A Head search consultant remarked on Wednesday, "We're hearing the same themes reinforced about Proctor, no matter whom we are speaking with." She went on to list these qualities: broad agreement on mission... a sense of strong, positive momentum... satisfaction with personal/professional situation--and--it's all about students.
This is a significant insight, because--since 1971--this student-centered school has enjoyed a management style rare by industry standards. Teachers exercise great voice in determining--indeed, defining--the policies and structures that shape student life.
It takes a very special kind of leader to succeed at such a school...someone whose sense of self is strong enough that we can risk empowering the periphery of the model. Decentralized, inspirational leadership based on relationships here and now.
The benefit to students is immense. Structures are clear yet limited to that which is common sense. It's nonadversarial leadership that encourages adolescents to be themselves (which, of course, is their best).
