Administrators have a fine line to walk in schools. Very often they aren’t teachers, but they still have a crucial role to play in the successful running of an institution. With that in mind, #edchat asked its members to discuss what administrators needed to do to win the trust and support of their teaching colleagues.

@drdouggreen suggested that they should “work very hard hiring the best teachers, support them, and get out of their way”. He added that administrators had a vital role to play in relieving the pressure on teachers, and recommended that they tell them to “create great lessons and let the tests take care of themselves”.

Many took the view that the greatest strengths of a good administrator were an ability to listen and a willingness to trust. @bashaierk tweeted: “Administrators in the first place need to listen. They need to trust and empower teachers.”

This was echoed by @MathNeil, who said: “Admin must trust teachers to be professionals. Listen and collaborate with us.”

Many had advice for the back-office boffins but @JayVeanCCSD took the time to celebrate their efforts as well. “It’s as tough to be an administrator as it has ever been,” he said. “I admire the people that choose to be in that position.” Sarah Cunnane

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