How Smart Goals Can Help Teachers Get Promoted to Principal The practice of SMART goal setting is familiar to many, and is one of the cornerstone strategies used in academic and professional environments for defining and achieving individual as well as group goals. When used correctly, SMART goals are the difference between “want to” and “will.” This targeted approach can especially benefit any classroom teacher interested in becoming a principal or other type of administrator. The SMART framework helps individuals and groups ensure that the goals they set are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and results-oriented, and timely. Ultimately they will lead to improved teaching and learning. With your sights are set on advancing your career to a school leadership position, here are some additional tips for goal-setting success: Develop and communicate a shared vision for your school that sets a context for goal setting. Work with your current administrator, colleagues and parents to demonstrate that you are willing and able to present ideas and solutions and set a clear timeline for accomplishing them. Your communication skills and commitment to school improvement will not go unnoticed. Form groups that use inquiry and evidence to establish your goals. As you work with your school to achieve these goals, take advantage of the various skills and strengths you find among your colleagues. Create different groups to focus on targeted areas of goals, allowing them to play to their strengths and various creative ideas. Monitor your school’s progress and adjust your plans and practices accordingly. As your school works toward achieving its goals, make sure to be flexible. Make sure you have a Plan B, and even a Plan C, so that when a wrench gets tossed into the situation, you can smoothly and swiftly adjust your course. In situations like this, you will have a chance to demonstrate your flexibility, forethought and quickthinking skills. Identify and establish the most important linkages between individual goals, school improvement plans, school board priorities and state-mandated performance standards. Everything is connected in this world, and this is especially true with education. The kindergarten playground, chemistry lab, superintendent’s office and school board conference table are all linked by their commitment to a healthy learning environment. The savvy teacher will strengthen these links and work to create a community of learners and those who support learning. Teachers who aspire to become principals bring with them the experience and wisdom of being in the classroom and understanding children and parents at a very important level. By utilizing SMART goal setting as a way of advancing your career, you not only have set a clear path for yourself, but also demonstrate that you are an organized, disciplined individual capable of leading others in their own individual and group goal setting.
SMART goal setting is applicable anywhere, and the more you practice this technique, the more comfortable you will become with it. Once you define your dream and lay out your plan, and ask yourself the following questions once again: Are my goals specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely? If the answers are yes, then you are well on your way to your next career step as a school principal.