The Priceless Gift of Caring: Ponderings of a High School Principal

by Chris Shearer, Principal at Johns Creek High School

As we put more distance between ourselves and the pandemic and get back to the more traditional craft of educating students, there has been ample opportunity to reflect and think about the why, how, and what of the people business. Further, as I reflect, I ask myself a lot of questions about the art of educating students, especially as a principal of an affluent, high-performing school. One of those questions is, “What does it mean to care for students at school?”

In today’s environment, caring for students, and showing that care, is just as important (some would argue more important) as educating them in the core four and preparing them for what’s next. As a leader, it’s an aspect of my approach I pride myself on. I wonder if the school I lead, as a whole, reflects that. If not, I challenge myself to inspire a shift.

I have had the opportunity to lead at the elementary and middle school levels, too. At those points on the k12 continuum, the idea of caring is more clearly defined. It is part and parcel of the whole picture at those levels. Doesn’t it have to be?

Just how important is it that students KNOW we care?

BUT at the high school level, I’m not sure care is an evident part of the experience for students. To be fair, I know many high school educators that are caring, and it looks, sounds, and feels as one would expect. But are those educators the exception to the rule? This is an aspect of school I plan to explore further this year.

Recently, I revisited Simon Sinek’s TED Talk about his Golden Circle. It’s a talk I have seen many times and I value the message. The idea of doing what you do being driven from the inside out is compelling. That is, start from your why before looking at the how and the what. When I saw it again this summer, serendipity struck. it hit differently.

I start every year with a welcome back message to staff and ask them to think about their why. This year I plan to reframe that part of the message from the perspective of Sinek’s why. When educators, specifically high school educators, think about their approach to their classes, where do they start? Are they inside out? Does their why (hopefully their students) drive them to the how and then the what? Or do they drive from what to how with little thought to the why? What about at your school or district?

It is, I think, a very thought-provoking question. It may come with some eye-rolling, crossed arms, and grumbling. The divide between why and what can be quite polarizing. No matter. I believe it is worth the vulnerability it may take to get me closer to my answer. At least to start.

Taking it all a huge step forward, my big, hairy, audacious goal for the year is to do 500 walkthroughs. I want to get into classrooms often to see what’s what. Post-pandemic, who are we? How do we go about the people business of educating students?

Is caring a part of calculus and biology now? Will I see what caring looks like, sounds like, feels like? Are these expectations of caring valid coming from a former elementary and middle school principal? Caring at the high school level? Is it different? Should it be if it is? Does time of year determine when it occurs? I have a lot of questions right now and not a lot of clear answers. I’m okay with that.

Finally, I recently put this question to parents on social media. Could our parents help me uncover the answer to my question? What our parents said what not earth shattering. It is Maslow's foundation for belonging. Not just for elementary or middle school, but also for high school - and belonging for life in general.

One stated, “It means knowing what’s going on with them. Asking them about things going on with them personally.” Okay. I get that. When you care and show an interest, then they care.

Another said, “At the end of the day, they’re still kids, treating them as we would like to be treated with kindness and compassion. Seeing them in the eye and really looking at them heart and mind.” I like that. It is true, kids today are asked to grow up too fast.

Another pointed out, “Take an interest in their life, ask them questions. Make sure they know you are for them and believe in them to do great things not only for themselves but for others.”

From the lens of parents of our students, these may prove to be irrefutable insights.

How do we ensure caring is not lost in a business that can be easily distracted from its most precious commodity, people? A simple question without a simple answer. After 25 years as an educator, five of them at the high school level, my curiosity is piqued. Inquiring minds want to know, or at least this one does.

Join me on this journey of exploring, what I believe to be, the incalculable value of caring. I plan to share my findings over the course of this year. Please share your experiences, too, and let’s learn together. Find me on LinkedIn and the Everyday Principal.