I was all of 29 years old when I got my first administrative job as an assistant principal in a large middle school. I had no business being hired for the position, but I was working as a teacher at the school, and the principal knew me well as an educator. She was nearing retirement, and she was tired. I was young and single and had a tireless work ethic. She wanted an assistant who would attend all the night events and do the dirty work, and I was willing to do it. She put me in charge of discipline, special education, and facilities.
Boy, did I take some knocks. Although my principal always supported me, I spent several years with a perpetual knot in my stomach. I wasn't prepared for the job, and I knew it. But, over time, I grew smarter and more confident. Now that I am a principal myself, I reflect on the steep learning curve I traveled, and I wish I had known some pretty simple things:
- When in doubt, wait. Do not act until you are sure that you are thinking calmly and rationally. When leaders make impulsive decisions, they're almost always a bad idea.
- Find a mentor. Being an administrator is a lonely job. You'll need someone you can trust to talk to, someone who will listen and offer perspective.
- Make all decisions based on what is best for the students. If you do that, you'll always be right.
- Recognize that you will not please everyone with your decision making. Sometimes, you'll please no one. That does not mean your choices are wrong.
- Learn as much as you can about special education in your district and state—the laws, policies, timelines, and service models.
- Do whatever it takes to make sure your building and grounds look good. Fight with the maintenance department if you have to. Having a properly functioning building with clean paint and a kempt outside area is crucial—it keeps staff morale high and tells the community and students that you mean business. They will respect your campus and treat it well.
- Don't be afraid of angry parents. Calmly and confidently invite them to talk to you. Make sure they know that you are listening to them and understand their perspective, even if it does not match yours.
- Never hire someone without checking references extensively.
- Proactively read about instruction and curriculum. There are countless resources, including publications from organizations such as ASCD, National Council of Teachers of English, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, National Science Teachers Association, National Council for the Social Studies, and other national and state educational leadership organizations. Don't bluff it. Your teachers will know if you're not prepared to lead them instructionally.
- Model your expectations. Get out from behind your desk—just like you expect your teachers to do—and move throughout your building.
- Don't expect your staff to do anything you won't do. Pick up a mop when there's a spill, cover lunch and bus duties, or teach a class if you have a teacher who needs to go to a quick appointment. By showing that no task is beneath you, you will build trust and respect.
- Make sure you are seen by every kid, every day. Learn their names and a little about each child. Building a relationship will show them that you care, and as a result, they will not want to disappoint you with negative behavior or poor choices. Getting to know each student is easy if you are always present at arrival and dismissal.
- Build a strong relationship with your bus drivers, custodial staff, and secretaries. Thank them frequently—they are an important part of your school community
- Never miss a funeral of a family member of your staff.
- Acknowledge important events by sending cards to your staff and the people you work closely with—your parent-teacher organization, your supervisors, and your colleagues. Cards expressing sympathy, thanks, or just "thinking of you" all help you build important relationships that you will value for years to come.
- Have faith in yourself. You'll get it.
I feel relatively successful as a principal now, but it wasn't easy starting out. Just as with every new job, it can be tough to learn the tricks that make you better. Following these simple guideposts will make your journey toward success a little easier.