Re “The Difficult Embrace of Constructive Feedback” (December 2020): Author Jared Smith, a superintendent, is right: Engaging with those holding differing views to advance student learning is a praiseworthy attribute of an effective school leader!

In this time when we increasingly find ourselves in echo chambers, Smith’s example is all the more important. Learning to listen to feedback is difficult, but it is VITAL FOR GROWTH. Indeed, this applies to teachers just as much as school leaders.
For actionable feedback to be heard and next steps to be taken, there must be a strong foundation of trust. This is evident in the work of the New York City Department of Education’s Wallace Fellows, a program whose primary goal is to help aspiring school leaders manage the feedback process skillfully.

Smith’s commentary resonated with me because it illustrates what it takes to build that trust and improve learning outcomes. We must make ourselves vulnerable, LISTEN TO EACH OTHER, and act with kindness and compassion. It is hard to take criticism and even harder to act on it, but our students are worth the effort.

ALEX MOORE
PROGRAM CHAIR AND DATA SPECIALIST,
FRANK SINATRA SCHOOL OF THE ARTS HIGH SCHOOL,
ASTORIA, N.Y.

Constructive Feedback

Jared Smith’s article “The Difficult Embrace of Constructive Criticism” in the December issue delivered an appropriate message for today’s school leaders. Criticism is hard at times, and it hurts.

The way Smith deals with criticism caught my attention. He realized the struggle of accepting the suggestions of his committee, but he re-engaged with them. He listened to the people he trusted and followed their suggestions and made revisions to his plan. He fittingly quoted from Ray Dalio’s book Principles: Life and Work: “Accurate criticism is the most valuable feedback you can receive.”

By embracing the constructive criticism, he also builds trust with his staff and community.

Smith shared valuable advice: “Don’t start criticizing the criticism because you can kill the possibility of further accurate advice.” We can all learn from his experience.

JON TURNER
RETIRED SUPERINTENDENT,
ARKOMA, OKLA.