As all schools know, a great teacher can indeed make a profound impact, but when that educator also brings exceptional leadership skills to the table, it can transform an entire teaching and learning community.
Indeed, having an experienced leader at the helm can not only elevate teaching standards to new heights, but also fosters a thriving learning environment where students and staff alike feel supported, and in reliable hands.
Earlier this month, Australian Christian College (ACC) Darling Downs was lucky enough to have such a leader take up the role of Deputy Principal. Even a quick glance at her resume shows why her appointment was a no brainer.
Prior to joining ACC Darling Downs, Jade Baker held the position of Head of Secondary at Australian Christian College Southlands in Albany. In addition to her leadership role, she also taught English and Humanities and Social Science to both on-campus and Distance Education students.
Below, The Educator speaks to Baker about her approach to leadership and the positive impact she hopes to make at the school as she begins her tenure there.
TE: Firstly, congratulations on being appointed Deputy Principal role at ACC Darling Downs! How would you describe your style of leadership, and what is the philosophy that underpins it?
I am constantly in awe of the incredible work of teachers and education support staff at our ACC schools. Working in schools can be demanding, but we have staff who are highly skilled and passionate about supporting students – they are professionals who want to do the best job that they possibly can. I am also a firm believer that all young people have the capacity to learn and improve. This philosophy underpins my approach to leadership. While my leadership style is influenced by instructional, transformational and distributed approaches, my aim is to support teachers in ensuring that the very best teaching and learning is taking place in a positive learning environment with a strong sense of community.
TE: What was it about ACC Darling Downs that appealed to you most?
I love the multicultural element of the school. We have a wonderful community with over a third of our students coming from non-English speaking backgrounds, while many more are also first generation Australians. Within this context, we have a student body who genuinely appreciate one another and want to work together to make their school a place where everyone feels a sense of belonging. I am really keen to see this very real sense of community continue to grow as our school expands to accommodate a larger school population and senior secondary schooling.
TE: I understand that you’re currently immersed in a Masters research project through Murdoch University, where you are exploring creativity and writing in senior secondary schooling. Drawing from your experience, what do you feel is the most effective approach when it comes to improving student outcomes in these critical areas?
I have recently completed a Master of Education, specialising in Leadership in Education. Through this study, I have been reminded of the importance of having a clear vision for the future of the school. This includes maintaining high expectations for achievement, from the youngest student to the most experienced teacher. I also have been particularly impressed by the necessity of utilising data to inform practice and the importance of intentional communication practices. However, fundamentally, schools must ensure that relationships are at the forefront of any drive to improve student outcomes. Students need to feel well known and loved in order to engage with their learning, so ensuring that the community is healthy is of the ultimate importance.
TE: As you settle into the new Deputy Principal at ACC Darling Downs, in what ways do you hope to build on the most positive parts of the school’s culture?
Serving others is integral to the fabric of the school community at ACC Darling Downs. The primary students are active participants in fundraising initiatives, while the secondary students participate in weekly service projects. These can include such diverse activities as reading with primary students, participating in tree planting projects and even volunteering at local aged care facilities. I would love to build on this with further opportunities to lead by serving others, whether this be through formal leadership opportunities across senior secondary, or by participating in the Duke of Edinburgh award. Jesus gave us the perfect example of love by serving others, and we know that contributing positively to our communities can have very positive effects on the mental health and wellbeing of individuals so I am eager to further develop this fantastic element of the school.