Share the Love: 13 Ways to Empower Your Entire School Community

By Andre J. Wicks, Founder and CEO of Everyday Principal, author of What Is Standing in the Way, Consultant and Leadership Coach, and Principal of Carla O. Peperzak Middle School.

The demands of daily operations can sometimes make it feel like the entire success of the school rests solely on our shoulders. But one of the most powerful ways to drive that success is by empowering others to lead alongside us. Empowerment isn’t just a leadership strategy—it’s a mindset that can transform your school into a thriving community where everyone, from students to teachers to classified staff, feels valued, motivated, and capable of making a difference.

What Does It Mean to Empower Others?

Empowerment in leadership goes beyond merely delegating tasks. It’s about granting autonomy, sharing authority, and providing the necessary resources for others to take ownership of their roles. Whether it is teachers, office staff, kitchen staff, custodians, or students, when we empower others, we are saying, "I trust you. I believe in your abilities." This trust is the cornerstone of a culture where everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute their best.

Research supports the idea that empowered individuals are more productive, more satisfied with their roles, and more committed to their organizations. According to a study by Seibert, Wang, and Courtright (2011), empowerment leads to increased job performance, job satisfaction, and enhanced creativity and innovation. When school principals foster empowerment, they unlock the full potential of their teams, driving both individual and organizational success.

The Benefits of Empowering the Entire School Community

Empowering others isn’t just about lightening your workload—though that is a welcome benefit! The real power of empowerment lies in the ripple effect it creates throughout your school community. When you empower others, you:

1. Enhance Organizational Performance: Empowered individuals take initiative, solve problems creatively, and drive projects forward, improving overall efficiency and effectiveness.

2. Encourage Personal Growth: When people are given opportunities to lead, they develop new skills and gain confidence, contributing to their job satisfaction and engagement.

3. Strengthen Team Cohesion: Empowerment fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, strengthening bonds between team members and enhancing collaboration.

4. Promote Innovation: Empowered teams are more likely to experiment with new ideas and approaches, leading to significant improvements in teaching, student engagement, and school performance.

   
   

Empower the Entire School Community

Empowering others may feel risky, especially when you are used to holding the reins. However, by taking intentional steps to share leadership, you can create a more dynamic and resilient school community where everyone—from students to classified staff, temporary staff, volunteers, and paraeducators—feels empowered.

For Teachers:

1. Delegate Leadership Roles: Encourage teachers to take on leadership roles in curriculum development, professional learning communities, or school-wide initiatives. For example, you might invite a teacher with a passion for technology to lead a tech integration committee, giving them the autonomy to implement new tools and strategies in the classroom. By trusting teachers with these roles, you not only lighten your own load but also foster their professional growth.

2. Support Professional Development: Empower teachers by providing them with opportunities for professional development that align with their interests and career goals. Whether it’s attending workshops, pursuing certifications, or participating in collaborative research projects, supporting their growth reinforces their value and encourages them to bring new ideas back to the classroom.

   
   

For Students:

1. Student-Led Projects and Initiatives: Give students ownership of projects that matter to them, such as organizing a community service event or leading a peer mentoring program. For example, you might empower a group of students to plan and execute a school-wide recycling initiative, providing them with the resources and guidance they need to succeed. When students see the impact of their efforts, they gain confidence and develop leadership skills.

2. Encourage Student Voice in Decision-Making: Involve students in decisions that affect their learning environment. This could include forming a student advisory council that meets regularly with school leadership to discuss issues like school policies, extracurricular activities, or campus improvements. By giving students a voice, you empower them to take an active role in shaping their educational experience.

For Office Staff:

1. Involve Office Staff in School Planning: Office staff often have a unique perspective on the day-to-day operations of the school. Invite them to participate in planning meetings where their insights can contribute to improving processes. For example, ask your front office team to help design a more efficient student registration process, giving them the autonomy to suggest changes and implement solutions.

2. Empower Them to Lead Initiatives: Encourage office staff to lead initiatives that enhance the school’s operations or community relations. For instance, your office manager might take the lead on organizing a parent engagement event, coordinating with teachers and parents to create a welcoming atmosphere. By giving them responsibility for these projects, you show that their contributions are valued and essential to the school’s success.

For Kitchen Staff:

1. Involve Them in Nutrition Education: Empower kitchen staff by involving them in nutrition education for students. For example, invite them to participate in classroom lessons about healthy eating, where they can share their expertise and offer cooking demonstrations. This not only enriches students' understanding of nutrition but also allows kitchen staff to take on a more active, educational role in the school community.

2. Encourage Innovation in Meal Planning: Give kitchen staff the autonomy to develop and introduce new menu items or create themed meal days that engage students. For instance, you might encourage your head cook to design a “Farm-to-Table” week, where the cafeteria features locally sourced ingredients. By empowering them to innovate, you foster a sense of pride and ownership in their work.

For Custodians:

1. Involve Custodians in Environmental Initiatives: Custodians play a crucial role in maintaining the school environment. Empower them by involving them in initiatives aimed at sustainability, such as energy conservation or recycling programs. For example, a custodian might lead a campaign to reduce energy use in the school, collaborating with students and staff to implement energy-saving practices. This not only highlights the importance of their work but also gives them a leadership role in an area that directly impacts the school.

2. Recognize Their Contributions Publicly: Public recognition is a powerful motivator. Celebrate the efforts of custodial staff in school newsletters, at staff meetings, or during school assemblies. For instance, you might highlight the team’s hard work in keeping the school safe and clean during a flu outbreak, showing that their contributions are valued and vital to the school’s overall health and success.

For Temporary Staff, Volunteers, and Paraeducators:

1. Integrate Them into the School Community: Temporary staff, volunteers, and paraeducators often play critical roles in supporting both students and staff, yet they can sometimes feel like outsiders. Empower them by making them feel like integral members of the school community. This can be as simple as including them in staff meetings, professional development sessions, and school-wide events.

2. Leverage Their Strengths in Student Support: Paraeducators, in particular, often work closely with students, providing essential support. Empower them by giving them the autonomy to suggest and implement strategies for student engagement or behavior management. For instance, a paraeducator who excels in building rapport with students might take the lead in developing a peer mentoring program.

3. Acknowledge and Utilize the Unique Skills of Volunteers: Volunteers bring a diverse range of skills and experiences to the table. Empower them by identifying their strengths and finding ways to utilize those skills in meaningful ways. For example, a volunteer with a background in art could lead an after-school art club, enriching the school’s extracurricular offerings and fostering student creativity.

The Importance of an Inclusive Approach to Empowerment

Empowering the entire school community—including temporary staff, volunteers, and paraeducators—extends beyond the classroom and creates a more inclusive, supportive environment where everyone feels valued. Research shows that when all members of an organization are empowered, it leads to higher levels of engagement, satisfaction, and overall performance (Chebat & Kollias, 2000). Empowerment fosters a sense of belonging and ownership, which in turn strengthens the school community as a whole.

An inclusive approach to empowerment also ensures that the diverse needs of students are met more effectively. Paraeducators and volunteers, for example, often work directly with students who require additional support. By empowering these individuals, you enable them to contribute more meaningfully to student success, ultimately benefiting the entire school.

Moreover, temporary staff and volunteers often bring fresh perspectives and ideas, which can lead to innovative solutions and approaches. By empowering them, you encourage a flow of new ideas that can enhance school operations and student learning experiences.

Overcoming Barriers to Empowerment

Empowering others is a powerful strategy, but it's not without challenges. Some leaders may struggle with letting go of control, while others may fear potential mistakes or failures. However, it’s important to remember that empowerment is a gradual process, and it’s okay to start small. Begin by delegating less critical tasks and gradually increase the level of responsibility as your team members build their confidence and skills.

Another common barrier is the perception that empowering others means abdicating leadership. In reality, empowered leadership involves guiding, mentoring, and supporting your team while allowing them to take the lead. It's about creating a balance between providing direction and giving others the space to grow.

Finally, it’s essential to recognize that empowerment requires a foundation of trust. Trust is built through open communication, consistency, and a genuine belief in your team’s abilities. Without trust, empowerment efforts can fall flat, leading to frustration and disengagement. Foster trust by being transparent in your decision-making, actively listening to your team’s input, and showing appreciation for their contributions.

The Long-Term Impact of Empowering Others

The impact of empowering others extends far beyond the immediate benefits. Over time, a culture of empowerment can lead to a more resilient, innovative, and cohesive school community. When individuals at all levels of the school—students, teachers, classified staff, temporary staff, volunteers, and paraeducators—are empowered, the entire organization becomes more adaptive and responsive to challenges.

1. Resilience in the Face of Challenges: Schools are constantly facing new challenges, whether it's shifting educational mandates, budget constraints, or unexpected events like pandemics. A school community where everyone feels empowered is better equipped to handle these challenges. Empowered staff and students are more likely to take initiative, offer creative solutions, and step up in times of need. This resilience is crucial for maintaining stability and continuity in the face of adversity.

2. Sustained Innovation: When empowerment is embedded in the school’s culture, innovation becomes a continuous process. Teachers are more likely to experiment with new teaching methods, students are more eager to explore creative solutions, and staff are more open to improving processes. This culture of sustained innovation not only enhances the learning experience but also keeps the school at the forefront of educational best practices.

3. Increased Retention and Satisfaction: Empowered individuals are generally more satisfied with their roles and more committed to their organization. This is particularly important in the education sector, where high turnover rates can disrupt continuity and affect student outcomes. By fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and has opportunities for growth, you increase job satisfaction and, in turn, improve retention rates among staff.

4. Strengthened School Identity and Community: Over time, a culture of empowerment helps build a strong school identity where every member feels a sense of belonging and pride. This collective identity enhances collaboration and cohesion, making the school community more united in its mission and values. A strong school identity also has a positive impact on students, who benefit from being part of a supportive and inclusive environment.

5. Long-Term Student Success: Empowering students has a profound long-term impact on their personal and academic success. Students who are given opportunities to lead and make decisions develop critical skills such as problem-solving, communication, and self-management. These skills are essential for success not only in school but in life beyond the classroom. By empowering students, you help them build the confidence and competence they need to navigate future challenges and opportunities.

   
   

Conclusion

Empowerment is not just a leadership tactic; it's a fundamental approach to building a thriving school community. By empowering teachers, classified staff, students, and every other member of the school community, you create an environment where everyone feels valued, capable, and motivated to contribute their best. The long-term benefits of this inclusive approach to empowerment—resilience, innovation, satisfaction, and a strong school identity—are profound and far-reaching.

As a school principal, we have the unique opportunity to cultivate this culture of empowerment. It begins with trust, open communication, and a commitment to sharing leadership. By taking intentional steps to empower others, you’re not only lightening your own load but also unlocking the full potential of your school community. The impact of your efforts will be felt not only today but for years to come, as empowered individuals continue to drive success, innovation, and growth in your school.

Empowerment is a powerful tool—one that can transform your school into a place where everyone, from the youngest student to the most seasoned staff member, feels they have a vital role to play in shaping the future.

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References

• Cameron, J., Banko, K. M., & Pierce, W. D. (2001). Pervasive negative effects of rewards on intrinsic motivation: The myth continues. The Behavior Analyst, 24(1), 1-44.

• Seibert, S. E., Wang, G., & Courtright, S. H. (2011). Antecedents and consequences of psychological and team empowerment in organizations: A meta-analytic review. Journal of Applied Psychology, 96(5), 981-1003.

• Spreitzer, G. M. (1995). Psychological empowerment in the workplace: Dimensions, measurement, and validation. Academy of Management Journal, 38(5), 1442-1465.