13 Supervision Principles for Academic Leaders

Successful supervision involves not only overseeing supervisees, but also creating an environment conducive to effective teaching and student success. Key principles based on Gordon (2003):

1. Alignment and Congruence: Successful supervision, teaching, and learning should be aligned and congruent with each other. When these processes reflect and support one another, they create a “hall of mirrors.” This means that effective supervision enhances teaching, which in turn positively impacts student learning.
2. Professional Decision-Making: Successful teaching involves professional decision-making facilitated by supportive supervision. Department heads play a crucial role in providing guidance and support to faculty members, ensuring effective teaching practices.
3. Student-Driven Learning: The most powerful type of learning occurs when students are actively engaged in their own learning process. Teacher-facilitated learning, where educators guide and support students, contributes to successful outcomes.
4. Dimensions of Successful Educational Institutions: Supervision, teaching, and learning intersect across ten dimensions of successful institutions:

• • Care: Fostering a caring environment for students and staff.
  • Service: Providing quality service to the educational community.
  • Trust: Building trust among stakeholders.
  • Democratic Community: Encouraging participation and collaboration.
  • Equity Grounded in Equality: Ensuring fairness and equal opportunities.
  • Justice and Peace: Promoting social justice and peaceful coexistence.
  • Symbols and Ceremonies: Recognizing and celebrating achievements.
  • Freedom and Creativity: Encouraging innovation and creativity.
  • Holistic Development: Nurturing students’ overall growth.
  • College Vision: Having a clear vision for the College’s future.

Gordon, S. (2023). Supervision, Teaching, and Learning in Successful Schools: A Hall of Mirrors. Journal of Educational Supervision, 6(3).