Matt MacLean, Aspiring Principal Fellow, Sandwich High School
Recently, I had the opportunity to interview Matt MacLean, a school leader fellow from Sandwich High School. We spoke about his journey as an Aspiring Principal. Our conversation centered around his evolving leadership perspective and how his beliefs and practices have shifted throughout the program. How do these shifts resonate with your own leadership journey?
“Originally, I thought leadership was about telling people what to do.” Through the fellowship, Matt learned that effective leadership involves continuous self-reflection and creating opportunities for others to lead. “Leadership takes a lot of reflection, and looking for ways to continuously improve.”
Another key takeaway for Matt has been learning how to balance leadership demands with his vision. “I need to remember that everything I do should be connected to the core leadership practices, the instructional core, and my focal group,”
Denise Milburn, CLEE Continuous Improvement Facilitator and Coach
“Growth comes from putting yourself through challenges,” Matt emphasizes that stepping into the “risk zone” — engaging in challenging activities that push you outside your comfort zone — is essential for leadership development.
Looking ahead, Matt notes the importance of creating an environment where every voice is heard and valued. “Talk to as many people as possible because everyone can contribute to improvement.”
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