmas break does more harm than good?

Smart school leaders are increasingly recognising the hidden costs of sacrificing their well-earned breaks. While the desire to stay ahead may seem admirable, it often leads to burnout, reduced creativity, and diminished effectiveness. The inability to truly disconnect impacts not only the individual but the entire school community. This holiday season, let’s challenge the idea that working through Christmas is a badge of honour and explore why prioritising rest is an essential act of leadership.

The Costs of Overworking During Holidays

The Endless To-Do List

School leaders often find themselves trapped in a cycle of perpetual work, with the holiday break appearing as a chance to “catch up.” Yet the reality is that tasks never truly end—they only accumulate. This relentless treadmill can erode energy and enthusiasm, leaving leaders depleted before the new term even begins.

A Misplaced Sense of Dedication

Equating constant work with commitment is a common misconception. Sacrificing personal time to prove dedication not only risks burnout but also diminishes overall effectiveness. True leadership isn’t measured by how much you work—it’s defined by the quality of your impact.

The Challenge of Disconnecting

In today’s hyperconnected world, technology makes it almost impossible to unplug. Notifications from emails, messages, and platforms blur the boundaries between work and personal life, making genuine rest elusive. Without intentional disconnection, stress becomes a constant companion.

The Fear of Falling Behind

The anxiety of returning to a backlog often drives school leaders to work through their breaks. Ironically, this approach is counterproductive. Research shows that prolonged overwork hampers productivity, creativity, and decision-making—key attributes of effective leadership.

How to Take a True Holiday Break

Set Clear Boundaries

Effective school leaders communicate their intention to rest with staff, students, and parents, establishing firm boundaries for the holiday period. Use tools like out-of-office email responses to manage expectations and protect your time.

Plan and Delegate

Preparation is key. Before the break, prioritise and delegate tasks to trusted team members. Empower your staff to handle routine matters, demonstrating trust and fostering a culture of shared responsibility.

Turn Off Work Notifications

Resist the urge to check emails or messages during the break. Turning off notifications—or even temporarily uninstalling work-related apps—can help create the mental space needed for genuine rest.

Engage in Restorative Activities

Use the holiday to reconnect with family, pursue hobbies, or engage in activities that inspire you. Whether it’s a long walk, reading a good book, or simply relaxing at home, these moments of joy and reflection are investments in your well-being.

Why Rested Leaders Lead Better

Rest isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for effective leadership. When school leaders prioritise their well-being, the benefits ripple throughout their schools. Rested leaders are:

More patient and empathetic, fostering stronger relationships with staff and students.
Better equipped to tackle challenges with creativity and resilience.
Able to model healthy work habits, promoting a balanced culture within the school community.

By taking time to reflect and recharge, leaders return to their roles with renewed energy, fresh perspectives, and enhanced decision-making abilities.

A Call to Action for School Leaders

As the holiday season unfolds, resist the urge to view your time off as an opportunity to “catch up.” Instead, embrace it as a time to restore your energy, refocus your vision, and prioritise what truly matters.

Remember: leadership isn’t about how hard you work—it’s about how well you lead. This Christmas, give yourself the gift of rest. It’s not just a gift for you but for your entire school community, ensuring you return ready to inspire, guide, and lead with purpose.

From Appraisals to Collaboration: The True Purpose of Learning Walks

Learning Walks in schools offer real-time insights into teaching and learning, building collaboration and improving student outcomes.

Imagine stepping into a classroom and seeing students deeply engaged in learning. That’s what Learning Walks in schools offer, a firsthand insight into how learning really happens. These informal visits allow teachers, leaders, and staff to better understand what’s working, what needs support, and how to improve together.

But Learning Walks in schools aren’t just about performance monitoring. When done well, they create a culture of trust, reflection, and shared growth. They are powerful tools for building better classrooms not just better compliance.

Why Learning Walks Matter

1. Observing Learning in Real Time

Seeing how students learn in the moment offers far richer data than written reports or test results. Learning Walks in schools reveal what’s happening now: the strategies in use, the student engagement levels, and the classroom culture.

2. Shifting the Focus to Students

Unlike traditional inspections, Learning Walks focus on the student experience. The goal is to understand how learners are thinking, interacting, and progressing not just to evaluate the teacher.

3. Promoting Collaboration, Not Fear

When approached with respect and clarity, these visits foster professional dialogue, not performance anxiety. Teachers can share best practices, ask questions, and reflect without fear of judgement.

From Observation to Improvement

Effective Learning Walks begin with purposeful observation, but their real value lies in the follow-up.

Dialogue: After the walk, discussion enables teachers to reflect on what they saw and how it connects to their own practice.
Feedback: Constructive, low-stakes feedback encourages continual growth.
Reflection: Educators develop deeper insight into their teaching and identify areas for refinement.

Benefits for Teachers and Leaders

Learning Walks in schools benefit all members of the learning community:

Teachers gain exposure to new strategies, observe peer practice, and develop shared language around pedagogy.
Leaders develop a clearer understanding of classroom dynamics and can tailor professional development to actual needs.
Students benefit from improved instruction, deeper teacher collaboration, and a stronger learning culture.

Making Learning Walks Work

To maximise impact:

Create a clear purpose for each walk.
Communicate expectations to staff to remove ambiguity.
Encourage open discussion after each visit.
Use observations to inform team-wide improvements, not just individual performance.

Building a Culture of Shared Growth

Ultimately, Learning Walks in schools are about growing together. They build mutual respect, open up communication, and help everyone—from classroom teachers to school leaders—focus on what matters most: student learning.

When done right, Learning Walks are not just professional development. They are culture-building.

Preventing Teacher Burnout: Strategies for School Leaders

Learn about the signs of teacher burnout and find out what you can do to address it before it becomes a problem.

Here we are on the verge of school holidays, an important time for teachers to rejuvenate. Unfortunately, preventing teacher burnout is becoming more critical as educators grapple with the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, teacher shortages, and increasing pressure from global league tables. Burnout can drive talented teachers out of the profession and is often challenging to recover from.

Teachers face a myriad of challenges. They must modify programs to meet the needs of diverse learners, keep track of changing education regulations, manage students with special needs, and handle administrative responsibilities. Without adequate support, many experience burnout after prolonged exposure to emotional and interpersonal job stress. Preventing teacher burnout requires an intentional, proactive approach to supporting educators in their demanding roles.

Understanding Teacher Burnout

Teacher burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by factors such as excessive workloads, insufficient resources, and unrealistic expectations. It often manifests through feelings of cynicism, exhaustion, and a diminishing sense of personal accomplishment. Left unaddressed, burnout can lead to absenteeism, increased staff turnover, and decreased job performance. In severe cases, it can contribute to physical and mental health issues.

While the causes of burnout are complex, school leaders play a pivotal role in preventing teacher burnout by fostering a supportive and sustainable work environment. By recognising the signs early and taking action, you can make a profound difference in your teachers’ well-being and professional longevity.

Strategies for Preventing Teacher Burnout

As a school leader, there are several actionable steps you can take to protect your teachers from burnout and support their ongoing professional and personal well-being:

1. Prioritise Work-Life Balance

Recognise that your teachers are individuals with lives outside of school. Encourage them to set healthy boundaries by:

Promoting the use of paid time off and personal leave.
Discouraging work-related communication outside school hours.
Supporting opportunities for flexible scheduling where possible.

By respecting personal time, you help reduce the risk of burnout and improve overall job satisfaction.

2. Foster a Positive and Supportive Environment

A culture of appreciation and encouragement can significantly impact morale. You can create this environment by:

Regularly acknowledging and celebrating teachers’ achievements.
Ensuring educators have the resources and tools they need.
Providing opportunities for career growth and professional development.

When teachers feel valued and supported, they are more resilient and better equipped to manage stress.

3. Promote Collaboration and Open Communication

A collaborative culture reduces isolation and encourages collective problem-solving. Strategies to foster this include:

Encouraging regular peer collaboration and team-teaching.
Creating opportunities for staff to share feedback openly.
Facilitating mentorship programs for new and experienced teachers.

By promoting open communication, you help create a sense of community and shared responsibility.

4. Provide Access to Mental Health Resources

Supporting mental health is vital for preventing teacher burnout. Consider offering:

Access to counselling or employee assistance programs (EAPs).
Workshops focused on stress management and mindfulness techniques.
Regular check-ins to identify and address emerging concerns.

Investing in mental health resources shows your commitment to staff well-being and helps prevent burnout from escalating.

5. Model Healthy Leadership Practices

School leaders set the tone for the entire school community. Demonstrate your commitment to well-being by:

Practising self-care and sharing your strategies with staff.
Setting realistic expectations for yourself and your team.
Encouraging a culture where asking for help is seen as a strength.

When leaders model work-life balance and self-care, it empowers teachers to do the same.

Final Thoughts

Preventing teacher burnout requires a holistic and sustained effort from school leaders. By prioritising work-life balance, fostering a positive environment, encouraging collaboration, providing mental health resources, and modelling healthy practices, you can create a school culture where educators thrive.

What are your thoughts on preventing teacher burnout? Have you faced this challenge in your school? Share your experiences and strategies in the comments below.

How to Create a Culture of Excellence in Schools

I am often asked how I create a culture of excellence in the schools I lead. Some of these people want to know what effective leadership looks like in outstanding schools because they want to be a leader one day. They might also want to know so they can help their school be more successful. Here are a few thoughts for your to ponder

Many aspiring school leaders ask me how to build a culture of excellence in schools. Some want to lead in the future, while others aim to improve their current school’s success. Achieving excellence requires clear vision, strong leadership, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Below are six essential strategies to help you cultivate excellence in your school.

1. Define What Excellence Looks Like

Excellence is a journey, not a destination. Before you can create a culture of excellence in schools, you must define what excellence means in your specific context. Collaborate with staff to develop a shared vision. When teachers and leaders align their expectations, the entire school community works towards a common goal.

2. Set High Standards for Yourself and Your Team

A culture of excellence starts with setting high expectations. This applies to students, teachers, and school leaders. By maintaining ambitious goals and encouraging accountability, you ensure that excellence remains a core value. A school that upholds high standards fosters a mindset of growth and achievement.

3. Lead by Example

Effective school leaders model the behaviours they expect from others. Whether it’s demonstrating professionalism, resilience, or a passion for learning, your actions set the tone for the school. When staff and students see leadership that embodies excellence, they are more likely to follow suit.

4. Build Resilience to Overcome Setbacks

Challenges are inevitable when striving for excellence. Strong leaders view setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than failures. Encouraging resilience among staff and students creates a positive culture where challenges become stepping stones to success. By fostering adaptability, your school remains focused on long-term goals despite obstacles.

5. Prioritise Effective Communication

Communication is the backbone of a thriving school culture. Great leaders share information openly, listen to feedback, and engage with staff, students, and the wider community. Effective communication builds trust, encourages collaboration, and ensures everyone is working towards shared objectives.

6. Celebrate Successes Along the Way

Recognising achievements reinforces the pursuit of excellence. Celebrating student progress, staff milestones, and school-wide accomplishments keeps motivation high. Whether through awards, acknowledgements, or simple words of encouragement, recognising success fosters a positive, achievement-driven culture.

Final Thoughts

Creating a culture of excellence in schools requires vision, commitment, and effective leadership. By setting high standards, leading by example, fostering resilience, maintaining clear communication, and celebrating progress, schools can build an environment where students and educators thrive.

Aspiring and current leaders can implement these strategies to enhance their schools and drive meaningful, long-term success. If you’d like to explore more leadership insights, visit my website for further resources and professional guidance.

The Future of Education: Adapting to the New Normal in Schools

t has been bandied across the social media platforms that education and how we deliver learning will need to change to address the “new normal”. Given the paradigm shift schools have faced in recent time, we cannot simply return to the pre COVID-19 approach to teaching and learning. Our experience has shaped us and informed us on how to best connect with students and engage them in their learning.

The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the future of education, forcing schools to rethink how learning is delivered. Returning to a pre-pandemic model is no longer an option. Instead, schools must build on the lessons learned to create more engaging, flexible, and resilient learning environments.

Before the pandemic, research suggested that a third of teachers were considering leaving the profession within five years. The situation may now be even more critical, especially in international schools, where teachers may choose to return home. As a result, education leaders anticipate a potential teacher and school leader recruitment crisis.

Despite these challenges, the pandemic has also created opportunities for transformation. Many countries have moved away from high-stakes standardised testing, exploring alternative assessment methods. However, the long-term impact of these decisions remains uncertain.

What Must Change in Schools?

Re-entering school buildings will not mean returning to business as usual. Schools must rethink three key areas: health and hygiene measures, curriculum design, and teaching methods.

1. Health & Hygiene Measures

Health and safety will be a top priority in the future of education. Schools will need to implement strict measures to prevent the spread of illness, including:

Temperature screenings at school entrances and throughout the day.
Increased hygiene protocols, including regular hand sanitising and controlled access to washrooms.
Socially distanced classrooms, with desks arranged in rows facing the front.
Revised break times and playground use to minimise crowding.
Changes to cafeteria operations, such as staggered meal times or grab-and-go options.

2. Curriculum Re-Writes

The pandemic has exposed flaws in rigid, overloaded curricula. John Hattie has pointed out that time in school is not the biggest factor in student success—rather, it is what we teach that matters. This raises urgent questions:

Should core subject requirements be restructured?
Is the current curriculum too crowded?
How can schools prioritise essential knowledge and skills?

To prepare students for a rapidly changing world, schools must rethink their learning priorities, focusing on critical thinking, adaptability, and problem-solving skills rather than simply covering content.

3. Pedagogical Shifts

One of the biggest concerns is that schools might default to outdated teaching methods when they reopen. The future of education should not mean a return to passive, teacher-centred instruction. Instead, educators must embrace student-centred, blended learning approaches, including:

The flipped classroom, where students engage with content before lessons.
Instructional videos to support independent learning.
Project-based learning, encouraging real-world application of knowledge.
Active learning strategies to keep students engaged.

For these shifts to succeed, schools must reconsider assessment and accountability frameworks. Standardised tests and rigid inspection models must evolve to support more flexible, personalised learning approaches.

The Big Question: Are We Ready?

As schools prepare for re-entry, one question remains: Are we returning too soon or not soon enough?

Education has reached a turning point. Schools have an opportunity to reshape learning for the better—but only if they embrace innovation, flexibility, and student-centred approaches. The pandemic has forced change upon us; now, it’s up to education leaders and policymakers to ensure these changes lead to meaningful progress.

Time to Revisit Your Vision

All effective organisations not only have a vision statement, they actually use it to drive everything in their organisations. Vision statements are advantageous (if not crucial) to schools because they help drive the decision making and keeps the school focused.

Vision without action is a daydream
Action without vision is a nightmare.
– Japanese proverb

All high-performing schools share a common trait. They don’t just write vision statements, they use them. A clear school vision keeps leadership focused, staff aligned, and improvement efforts on track. It motivates, defines purpose, guides decision-making, and helps schools stand apart.

As schools break for the winter (or summer), it’s an ideal time for leaders to pause and reflect. Is your school vision driving real change, or is it gathering dust?

Key Reflection Questions for Leaders

Use these prompts to evaluate how your school’s vision is embedded in practice:

What strategies have we used to build a shared vision?
Can we connect specific actions to elements of the vision?
How have we modelled the vision through our leadership?
What opportunities have we missed to build ownership across our stakeholders?
Have we shown a visible commitment to change?

Making the Vision Visible

To keep your school vision alive, consider these practical strategies:

1. Climate Surveys
Gather insights from parents, students, and staff to see how well the vision is understood and embraced.

2. Decision-Making Alignment
Every decision, big or small should link back to the vision. If it doesn’t align, question its value.

3. Meeting Agendas
Audit your agendas. How often does the vision show up in your planning, discussions, and action points?

4. Teacher Goal Setting
Ensure staff set personal and professional goals that reflect the school vision. When teachers grow in the right direction, the school does too.

5. Visible Signage
Display the vision across your campus. Make it a reference point for everyon including students, teachers, parents, and visitors.

A strong school vision is not just a slogan. It’s a living guide to the way you lead, plan, and grow. Take time this term break to reflect, realign, and recommit. When your school vision shapes what you do every day, improvement follows.

Remember…..“Every choice you make leads you away from your vision or moves you toward it.” – Patti Digh

Successful School Leadership in Change Management

Effective schools are ever changing as they strive towards their school improvement goals. When undertaking school improvement initiatives there are simple tasks the school leader can do in readiness for implementing change.

School leadership in change management is essential for driving continuous school improvement. Effective schools are always evolving, and strong leadership is crucial in guiding staff through transformation. While no single approach guarantees success, there are several key strategies that school leaders can use to navigate change, foster alignment, and build a supportive culture.

Building Alignment for Successful Change

The saying “have all your ducks in a row” holds true for school leaders implementing change. A well-organised, structured approach is vital for success. Ensuring alignment across the school—where teachers understand and support the change—leads to greater commitment. To achieve this:

Establish clear goals and success indicators.
Provide necessary resources to support implementation.
Set realistic timeframes for achieving milestones.
Foster a shared mindset where staff feel included in the process.

A cohesive approach strengthens the school’s ability to implement change effectively, creating a foundation for long-term success.

Strategic Thinking Before Taking Action

One of the most critical aspects of school leadership in change management is careful planning. Before introducing an initiative, leaders must:

Gather and analyse data to understand current challenges.
Interpret evidence to make informed decisions.
Identify inefficiencies and determine the best course of action.

By thinking through the strategy before communicating it to staff, school leaders can anticipate challenges, refine their message, and ensure a smoother transition.

Anticipating and Overcoming Resistance

Change often meets resistance, and experienced leaders can predict which staff members may push back. This is particularly true for long-serving teachers who have seen initiatives come and go. To address resistance proactively:

Consider the resisters’ perspectives and prepare responses to their concerns.
Engage with sceptical staff early to involve them in the planning process.
Highlight past successes to build confidence in the new approach.

By addressing concerns before they escalate, school leaders can gain wider staff buy-in and minimise roadblocks to change.

Managing Yourself as a Leader

Leading continuous change can be exhausting, and school leaders must prioritise self-care to sustain their effectiveness. Stress and burnout are common, so leaders should:

Maintain a healthy work-life balance to avoid exhaustion.
Develop emotional resilience by managing stress proactively.
Recognise personal triggers and find strategies to stay positive.

Sustaining energy and focus allows leaders to remain effective, support staff, and drive meaningful change over time.

Building a Strong School Culture

Perhaps the most important factor in successful change management is school culture. As Peter Drucker famously said, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” No matter how well-planned an initiative is, it will fail if the school culture does not support it.

To create a culture that embraces change, school leaders must:

Foster trust and collaboration among staff.
Encourage professional growth through training and mentorship.
Model a positive attitude toward change to inspire others.

A school’s culture sets the foundation for any transformation. When teachers believe in the vision, they are far more likely to embrace new strategies and drive success.

Final Thoughts

School leadership in change management requires careful planning, staff alignment, and a supportive culture. Leaders who take the time to build a clear vision, anticipate resistance, and support their teams will see greater success in school improvement efforts. By focusing on culture, collaboration, and leadership resilience, schools can navigate change effectively and create a thriving learning environment for students and staff alike.

Building a Positive School Culture Through Innovation

December last year I received an award from the International Schools Awards organisation. The award was for Best Innovation in Education. This innovation was squarely set on the shoulders of the Teacher as Researcher program and the building a culture of staff learning. This particular program has been instituted at my current school for the past three years.

In December last year, I was honoured to receive the Best Innovation in Education award from the International Schools Awards. This recognition stemmed from our work on the Teacher as Researcher program, which focuses on building a positive school culture through teacher collaboration and continuous learning. Over the past three years, this program has strengthened our school’s commitment to professional growth, fostering an environment where educators actively share expertise, refine teaching practices, and learn from one another.

The Power of Teacher Collaboration

Building a positive school culture goes beyond individual teacher development—it is about fostering a collaborative environment where educators work together to improve student outcomes. Education is inherently social, and when teachers connect, discuss, and reflect on their practices, learning is amplified.

At the heart of this transformation is the understanding that great teaching is not static. It evolves through peer collaboration, mentorship, and shared experiences. By creating structured opportunities for teachers to engage in professional dialogue, schools can accelerate innovation and enhance classroom practices.

The Four Pillars of a Strong School Culture

Over the years, I have found that school leaders can focus on four key pillars to effectively foster a positive school culture. These pillars serve as guiding principles in daily decision-making, professional development, and school-wide initiatives:

Commitment & Loyalty
- A thriving school culture requires dedicated educators who are deeply invested in their students’ success.
- Schools must nurture an environment where teachers feel valued, supported, and inspired to contribute.
Transparency & Efficiency
- Open communication strengthens trust within the school community.
- Clear expectations and efficient systems enable teachers to focus on high-impact teaching strategies.
Trust
- Trust is the foundation of strong professional relationships.
- When school leaders empower teachers and involve them in decision-making, they foster a culture of ownership and accountability.
Teamwork
- Schools thrive when teachers collaborate across subjects, grade levels, and leadership teams.
- Encouraging team-based problem-solving and shared leadership creates a dynamic and innovative learning environment.

For a more in-depth exploration of how these pillars support school improvement, you can refer to the article:
👉 Four Pillars to Building a Positive School Culture

A Call to Action for the New School Year

As we embark on a new academic year, building a positive school culture must remain a top priority for school leaders and educators alike. A school’s success is not just about policies or academic outcomes—it is about the people, the shared vision, and the collaborative spirit that drives continuous improvement.

By focusing on innovation, professional growth, and teamwork, we can create thriving school environments where both educators and students flourish.

How is your school fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation this year?