I’ve been in Dubai for eight weeks and have been struck by many things including the climate, the rapid growth, and the energy people bring to learning. It’s a place on the move, filled with ambition.
One of my first priorities was meeting my new leadership team. We began by getting to know one another, setting expectations for how we’ll work together, and sharing our hopes for the school. As a principal leading a school in a new country, building that mutual understanding was essential.
When stepping into a new system, context matters. Your team needs to know how you think not only on what drives your decisions and where you see the school heading, but also how you view your role. At the same time, you need to understand their aspirations and ideas. Leadership doesn’t work in isolation. Connection and clarity come first.
For me, that started with the bigger picture. I wanted to ensure that we had a shared sense of direction: where the school is heading, whether the right culture and capabilities are in place, and if the learning model supports long-term goals. It’s easy to get caught in the day-to-day, but strategy demands a broader view.
This is especially true in a young school. When the early phase of ‘setting up’ is done, the real work begins, building sustainability, deepening learning, and shaping identity. As the leader, your role is to keep the vision clear while building the capacity to get there.
The early days of a new appointment set the tone. With the right focus, they become the foundation for growth.
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I’m Jake Madden (Dip Teach; B.Ed; Grad Dip: Leadership; M. Ed: Leadership; EdD; FACEL; MACE), and I’ve had the privilege of working in education for over thirty years as a teacher and principal. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on supporting teachers to build their capacity, developing learning approaches that respond to the needs of today’s world, creating flexible learning spaces for 21st-century learners, and designing curriculum that encourages global mindedness.
I’m particularly passionate about the concept of teacher-as-researcher, and I’ve been fortunate to contribute to this area by sharing my experiences through books and journal articles. My work reflects what I’ve learned from leading and navigating educational change, and I’m always eager to continue learning from others in the field.
Author: Dr Jake Madden
I’m Jake Madden (Dip Teach; B.Ed; Grad Dip: Leadership; M. Ed: Leadership; EdD; FACEL; MACE), and I’ve had the privilege of working in education for over thirty years as a teacher and principal. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on supporting teachers to build their capacity, developing learning approaches that respond to the needs of today’s world, creating flexible learning spaces for 21st-century learners, and designing curriculum that encourages global mindedness.
I’m particularly passionate about the concept of teacher-as-researcher, and I’ve been fortunate to contribute to this area by sharing my experiences through books and journal articles. My work reflects what I’ve learned from leading and navigating educational change, and I’m always eager to continue learning from others in the field.
View all posts by Dr Jake Madden
Good on you Jake. I agree wholeheartedly that the bigger picture is most vital in the growth of a school and in fact any organisation in our ever changing world. It is with that greater picture in mind that we work to achieve our daily, weekly and yearly goals. One of the best pieces of advice an ex high school teacher gave (at assembly one day), was to always set goals and aspire to achieve them. I have always done this and try to pass this message on to the pupils in my care. You will be a great leader over there Jake, I have no doubt! Good luck and set their hearts on fire!
Reflecting on your older posts….the interesting thing is that you are looking at the goals and mission of your school community before you plan. Sounds simple, but it must be so tempting to bring your own agenda, but every school is different, as you know. Having visited the school I know what the mission is. Dar al marefa will go well!