As the world of education rapidly evolves, schools need leaders who are not only equipped with the right qualifications but also embody the values, vision, and ethos of the institution. Finding such leaders requires more than just a cursory glance at a resume; it demands an intimate understanding of the nuanced challenges and responsibilities of a school principal. This is where Andrew Barr and I stand out in the recruitment industry.
With over 35 years of collective experience as independent school principals, we don’t just understand the theory behind leadership – we’ve lived it. Our journeys as educators have equipped us with a distinct lens, allowing us to discern the subtle traits and capabilities that make a candidate truly exceptional.
Why Our Background Matters
- Insider Perspective: Having been in the shoes of a principal, we can dive deeper into a candidate’s experiences and ask the right questions. We know what it feels like to handle parent concerns, manage administrative duties, and inspire a community towards a shared educational vision.
- Holistic Evaluation: School leadership isn’t just about academic decisions. It involves understanding community dynamics, fostering inclusive environments, and envisioning the future. Our firsthand experiences ensure that we don’t just look for managerial skills but assess candidates for their holistic contribution to a school community.
- Shared Challenges and Growth: Being principals has exposed us to the myriad challenges that leaders face in educational settings. This empowers us to identify candidates who not only manage challenges but transform them into growth opportunities.
Value Beyond the Resume
Most recruitment firms can match qualifications with job requirements. But the real value we bring lies in our ability to match a school’s unique culture and ethos with a leader’s personality and vision. Our shared histories as school principals provide us with the intuition to make these matches seamlessly.
In a world where leadership can shape the destiny of a school and its students, it’s not just about finding a candidate – it’s about finding the right candidate. Our years as principals give us that unmatched edge, ensuring that schools get leaders who resonate with their values, uphold their standards, and drive their visions forward.
In essence, when schools collaborate with us, they’re not just tapping into a recruitment firm; they’re gaining partners who have walked the path of educational leadership and can bring that wealth of experience to the table. And in this journey, that makes all the difference.
Dr Paul Teys is an Associate specialising in Education. He began his career as a Mathematics and Physics teacher in 1984 and has been working in independent schools in Australia ever since. Paul has more than 40 years of experience, including 25 years as a principal in four schools across three states. Paul was a Director on the Board of AHISA, Chair of AHISA NSW, and he is the Chair of the Board of NSW Combined Independent Schools Sports (CIS). Using his expertise, Paul helps schools and principals leverage their strengths by coaching and mentoring principals and executive leadership teams, along with managing the professional learning and development of executive teams and executive leaders. Paul has considerable experience managing executive recruitment. Paul holds a Doctor of Education from the University of Southern Queensland, a Master of Education from Deakin University, a Bachelor of Educational Studies from The University of Queensland and a Bachelor of Applied Science from the University of Southern Queensland.
Dr Paul Teys
Associate
Tel: +61 418 610 402
pteys@sladegroup.com.au
