I know that school has started for some and will soon be starting for others. It is an exciting time of the year!

As the school year begins, one habit I hope school leaders consider is:

                  What would it look like to step into every classroom, every day?

In every high-performing school I have every visited or been a part of (in various capacities), where goals and outcomes were strong for ALL students, not just some, the leaders of those schools visited every class, every day.

These daily visits might be just a few minutes in duration (unlike informal and formal observations). During these short visits, school leaders can smile at students and staff member (especially those who might have had a rough start to the day), experience what students are learning, and quickly understand where they might be able to support and celebrate in the moment or later in the day.

To de-stigmatize these visits, invite your teachers and staff into the process. Let them know this is not about evaluation. Your time in classrooms is about shared growth–yours and theirs. Make this practice a part of the culture. Of course, there are other times for informal or formal feedback, but that is not the point of these daily classroom moments.

Over time, these brief moments build insight and connection, for both students and staff.

If we believe that classrooms with effective teachers (indoor, outdoor, band rooms, small group instruction, non-traditional, etc.) is where the heart of learning lives, then school leaders being present becomes a priority…not a task. This intentional act is about walking alongside teachers, seeing instruction in action, and learning with and from your team.

As James Clear reminds us in Atomic Habits, small, consistent actions create big change. He reminds us, “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”

Being present in all classrooms every day is a habit and an elevated personal leadership system. It is a way to lead with intentionality, care, and purpose. What we prioritize shapes outcomes, not just for ourselves but for those we lead.

As a school leader,

• What would it take for you and your leadership team to visit every class, every day?
• What would you need to prioritize or adjust to make this a reality?

If this is a practice that is unfamiliar for you and your staff, you just need to start. Let the staff know that you:

• Are committed to spending more time in classes this school year because their time with
  students is the most important part of the school day,
• Love being around teaching and learning, and
• Want them to join you throughout the school year.

At first, your staff may think something is wrong, but your consistency and smile of encouragement or support in the moment will start to shift their perspective, especially if you allow opportunities for them to join you on the classroom visits.

• Start with presence.
• Build the habit.
• Impact will follow.

Do you know a school leader who models this practice daily and with joy?

Thankfully, I know many! Let those leaders know their presence matters.