But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
1 Samuel 16:7 ESV
Although this verse's connection in scripture is to the momentous occasion of the selection of a new leader for a nation, it has application for the start of a new school year for teachers and principals alike.
As faculty and administration prepares for the 2014-2015 school years, classroom/building-wide themes will be developed, bulletin boards prepared, three-ring binders assembled, agendas presented. Many hours will go into tweaking the look and content of all these. But the success or failure of this school year is not dependent on the organization of binders or the appeal of a bulletin board.
Substance must prevail over flash. The lesson plans may be exemplary, but are they delivered with skill? The faculty handbook may be museum quality, but is it supported by instructional leadership?
Over 3000 years ago, God told Samuel the proof is in the pudding. Still today presentation and appearance may capture the eye, but it is what takes place day in and day out that determines success or failure.
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