The Administrator's Job Description
Steven Brubaker reflects on the critical role of godly, competent, and visionary administrators in conservative Mennonite schools. He emphasizes the need for effective school leadership, identifying a lack of competent and visionary administrators as a significant challenge in Mennonite schools.
Brubaker outlines three key responsibilities of an administrator, framing them as roles only the administrator can uniquely fulfill:
1. Lead Themselves Administrators must focus on personal growth in character, godliness, and competence. Brubaker references biblical passages (e.g., Ezekiel 23, 2 Peter 1:5-8) and leadership resources (e.g., Oswald Sanders, Bill Hybels) to underscore the importance of self-discipline, spiritual development, and intentional growth in virtues like faith, knowledge, and love. He shares practical tools, such as creating a “big rocks” chart to prioritize life roles and set intentional goals, and stresses that authentic leadership stems from genuine personal development rather than merely “acting” the part.
2. Define the Environment Administrators are responsible for shaping a school culture where teachers thrive. This involves caring for staff by listening, praising their strengths, and providing professional development opportunities. Brubaker highlights the importance of having the right personnel in fitting roles and ensuring clarity in the school’s vision, mission, values, and goals. Clear job descriptions and proactive communication, such as annual reports, are vital for fostering a positive environment.
3. Connect the Stakeholders Administrators must bridge the board, teachers, parents, students, and church leaders. This requires clear communication, addressing tough issues transparently, and ensuring all parties are aligned with the school’s purpose. Brubaker advocates for erring on the side of disclosure with staff and being proactive in addressing concerns to build trust and unity.
Throughout, he encourages administrators to reflect on their leadership practices, citing personal examples and practical strategies like reading influential books (e.g., Seven Habits of Highly Effective People) and seeking input from others. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of clear communication and intentional leadership to create a thriving school environment, supported by resources for further learning.
