By the end of the afternoon, she had said, "I'll take care of it" 17 times. Trust is critical, and trust comes from being honest about who you are as a leader. The list for this particular school had about thirty items on it. Leverage your new title to empower others to speak up and have a voice. Atherton, CA. Find someone who will text you or stop by your office at the end of the day to remind you to close out the day. This and similar missteps had her refreshing her rsum sooner than she anticipated. If I listed those items now, more would probably be unchecked than checked off as done. The team that believed you were the right fit did so because you brought something to the table that they believed was important. Mark promised to listen, be available, and carry on the school's good work. An effective team starts with knowing how you complement each other and how you fit into the system. ), but that's another post all on its own. At an early faculty meeting, present an aggregation of these conversations, telling staff, "This is what I heard you saying. Ive gathered items Ive gleaned from professional conversations and personal experiences and cataloged them into what I call the Assistant Principals Field Guide. The items are by no means formulaic; instead, they are conversational starting points and reflections made involving the essential behaviors necessary to be an effective assistant principal. Staff For those teachers that are new to the school, principals can be sure that they are contacted and personally invited to orientation meetings. Save the office work for before and after school hours (when youre less likely to be disturbed) to cut down on disruptions and to ensure that paperwork is accurate and coherent. And this is OKbecause it has to be. school Principal's . How does the school celebrate holidays and staff birthdays? Changing the culture of a school is a long, hard process. and must remain in this plan for the first year (365 days) of employment. Based on my research and what I have experienced so far, I'd like to offer five ways for a rookie administrator to successfully navigate his or her new position. Establishing your ethos on campus comes in a variety of ways (and happens differently in each unique situation). stream Where you spend your time is where your values lie. . Getting home in time to see your childs game is a priority, so make it number one on your daily to-do list. Although a summertime hire -- allowing for more one-on-one training time -- might have been nice, I had to come up with a plan for helping the new AP assimilate. What you, as new principal, own entirely, however, is your own integrity and ability to listen (and therefore to stop talking). Im still looking for my first AP leadership position. If your professional development sessions are lifeless and flat, youre not going to earn yourself any points with teachers. For example, if the majority of teachers possess a negative attitude toward something, don't ignore it. Eric was a fun guy, loved by the faculty and respected by the central office. In scheduled monthly meetings, the business manager should provide one-on-one, on-site training to the new principal in all aspects of the districts budget. As the students enter school in the morning, do your best to pop your head into every classroom just to be present and touch base with your teachers and students. Probe for deeper meanings. 101 JFK Parkway | Short Hills, NJ | 07078 | (973) 921-5500, 10 Amazing Art Projects Inspired by The Dot. It is the way your staff will feel valued. 1 0 obj Communicate with new teachers and invite them to the new teacher orientation. Sending kids to the office should be their last resort. What are you tired of learning about in faculty meetings? However you choose to stay organized, this is the time to get your skeleton in place for the next school year. <> I sure prefer the latter, but that isnt something you often stumble yourself into. Despite the many pulls, relationship building must be a top priority. 3. Now that my first year has concluded, when I think back to that interview day, Im proud of my ambition and the long list of items I have accomplished. The role of assistant principal comes with many responsibilities. July 2014- August 2015 Hold individual meetings with each faculty and staff member. Excellence in this area alone wont create lasting relationships and trust, but it will steadily increase your credibility youve developed with the staff. Seven actions to get a new principal's school year off to a good start. Once a fourth-grade teacher, I recently began my work as an elementary assistant principal in another district. The checklist can also help to ensure that the new assistant principal is familiar with the school's policies and procedures. Matching our practice with our message builds trust with teachers. Effective mentors must be successful principals. Taking the following actionsmany of which you can do in the summer before you're officially behind the wheelcan help you avoid wrong turns and fender benders. z"4Nbk%KzT\G,\OEj`rt Remember their names, even if this means keeping a cheat sheet. The first year at this in my experience, Again, listen. Most significant, Ive enjoyed this very important work and look forward to my next 100 days. These checklists provide monthly ideas and reminders about many of the things that a building principal is tending to throughout the year. The assistant principalship is one of the most misunderstood and pivotal roles in our schools. The fundamental pillars of school leadership are relationships; nothing substitutes for building and nurturing them. June 2014 - September 2015 <> This is definitely a resource to re-read and refer to in the future. The "ghosts of the school" rule long after their formal leadership tenures have ended. This is a game that will get the class excited and review for the STAAR test. That's a major advance, but many programs are not yet tailored to developing principals who can drive better instruction, according to this Wallace analysis. Then, post to your wall articles and resources that could be of benefit. This will come in handy when staff is struggling with a student and need support. Meet with interim principal, assistant principal and curriculum facilitators. Create a master list of any changes to distribute at the first staff meeting. 12. Pinterest. Being a first-year teacher, I was unaware that these lists even existed. Also, if a teacher asks what you are doing, be transparent. July2016 Meet with Assistant Principal and Reading Coach to develop a master calendar of events for the school year, including traditional activities, awards celebrations, and assessment periods. General AP Hold yourself accountable throughout the year. One of the most important roles a principal performs is the evaluation of personnel. After conducting a thorough search and selecting the best candidate for the position of principal, a districts superintendent and central administrators should do all they can to ensure the new principals success. First-year principals need support from their superintendent, the central administration, and their experienced colleagues. The pounding of your heart is half excitement, half apprehension. 1615 Duke Street Alexandria, VA 22314 703-684-3345 Contact Us, 2023 National Association of Elementary School Principals | Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions | Copyright and I.P. However, before you dive into the waters of change, make sure you know where the rocks are and which sharks lurk close to the surface. What do you think we are missing as administrators that you see as a teacher. I hope you end up managing each of those pulls well this year. Education A million thoughts raced through my head, and I think I said as much. Ideas, Inspiration, and Giveaways for Teachers, Practical advice, inspiration, and tools for K-12 school leaders. He believes life should not be boring; school either. 2 0 obj The relationships you developed at your old school will reappear in your professional life. Execute call documents or contracts for new/continuing teachers 4. It covers PLACE VALUE, MULTIPLICATION, DIVISION, CHARTS AND GRAPHS, SHOW WHAT YOU KNOW AND FINANCIAL LITERACY- NEW TEKS! Edutopia is a free source of information, inspiration, and practical strategies for learning and teaching in preK-12 education. We are published by the George Lucas Educational Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization. While this strategy has its advantages, it can also be a hindrance, as each of us carries strengthsand weaknesses. To help me with this, I find that keeping my actual list of to-do items written down in a notebook helps. So youre son will be a freshman here next year; whats he excited about? I definitely feel the tension between the different pulls each day. The First 100 Days of a First-Year Principal, Online Course: Principal Leadership forTheEarlyGrades, National Mentor Training and Certification Program, Assistant Principal Community of Practice, Early Career Principal Community of Practice, National Distinguished Principal Program, National Outstanding Assistant Principal Program, American Student Council Association (ASCA), Student Council School of Excellence Award, Presidents Education Awards Program (PEAP), National Elementary Honors Society (NEHS), SEL Leadership Cohort: Cultivating Healthy Relationships in the Workplace, 5 Fun Ways to Instill a Love of History in Kids, Online Course: Principal Leadership for The Early Grades. We must listen to understand instead of listening to reply. Stay connected and find those things you really enjoy to put on a checklist every day. Honor school culture whenever possible, even if it doesn't match your style. 3 0 obj "Wow," she thought! Theres a difference in feeling capable at a job and feeling that you thrive in it. New principals need to walk the talk. It is important that a new principal be aware of his or her leadership style and adjust it when situations call for it. A solid way to build relationships is what I term Visibility 2.0. We know that being present is important, but being present is more than standing in the hallway or walking to the door of a classroom. To enforce the shared responsibility for discipline, principals should insist that teachers join them in responding to students who misbehave in the classroom. As you leave school for the day, stop by a few classrooms and make small talk. Leave with positive vibes. You're the "new kid," and learning is your first agenda. Hearing critical feedback makes us better at providing the same for teachers, and knowing the concerns of those we serve allows us to keep a close watch on that which impacts those activities. Robert L. Furman(furman@castl.duq.edu) is an assistant professor and Mary Frances Grasinger(grasinger@duq.edu) is a professor in Duquesne University's School of Education in Pittsburgh, PA. 1. Review all personnel records. The other assistant has made comments about things that she would like to take off her plate as well. These are great. Explain: Other challenges include: -5- I connect regularly with several other administrative colleagues to bounce ideas off one another or simply to vent. Assistant principals should meet with department heads to become familiar with their areas of responsibility so they can provide effective support. 11. However, getting buy in on the front end of change can make a profound difference on the success of any attempt at change in a large organization like a school. I am also fortunate to work in a small school district, where the superintendent is accessible via phone and email. Sitemap Several years ago, I looked at pictures of my youngest daughter and realized I had missed three years as a dad. However, there are some issues to avoid when using the checklist, such as failing to attend orientation and training programs, not meeting with the principal to discuss the assistant principals role in the school, and overscheduling oneself. As a newly appointed AP, I have learned a lot by listening. Listen more than you talk the first time you meet those with whom you will work. The beginning of the school year is one of the busiest, most demanding times of the year. In other words, make sure to separate ideas and opinions from the individuals who are delivering them. Performance standards "Your Admin Assistant" checklist too! If we went from 4 to 3 lunches, where could we best use the time in our day? Assistant principals should manage budget and financial resources for the school in order to ensure that funds are allocated wisely. During our meetings, she asks questions, offers suggestions for how I can proceed, and makes sure I feel supported. Update Communication Preferences*. If you truly want what is best for your co-workers and students, none of these interactions will actually feel like work. Unlike the principal, the vice-principal does not have quite the decision-making authority that the principal carries. A new leader may act out of good will, yet have difficulty repairing damage. When advocacy is needed, it's invaluable to have friends in the central office. I remind myself that this list isnt anyone elses worry or focus, and that in every moment, I need to be present. In this moment, I was interviewing for the principal vacancy at the elementary school in the district. For more information, view NAESPs reprint policy. Consider the following checklist as part of your 90-day plan to outline goals; clarify desired expectations for all players; and align plans, decisions, and actions to best serve students, stakeholders and staff. The importance of a solid team. I shared, in advance, with staff that I would love to hear about what makes the school special, what they were most proud of or looking forward to this school year, and what theyd like to see changed or what I could help them with this year. Each of us has individuals in our lives who embody an exceptional leader. Wrong. It will be great! It can be so busy that certain things can easily slip through the cracks. They may plan schedules for teachers or for testing. , loved by the Dot actions to get your skeleton in place for the principal, principal... Of employment principal comes with many responsibilities that you thrive in it 2015 Hold individual meetings each. 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