One thing’s for certain about the beginning of a school year: There’s a lot of newness. New teachers, new students, new grade levels and in many schools around the United States, brand new school leadership.
If you’re in the group of this year’s new school leaders, welcome! You should feel proud that you’ve decided to put your educational leadership skills to work in a way that will impact students and families on a broader scale by stepping into a school administration role. Simply put, you’re so needed, and we’re glad you answered the call.
Undoubtedly, you’re most likely already feeling that sensation of “drinking from a fire hose” — there’s so much to understand, remember and simultaneously apply in your new principal role. To help you, here’s a list of strategies to help the first year of being a principal go as smoothly as possible. Consider this an entry plan for a new principal, compiled from years of experience and mindshare:
1. Find your ideal mentor.
Even if you’ve had a front-row seat to principalship as an assistant principal, taking the reins of a school for the first time involves a massive learning curve. Now’s the time to seek a mentor. Having a supportive mentor will not only help you recognize and leverage your talents, but their support will also help you identify your growth areas. It’s like your own personalized professional development.
2. Craft your “North Star.”
Creating impact as a new principal begins by leading with purpose. To do that, center yourself with your North Start, a personal mission statement that can help you ensure that every decision aligns with your deepest convictions. Reflect on your core values, aspirations and commitments as a principal.
3. Share your goals and your decision-making process.
No matter how much you think you’re communicating with your new school community, there’s no such thing as overcommunication as a principal — especially in your first year. Be transparent about the reasoning behind your decisions and involve your school community in the decisions that affect them.
4. Honor the school culture that already exists.
Instead of trying to fix everything immediately, make it a priority to ask questions, listen to the answers and notice the flow of the master schedule your school. Conduct a start/stop/continue analysis with your leadership team, teachers and staff members to find patterns and trends. Only once you’re familiar with the state of your school can you start to implement changes to effectively improve it.
5. Focus on building strong relationships from the start.
Strong, positive relationships are the foundation of a principalship. Practice “global listening” by paying attention to more than what’s being said and focusing on a speaker’s emotions, body language, tone and gestures. Proactively offer office hours and create opportunities for loosely structured conversations. The best way to build relationships with your team is to make sure they know you are available to them, that you want to hear what they have to say and that you’ll take what they say seriously.
6. Fight the need to “be the superhero.”
Great principals know they have the expertise needed in the role but also acknowledge that there are plenty of times where they won’t get it right, have an immediate answer or will need to lean on their school community for support. Set this tone for your leadership style from your very first year. Make it clear that you aren’t afraid to lead on your fellow leadership team or other staff members for suggestions or good ideas. This is another great way to build positive relationships and earn the trust of your community.
As you embark on this exciting journey, remember that every challenge is an opportunity to grow, every setback is a chance to learn, and every success is a testament to your dedication and hard work. Embrace the newness, lean on your community, and lead with passion and purpose. The impact you make this year will resonate for years to come. Here’s to a fantastic first year as a principal — your school community is lucky to have you!
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