When I look back over my years in education, I can name the people who shaped my leadership more than I can recall the policies or programs. They were mentors — some assigned, others unofficial — who took the time to invest in my growth. And while they varied in style and personality, they all shared one belief: that leadership in a school is never a solo act.
Why Mentorship Matters
In education, we talk about “student success” as the measure of our work. But in leadership, one of the most significant measures is the growth of those who serve alongside us. Mentorship is the multiplier effect. It allows the wisdom, experience, and spiritual insight of one leader to extend far beyond their reach.
Robert Greenleaf’s (1977) servant leadership framework emphasizes the leader’s role in developing others, not just directing them. This means asking not only, “How can I lead well?” but also, “Who am I preparing to lead next?”
In education, we talk about “student success” as the measure of our work. But in leadership, one of the most significant measures is the growth of those who serve alongside us. Mentorship is the multiplier effect. It allows the wisdom, experience, and spiritual insight of one leader to extend far beyond their reach.
Robert Greenleaf’s (1977) servant leadership framework emphasizes the leader’s role in developing others, not just directing them. This means asking not only, “How can I lead well?” but also, “Who am I preparing to lead next?”
Barriers to Mentorship
If mentorship is so valuable, why don’t more leaders prioritize it? Without a clear plan, mentorship becomes hit-or-miss. In my view, there are three main obstacles:
If mentorship is so valuable, why don’t more leaders prioritize it? Without a clear plan, mentorship becomes hit-or-miss. In my view, there are three main obstacles:
Time Pressure – Administrators are often overwhelmed by urgent demands.Fear of Replacement – Insecure leaders worry that mentoring others will decrease their value.Lack of a Framework – Without a clear plan, mentorship becomes inconsistent.
Overcoming these barriers requires intentionality. Mentorship doesn’t need to be another “program”. It can be a way of leading.
A Framework for Mentorship
in Christian Schools
From
my experience and research, effective mentorship in Christian education
includes:
- Spiritual Alignment – Both mentor and mentee share a commitment to Christ-centered leadership.
- Regular Interaction – Mentorship is a relationship, not a once-a-year coffee meeting.
- Mutual Learning – The mentor remains open to being shaped by the mentee’s perspective.
- Practical Exposure – Real leadership is learned in the doing, not just in the talkingSpiritual Alignment – Both mentor and mentee share a commitment to Christ-centered leadership.
- Regular Interaction – Mentorship is a relationship, not a once-a-year coffee meeting.
- Mutual Learning – The mentor remains open to being influenced by the mentee's perspective.
- Practical Exposure – True leadership is learned through experience, not just conversation.
The Multiplier Effect
I’ve seen it happen: A teacher mentored into leadership begins mentoring others, and within a few years, the culture of the school shifts from survival to thriving. I've seen it happen: a teacher mentored into leadership starts mentoring others, and within a few years, the school's culture shifts from merely surviving to thriving.
Closing Reflection
Mentorship isn't a luxury in Christian school leadership; it's a responsibility. The leaders we develop today will guide students, parents, and faculty we may never meet, and that is the true legacy of a Christian educator.References
- Greenleaf, R.
K. (1977). Servant leadership: A journey into the nature of legitimate
power and greatness.
- Northouse, P.
G. (2018). Leadership: Theory and practice (8th ed.).
School names and specific identifying details have been changed to protect privacy while maintaining the integrity of the examples.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comments are welcome! Keep them clean and focused!