One day away from finishing my first year of being principal and I would just like to share some tips that I think will help you tremendously as a principal/vice principal coming into a new building. Here they are:
- Get to know the kids. If you build a relationship with them FIRST, then you will make your life a lot easier. If they know you care, not only will your job be easier, it will also be much more rewarding. If teachers know that you care about the kids first, then you will easily transition to tip number two.
- Get to know the staff. I hate the term, “these are the people you are in the trenches with”. That just implies an us against them attitude. These are your partners in building a strong environment. If you know them better and how they work best, you will make a learning environment that is best for kids. It is not admin AND teachers AND support staff. It is school staff. You all work together to build the best school possible. Know your partners.
- Get to know the parents. If you already have worked on number 1, then they will already be on your side. Just remember that parents trust you with their kids everyday so they have to be comfortable with you. Do not wait for an opportunity to meet them. Make the opportunity. Listen to them about their kids and how you can use the parents expertise to learn how to best serve their child. Working together with parents is much easier than working against them. Create a connection.
If you follow these three things, you will well be on your way to having a successful year!
