In the past three years we have visited a number of excellent Lutheran schools as we considered nomination for NLSA exemplary status. During these visits we have come to expect certain hallmarks that are present in every exemplary school. These characteristics include the following:
Exemplary Lutheran schools are well served by their excellent leaders. Great leaders have their handprint over the entire school. In an exemplary Lutheran school everyone knows the leader. They are known not only for their love for Jesus and their advocacy for children but also in their single minded commitment to making their school the very best it can be, in every area. They do not settle mediocrity or make excuses. When mistakes have been made, they use them as a laboratory for continued improvement.
Exemplary school leaders are willing to do whatever it takes, even when it requires self-sacrifice. They understand that to excel in today’s competitive educational marketplace, they must be people-centered, 360 degree leaders who understand how to get things done in “this place.” The leader has been empower to make decisions. In congregational based school ministries they are empowered and supported by the pastor. In association schools they are respected and publicly supported by association pastors for their effort and success. There is no professional jealousy among the leaders of an exemplary Lutheran schools; just mutual support and collegiality.
In Lutheran schools, the front line produces the bottom line, therefore highly effective teachers are an essential component of exemplary schools. All teachers are Christ-centered and driven by the clearly defined mission of the school. Communicating the love of Jesus to children and their families is the chief motivational factor for Lutheran school teachers, but exemplary school teachers are deeply committed to the academic success of every student in their classroom. Great teachers understand that every student learns differently. This means that they understand the need for differentiation that is critical to the success of all. Decisions made by teachers are always made with the best interest of students in mind, even when personal sacrifice is required to accomplish the goal.
Exemplary Lutheran schools are served by teachers bringing highly defined, specific individual talents. Every teacher is an expert and they bring varying aspects of expertise to a diversity of school programs. Parents respect and admire each teacher for the individual expertise they bring to the school. The school leader recognizes and values the unique talents of teachers. Individual accomplishments are recognized and rewarded because through accomplish, the school’s bar of excellence is raised. When one teacher is recognized for accomplishments everyone celebrates for success for one brings success to all.
Teacher collaboration is a hallmark of exemplary Lutheran schools. Ideas are shared freely and teachers learn from one another. The school leader builds time for professional collaboration and sharing. Faculty meetings become places where ideas are freely shared and school improvements are sought. If a school is selected as an NLSA Exemplary School its sharing responsibility expands beyond the walls of its own school into its greater community and among the Lutheran schools in our national network.
Exemplary Lutheran schools have raving fans. Parents whose children are challenged and well served by the school maintain a perception that the school has added value to their family. In reality a quality Lutheran school has always been an extension of the Christian family. Satisfied parents usually have a personal story about how the school has impacted their children. They are passionate about how the school as served them. As a result, they become enthusiastic and contagious salespeople for the school.
Today, parents become involved with Lutheran schools as a result of different motivations. Some seek safety and security. Others seek small class sizes, fair and consistent discipline or high academic standards. Fewer parents identify a Christian education as their primary reason for enrollment. Despite this fact, Lutheran schools are laboratories for the work of the Holy Spirit. Exemplary Lutheran schools never stray from their mission of securing the eternal future of each child. Teachers are constantly reminding children about who Jesus is and what he has done for them. Lives are changed as a result of the power of the Gospel. Children and their families are led to be baptized. Faith formation and development are the primary goals of an Exemplary Lutheran schools.
NLSA exemplary schools do not fear change. They boldly consider change and innovation as good. Any change undertaken is carefully and collaboratively considered, supported and evaluated. Most of the changes made have positively impacted the school and successful change gains momentum for the next change.
These are the characteristics commonly displayed in exemplary accredited schools. Other Lutheran schools would be well served to pursue the traits that are described above in their quest for quality.
