President's Perspective

CHARACTER OVER COMPETENCE

Brian Kirkendoll, AAEA Board President

Once again, I recently heard another excellent sermon on a Sunday morning that directly applied to who I am as a principal. Character over competence was the main message. Character is ultimately more important than competence. While it is certainly necessary for school administrators to have the skills and knowledge to effectively run a school, it is their character that will truly make a difference in the lives of their students and staff. School administrators with strong character are honest, ethical, and empathetic leaders who prioritize the well-being of their school community above all else. They lead by example, modeling the values they hope to instill in their students, and fostering a positive and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

On the other hand, school administrators who prioritize competence over character may be highly skilled at their job, but they may lack the empathy, integrity, and ethical standards necessary to truly make a positive impact on their school community. These administrators may prioritize test scores and academic achievement over the well-being of their students, or they may foster a toxic and competitive work environment that undermines the morale and productivity of their staff. In the end, it is character that will determine whether a school administrator is truly effective in their role and whether they leave a positive legacy that will endure long after they have moved on.

Character still matters! The importance of character over competence for school administrators cannot be overstated. Administrators with strong character can create a positive school culture, inspire students to develop strong character, and make ethical decisions in challenging situations. While competence is undoubtedly important, it is character that truly sets great educators apart. Schools that prioritize character in their leadership are more likely to create a supportive and nurturing environment for their students, staff, and parents. Keep leading with character at all levels of education!