I am not referring to curriculum consultants, or technology consultants, or any other “specialized” consultant, but to the “independent educational consultant” or IEC. I have had the opportunity to speak with a few IEC’s and have reservations regarding their role in today’s schools. Some quick research shows that the job description of one IEC includes, but is not limited to the following (as detailed on one particular site):
- finding the “pulse” of a school
- connecting with a diverse range of constituents
- listening – both actively and wisely
- drawing forth important information
- digging deep to identify hallmark strengths
- helping to make sense of the true nature of the school weaknesses
- helping to prioritize **
- frame challenges to make staff feel eager and able to improve
Looking deeper, one finds that the vast majority of consultants are either
- experienced in school affairs (principal, assistant principal, headmasters, etc…)
- or they have business experience of some type.
Very few – I could not find any – whose pedigree demonstrated expertise in both fields. And aside from holding the title of “consultant,” none that I saw had consultancy experience prior to becoming an educational consultant.
A Practice Management Consultant provides solutions, using statistical analysis of existing organizational problems to increase teacher performance while developing plans for increasing student improvement. We objectively diagnose problems to set goals, prioritize work and manage time. To put it simply, I help teachers achieve their objectives using business tools to create statistical reports, forms and scripting that will help to guide their professional decisions. A Practice Management Consultant is not a coach or a mentor to teachers.
Many educated people like to start a conversation with the obtuse statement, “I am a simple person so please explain once more…..”. But this is not the case with me. Though educated, I really am a simple thinker and I firmly believe this is driving force behind my success as a doctor having treated thousands of patients, and in education building an impressive track record of student successes in a variety of content areas from middle up to high school students.
But none of this would have ever been possible