Amber shares some information about her background, family, and her love of former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman (2:00)
Amber traces her life in education, starting from lining up her stuffed animals and handing out “school assignments” when she was an elementary student because she knew then she wanted to be a teacher, to getting her master’s degree at 23, to where she is today (4:29)
The factors behind Amber’s decision to move from teaching into school leadership (12:50)
The more active you are professionally, and the more engaged you are on social media, the more job openings you’ll hear about, and the more recommendations you’ll get, making it much easier to land new positions (17:00)
The responsibilities of the very same job can be radically different from one school to another, so find out as much as you can about any new positions you’re applying for, even if you’re currently in or have had a similar position somewhere else (18:57)
You’ll be a completely different person a year after you start your first admin job (26:39)
Amber shares a lot of ideas and strategies for how to intentionally prioritize relationships with your teachers and create a great working culture in your school (32:54)
Advice for brand new administrators – after the initial honeymoon wears off after a month or so, you’ll be judged strictly by your results, not your intentions. Also, take the extra time to make sure your people understand the why behind your decisions (39:14)
One of Amber’s favorite stories from last school year and some takeaways from it (43:35)
The best leadership advice Amber has ever received: Slow down (49:32)
Amber’s two favorite books for school leaders (50:30)
Amber’s advice for admins on working with your students – get in there and mix it up with the kids (53:25)
Her surprising advice for admins on working with your teachers – think of them as if you’re their teacher and they’re your students, and don’t give up on any teacher; always remember that they were hired because someone thought they would make a great teacher (54:35)
If Amber had a time machine, here’s the advice she would go back and give her younger self when she was just starting out in administration (57:53)
Books mentioned in this episode
Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well
The Innovator’s Mindset: Empower Learning, Unleash Talent, and Lead a Culture of Creativity
Connect with Amber Teamann
About EducatorsLead:
Educators Lead is a podcast created to help launch educators into the next level of leadership. This show is for you if you are interested in educational leadership as an assistant principal, principal, superintendent, teacher or someone who hopes to be a school leader one day. Educators Lead offers inspiration and practical advice to help you lead more effectively. Jay Willis interviews school leaders weekly to discuss why and when these educators made the decision to move into school leadership, challenges along the journey, and stories that made it all worthwhile. Educators Lead is a great resource for any educator looking to make a greater impact.
Educate. Inspire. Lead.
