10 Important Characteristics of a Good School

If you are considering taking up a teaching job in another school or wondering if the one you are currently engaged with is effective. There are a lot of questions that might be coming up in your mind begging for answers such as, what key characteristics or qualities to look out for? Okay here are some key traits of an effective school that you need to consider. They are ten in all.

1. Attitude at the entry point

Just like it is in the corporate world, the people at the front desk of any school (their office staff) can say a lot about what kind of school it is that you are about to get into. So if this point of entry is inviting to teachers, parents as well as students, then this means that all is most likely well. However, if this is not the case, then you need to find out why this is so.

2. Honest and regular communication

Leadership in a good school will ensure that its staff as well as teachers, students plus parents are constantly updated on whatever is happening in the school. This way there will be little room given to rumors, gossips and what have you.

3. The Principal's attitude

One other person that you will likely meet with besides the office staff before working in a school is the principal. And, this person's attitude is critically important as far as you and the entire school is concerned. If this person is almost always absent, ill-mannered or never open to innovations, then such an individual will be obviously difficult to relate with and work for.

4. The presence of teamwork

A school where teamwork is present among most of the teachers is a sign of a good or an effective school. Now this can only happen if the school in question encourages this or has a departmental leadership that models same.

5. Community involvement and support

The involvement of the community in a school located within it says a lot about this school. A good school will usually have recognized leaders of the community wanting to share their experience as well as talents with this school.

6. Parental involvement

Many parents are actually interested in knowing how their kids are faring in school, but don't know how to go about this. However, it is the responsibility of the school to get parents involved. Therefore, a school that does this, is definitely a good school and one that should be emulated by others.

7. A good mix of veteran and new teachers

Having a good mix of veteran and new teachers in any school is an important issue. This is because of the role that each one plays. Now innovation is often a trait that is found with new teachers who often come into a school with the desire to make an impact. However, they will most likely not be able to succeed with this without the support of the more experienced veteran teachers who know their way around the school system.

8. Access to a support staff

The presence as well as the access to a support staff or school administration staff will definitely complement the efforts of other staff members of a school. The support staff in question will include people like the school doctor, school psychologist, a child-abuse counselor to mention a few.

9. An involved and empowered faculty

The "Why bother?" phrase is one that is commonly expressed in a school that has not involved its teachers or staff in the very important decision-making process. Now doing this will obviously build trust, which will certainly promote greater innovation and lead to teaching that is more effective.

10. The presence of student-centered core values

For a principal to be really effective there is the need for him/her to establish student-centered system of core values. Such values should be shared by everyone within the school organization from the teachers to the office staff. With every decision that the school takes seeking the students' best interest.