Gardening in Changing Seasons: Cultivating Consistency in School Support

Gardening in Changing Seasons: Cultivating Consistency in School Support

LM
Leonardo MaciasEducational Administrator , New York City Public Schools
6 min read

Navigating leadership changes in education is nothing new. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege, or perhaps the challenge, of serving under 10 different chancellors. Each one brought a new leadership style, new priorities, and new ways of doing things. Along the way, there have been countless iterations of structures, systems, and processes designed to support schools. While these changes often bring about new strategies and expectations, one thing has always remained clear to me: the focus should never stray from the core mission, which is supporting schools and the people within them1.

When leadership shifts, it’s easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of changes that follow. New strategies, reorganized teams, new goals, and perhaps even a shift in vision can make it feel like the ground beneath you is constantly shifting. It can be tempting to get caught up in the changes but I’ve learned over time, that it’s crucial to keep your focus on the real work, the work that directly impacts schools, teachers, and students2.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in my time working under so many different leaders is that while leadership changes, the need to support schools does not. The work remains constant. Teachers still need professional development, schools still need resources, and students still need a safe, supportive environment where they can thrive3. If we let ourselves get distracted by changes at the top, we risk losing sight of what’s truly important; the day-to-day support that schools need to continue functioning and growing4.

Staying focused on the work itself can be difficult, especially when leadership changes are accompanied by uncertainty. There will always be a period of adjustment, and that’s okay. But I’ve found that one of the most effective ways to stay grounded is to constantly remind yourself why you’re there in the first place. Your mission isn’t to navigate political or structural shifts; it’s to ensure that schools are getting the support they need to help students succeed5. No matter who is in charge or what new strategies are being introduced, the core mission remains unchanged6.

Building strong, trusting relationships with educators and school leaders is another key to staying focused during times of transition. I’ve found that when things are uncertain, those relationships become even more important. They offer a sense of continuity and stability, even when everything around you seems to be shifting7. Whether it’s checking in with teachers to see what support they need or keeping open lines of communication with principals to understand their challenges, these relationships will provide the foundation for everything you do8.

When leadership changes, it’s important to be flexible and adapt to new ways of working, but that doesn’t mean abandoning your core values. One of the best pieces of advice I can offer is to stay consistent in your commitment to the schools and educators you support. While you may need to adjust your approach to align with new leadership or new strategies, your focus should always remain on providing consistent, reliable support built on honesty, care, and compassion for the schools in your district9.

As leadership changes, it’s also important to remain solutions-oriented. I’ve seen too many people get bogged down by frustration or uncertainty, but the truth is that change often presents an opportunity to innovate and improve. If something isn’t working, it’s an opportunity to find a better way. If a new leader brings new priorities or strategies, take it as a chance to learn and grow, not as an obstacle. Keep your eyes on the bigger picture, and look for ways to improve the systems that support schools10.

Throughout my journey, I’ve learned that focusing on the work, building relationships, and maintaining a solutions-oriented mindset can help you navigate any leadership change. The titles and strategies will change, but the work of supporting schools remains the same. Whether you’re working under your first chancellor or your tenth, the mission is clear: make sure schools have the resources, support, and stability they need to do what they do best; teach and nurture the next generation of leaders11.

Ultimately, leadership changes are just a part of the landscape of education. They may cause disruptions in the short term, but they don’t have to derail your commitment to the work. Stay grounded in the mission, keep focusing on building relationships, and stay adaptable in your approach. No matter how many leadership styles you navigate, the most important thing is to remain steadfast in your commitment to the schools and students who need your support the most12.

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