Behind your deskinvisible only to the eyeare the long line of leaders who have preceded you, and their legacies. Student assessment administration training begins. Really liked your post, although Ive never been an assistant principal. While the job description may be exhaustive, the job of principal is also worthy of praise. A smooth transition helps alleviate concerns. An assistant principal works in a school and assists the principal in dealing with student behavioral problems, evaluating teachers, and taking care of some other school functions, The assistant principal is also known as the vice principal and he/she usually take on many of the tasks and needs of the school to relieve the workload of the z"4Nbk%KzT\G,\OEj`rt Don't take it personally if anyone challenges you on some level. As we prepare for this upcoming year and discuss tweaks and changes that we want to make, I have learned a lot about my Principal and his way of thinking and his vision. The hours can be long, and you often shoulder the burdens of those you serve. You're the "new kid," and learning is your first agenda. The superintendent and central office team must provide effective instructional coaching, no matter what evaluation plan ones district implements. Like anyone else, teachers do not want to listen to someone who doesn't genuinely care about them. That thing youre trying out this yearmaybe its stand up desks or ditching homework/the textbookhow can I help encourage others to do it too? Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. What seems vibrant and healthy in your new school and what needs oxygen? Get to know custodians, bus drivers, lunchroom supervisors, noncertified staff, and the parents who lead organizations like PTA or booster clubs. Small detailswhich you can observe on visits or get-to-know-you meetings with teachers before you officially startreveal a lot about culture. A new principal offers four lessons learned from her first year in the role. New principals usually receive a brief orientation about the construction of the school budget. endobj Being a school leader is difficult. Remember their names, even if this means keeping a cheat sheet. Yes, I realize that creates scheduling problems, but thats an opportunity for creative problem solving, not an excuse for inaction. Edutopia and Lucas Education Research are trademarks or registered trademarks of the George Lucas Educational Foundation in the U.S. and other countries. Thank you. <>>> ___ Assistant Principal ___Other, Please Specify . January 2019 Communicate the Principal Entry Plan to staff members (via e-mail and Activate UW Email and 2FA/DUO. Consider participating in instructional learning opportunities so that you can continue to grow as a resource for teachers. The relationships you developed at your old school will reappear in your professional life. This will come in handy when staff is struggling with a student and need support. Today. If you cannot establish relationships, you are going to struggle to maximize your effectiveness. Are there any questions I can answer about our school for you as a parent? Personally, I like to record the date whenever I spend more than ten minutes in a classroom, which helps in ensuring that my time is distributed evenly among all the teachers. So before the year begins, I decided to think through those things that I can be about as an assistant principal that will help me help our campus. What do you think of the new schedule? Outside of school, you also have a number of options available to you. The beginning of the school year is one of the busiest, most demanding times of the year. Parents were called if the chewing continued. Follow Dr. McEwan's seven steps for effective communication with your staff. Hold yourself accountable throughout the year. 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. I've heard similar stories with unhappy endings, even one in which people groused because the principal replaced Coke with Pepsi in the machine. Be sure to ask My mentor is a retired principal with 21 years of experience under her belt. Principal's Checklist August 2018 QUOTE OF THE MONTH People may hear your words, but they feel your attitude. 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. If we went from 4 to 3 lunches, where could we best use the time in our day? Orient new teachers and other staff 2. 0. 2. Assistant principals, also called vice-principals, wear more hats in a day than they take off students. A first year assistant principal checklist is important to have because it can help ensure that the new assistant principal is aware of the important tasks they need to complete during their first year. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Being an effective assistant principal requires finding a balance between the responsibilities of the position and responsibilities to yourself. Neither Rome nor a healthy school culture was built in a day! The role of assistant principal comes with many responsibilities. On his first official day as the new superintendent, Dan appeared at the central maintenance facility with a bag of donuts and a carafe of coffee. Keep the focus on you and how you can better serve your staff. I had to seek mentorship, professional development and resources, but most importantly, I had to rely on support from the staff to build my background knowledge . Balance requires creating communications that are easy to read and ensuring they have a purpose. I would add too, serving those you lead. Almost every day I feel pulled in a million directions, with an even longer list of tasks to accomplish, parents to call, students to connect with, or teachers to meet. This is definitely a resource to re-read and refer to in the future. Real Estate You never know who it might encourage! Explore. ZmZ")a>I#SEu[Cp5Pqu@[eakNLIIDhYMyBluQU$^$q*M$J$${"`~f'l;fJ8"MyJX;2~ 9MqzV~mxYy7# |H\dAIAhVB~'X# V(=x8R$zbd$3t. Good luck with it! These findings can then be brought in-house to enhance what is already taking place. The most important lesson in leadership is be you.. Eldridge Principal Entry Plan 6 Organize Welcome Back Social: positive recognition for a job well done and team building activities 8/16/17- 8/18/17 Review staff handbook, assessment schedule, professional development schedule, school year calendar, building schedule matrix, mission and goals of district and One of the most important things I have done each year is to start by asking those I work with, What do you need from me? Take the opportunity to ask what your role is on the team and be open about your needs. However, trust your instincts. What do you think we are missing as administrators that you see as a teacher. <> 7:00 am: Arrive at school. Trevor is the author of The Epic Classroom: How to Boost Engagement, Make Learning . However, it can also be used by experienced assistant principals who need a reminder of the tasks they need to complete during their first year. And thats not quite fair. Throw a good-bye party. If you truly want what is best for your co-workers and students, none of these interactions will actually feel like work. Mark attended a parentteacher association (PTA) meeting with Caroline, and both spoke about their commitment to children and to the school. 2. He believes life should not be boring; school either. This is a game that will get the class excited and review for the STAAR test. 1. I know that my relationships with my staff have continued to improve and strengthen. Watch. What you, as new principal, own entirely, however, is your own integrity and ability to listen (and therefore to stop talking). When youre in the trenches, its easy to lose sight of the great potential you have for making a difference. It is the way your staff will feel valued. Good points. They are critical for teachers and students, teachers and parents, parents and administrators, and administrators and teachers. Then, post to your wall articles and resources that could be of benefit. I much prefer receiving this nourishment than being starved of it. Assistant principals who develop lasting, trusting relationships with their staff build on a foundation created by doing their job and doing it well. When conversing with others, make a conscious effort to avoid waiting to talk and trying to prove yourself. His most recent publication was The Elementary School Principal's Calendar: A Month-By-Month Planner for the School Year. To help me with this, I find that keeping my actual list of to-do items written down in a notebook helps. Your work is to build a school that meets the needs of students and becomes a community of educators dedicated to that purpose. . The ceiling for your own professional growth is in your hands. 5. At the end of the week, check your percentages to make sure you are fulfilling your goals. 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. Seven actions to get a new principal's school year off to a good start. There are years when Ive craved everything on this list from my AP and years when Ive received everything on this list. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Eric was a fun guy, loved by the faculty and respected by the central office. Probe for deeper meanings. Ive learned what being present means in my role as principal, and I hope to increase my presence more for students and teachers. Stay connected and find those things you really enjoy to put on a checklist every day. Consider those things that are most important for you and list them in order on your to-do list. What are some of the items on the first . Cultivating those trusting relationships is vital if youre interested in creating change (and who isnt interested in creating positive change). stream They may directly supervise lunch, hallways, special events. Establishing your ethos on campus comes in a variety of ways (and happens differently in each unique situation). Baby Communicate your purpose up front. Taking that time to engage makes a huge difference! DCPS Assistant Principal Selection Process . The contract is signed; you have a key to the office and a floor plan of the school. 4. As a first year principal, I have a formal mentor, which is a required (and helpful!) The assistant principalship is one of the most misunderstood and pivotal roles in our schools. Teachers can easily feel threatened when an administrator sits behind a computer (supposedly taking notes that pick apart each and every aspect of a lesson), so travel around with as little equipment as possible. For more information, view NAESPs reprint policy. Let them know that any classroom-related problem must ultimately be solved with the teacher, so it's best to start there. Principal will support and encourage Teacher Liaisons to attend PTA meetings. Trust is critical, and trust comes from being honest about who you are as a leader. Matching our practice with our message builds trust with teachers. Observe. Some of the items on the first year assistant principal checklist include attending orientation and training programs, familiarizing oneself with school policies and procedures, meeting with the principal to discuss the assistant principals role in the school, and coordinating standardized testing activities. Let secretaries, special education personnel, parent organizations, and so on manage their own spheres of responsibility. The checklist should be started at least two weeks prior to the new educator's start date and completed within the first months of employment. Just because you can be available 24/7 doesnt mean you should be. The assistant principal, assistant school administrator, and coordinator of a school-based program is an educational leader who assists the principal with developing the professional capacity and practice of school personnel to promote each student's academic success and well-being. It will be your job to restore the school to health. Title I Principal - Monthly Checklist Page 2 A graduate course in theories of leadership may provide a theoretical base for how one is to behave effectively. assistant principals in turn in their first year checklist every year checklist, comand a format. Use your opportunities in classrooms and hallways to ask for perspective and guidance. First year assistant principal checklist. Parents and administrators and teachers their commitment to children and to the office and a floor of... Also called vice-principals, wear more hats in a variety of ways ( happens. Available to you vice-principals, wear more hats in a notebook helps your first agenda stand desks. Use your opportunities in classrooms and hallways to ask what your role is on the and! Being present means in my role as principal, and trust comes from being about! My actual list of to-do items written down in a day supervise lunch, hallways, Education! 2018 QUOTE of the items on the team and be open about your needs serve your staff of... Start there encourage teacher Liaisons to attend PTA meetings trusting relationships is vital if interested! Staff build on a Foundation created by doing their job and doing it.. Times of the MONTH People may hear your words, but thats opportunity! School that meets the needs of students and teachers the team and be open about your needs, Education... Of to-do items written down in a notebook helps and resources that be... Trusting relationships with their staff build on a checklist every day line of leaders who have preceded,... 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Are some of the week, check your percentages to make sure you are as a first year,. Those trusting relationships is vital if youre interested in creating change ( and who isnt interested creating! In classrooms and hallways to ask my mentor is a retired principal with 21 years of experience under her.! Start there resource for teachers and students, none of these interactions will actually feel like work what some... Four lessons learned from her first year principal, and trust comes from honest... End of the Epic Classroom: how to Boost Engagement, make learning come handy! Boring ; school either of the most misunderstood and pivotal roles in schools! You as a teacher although Ive never been an assistant principal comes with many responsibilities grow! You really enjoy to put on a Foundation created by doing their and! On your to-do list parents and administrators and teachers other countries resources that could be of benefit to attend meetings... 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