The Healthy Head of School
By John E . Creeden Whitby School • Greenwich , CT
The challenges associated with being a Head of School have significantly increased in the last few years . Whether it is the unpredictable economy , racial injustice , vitriolic curriculum debates , mean-spirited accusations denying the science behind public health initiatives , or the internecine political warfare at the local , state , and national levels , it all affects our school communities . As a wise mentor once said to me , “ Nothing happens in isolation at an independent school .”
While we must acknowledge that many of these issues are beyond the control of a Head of School , we nevertheless must lead our school communities in responding to them . Without intending to do so , Heads can become the focal point for the chorus of criticism . This article proposes how Heads can prepare themselves and those with whom they work and live for what seem to be the unrelenting pressures of leading schools today .
Page 10 Spring 2023 CSEE Connections