Her predecessor as principal was "Eric the Red" (as he was known because of his hair). Be on committees with teachers. The checklist can also help to ensure that the new assistant principal is familiar with the school's policies and procedures. Perception is reality, and if most teachers feel a certain way, act (or react) appropriately, instead of telling them "Too bad" or convincing yourself that "they deserve what's happening to them." Questions provide an avenue for dialogue rather than dictation. What challenges do you anticipate during your first year in this new position? 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. Establishing relationships equips you with the ability to engage people in a meaningful way and increases your ability to be successful. First aid / fire / safety rules / drills Staff introductions: ask staff to ensure the E.A. The goal was to get me away from the leadership style of guiding dialogue and toward the style of actively listening. Let them know that any classroom-related problem must ultimately be solved with the teacher, so it's best to start there. A smooth transition helps alleviate concerns. 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. 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. obtains supplies District of Columbia Public Schools | Page 2 of 4 . This will come in handy when staff is struggling with a student and need support. 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. For example, if the majority of teachers possess a negative attitude toward something, don't ignore it. While the job description may be exhaustive, the job of principal is also worthy of praise. Miscellaneous with the Assistant Principal and Guidance Counselor, noting accommodations provided in IEPs. Yes, Im working on schedules, data, upcoming PD But if they pop in my office to say hello, I stop everything. This approach can be a non-intrusive way to professionally develop your teachers without constantly flooding their inboxes with "must read" editorials (although the occasional article sent via email isn't such a bad thing). Asking teachers two questions should ferret out their real concernsand will show from the beginning that you value and need their insights. Well done! What do you want to learn about during faculty meetings? My mentor is a retired principal with 21 years of experience under her belt. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Serve as a resource to the internship sites as requested by the principal-mentor. 1. Increased graduation rate by 12% in 2 years. : %&Y|Z\ge*jc5]U\GY}?o~d2a:^l juMG]> _Npi{]f]W* Do something to engage in a different way. The internship in many administrative programs is completed under the guidance of a building principal, with few opportunities to see the day-to-day work of an assistant principal.On day one, where does the assistant principal begin? Year 2: Mentees will receive 30 hours of 1:1 mentoring, 7.5 of which are direct support through our mentor program virtual implementation sessions. This article has given me some things to think about as I start my first year as an Assistant Principal. Extend your relationship building to other district principals. Announces the first assistant principal checklist is the worst of a meeting with this is the upcoming year! Performance standards What problems did it solve? But if you put in the time required for that journey, you'll have the opportunity to positively affect the hearts and lives of many people. Good luck with it! Meet with new Home & School officers to plan year Schedule year's social activities for students Check/test bell signal system Establish fire drill schedule (minimum of 9 per year) Recruit parent volunteers Identify room mothers Compile directory information Organize student groups (i.e., bus patrol, student council, etc.) Just as teachers should never forget what it's like to be a student, administrators should never forget what it's like to be a teacher. Teachers will be watching you. The contract is signed; you have a key to the office and a floor plan of the school. This includes sending communications only to those impacted; emails reminding people to complete a task or follow through should be sent only to those who need the reminder, not the entire building. Field Tip: Make a list focused on your leadership responsibilities (e.g., instructional, technology, professional growth) and code your to-do list with the appropriate leadership term and assign a percentage to each. Atherton, CA. A teacher observation checklist is used by school administrators to evaluate the overall performance and teaching strategy of the educator. When we compromise our core, we compromise our ability to serve others fully. Assistant principals should evaluate teacher performance in order to provide feedback and make recommendations for improvement. A superintendent once gave me a simple piece of advice: Stop talking and start asking. component of my first year. The collective wisdom of your staff is invaluable. x[[s~Lw;,vL>CyW=qV4' .x4mD@$ vP,~_,tz^No?U_^oN8=}Y Unlike the principal, the vice-principal does not have quite the decision-making authority that the principal carries. For far too long, new principals have been left to flounder on their own when they enter the role of the principalship. Sending kids to the office should be their last resort. When Im at my best,Im often asking these questions: We do a lot of talking to teachers when it comes to professional development. These findings can then be brought in-house to enhance what is already taking place. Though that trust must be earned, your work as an AP is far from overwhen you reach that point. <> As I embark on my first year as a vice principal, these are helpful tips! When I began as principal, I offered time for staff to come to visit with me, either on their own or with their teammates. I make sure to engage in the stories of their vacations and talk as long as they want. If you cannot establish relationships, you are going to struggle to maximize your effectiveness. Finally, I was surprised to see that cutting a lunch period out of the schedule would produce only 25 minutes. Beginning in the 2013-14 school year, principals and assistant principals shall be evaluated based on quality standards as part of the pilot process. July . Trials Of A First-Year Principal: Transition Plan. Execute call documents or contracts for new/continuing teachers 4. 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. But I know, as a new school superintendent, I was guilty of not providing strong support to our first-year principals. Like anyone else, teachers do not want to listen to someone who doesn't genuinely care about them. I am strong in some of her weak areas, and we have discussed how we can both improve in multiple areas. Both staff and students are on the mission to discover your strengths while trying to create a good impression of themselves. Having a checklist can also help to ensure that the new assistant principal is familiar with the schools policies and procedures. We have all received emails that resembled dissertations or appeared to be sent just to send something. No matter how organized I am, or how diligent I am to my tasks, the list is simply longer than the hours I have to dedicate to the job. qD1%Y}Oo|__oLRqdl[}l1 {/. I believe that most teachers are more concerned with the new administrator validating their work, as opposed to wanting to be awed by that administrator's expertise. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Your work is to build a school that meets the needs of students and becomes a community of educators dedicated to that purpose. Note: The Principal/AP and Superintendent/designee (evaluator) agree on components of the meeting and confirm the level of performance. 3. 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. The most unlikely corners of a school's culture can have symbolic value. Meet with interim principal, assistant principal and curriculum facilitators. And thats not quite fair. Wrong. Cultivating those trusting relationships is vital if youre interested in creating change (and who isnt interested in creating positive change). 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. Even though faculty meetings and PD days are important arenas in which we must excel, we cant only show up then. Professional and empathetic elementary school assistant principal with proven instructional record and 5 years experience in school leadership. I know that my relationships with my staff have continued to improve and strengthen. First-year principals need support from their superintendent, the central administration, and their experienced colleagues. Remember their names, even if this means keeping a cheat sheet. Hold a get to know the assistant principal night or day.something like that. It pays dividends in building trust. Yes, I realize that creates scheduling problems, but thats an opportunity for creative problem solving, not an excuse for inaction. More often than not, those questions fall into one of these four categories: We spend an incredible amount of time asking teachers to give of themselves at school. However you choose to stay organized, this is the time to get your skeleton in place for the next school year. The superintendent can serve as a great resource to a new principal to help him or her recognize and understand the political influence of the various power brokers in the community. Rich discussions will follow. At that moment, the dichotomy of my principalship began. General AP Talk about your family and hobbies so your human side travels with you. Smile a lot. May 2014 - June 2015 Send introductory letter and welcome back to all faculty and staff. By Stephanie McConnell of Principal Principles. Where are you doing your best work? My health was also heading in a negative direction. 4. A graduate course in theories of leadership may provide a theoretical base for how one is to behave effectively. Being a first-year teacher, I was unaware that these lists even existed. Principal will and the PTA will develop more focused parent engagement initiatives such as parent education sessions (facilitated by teachers). Assignment of first year checklist and may be included only wash their first year assistant principal checklist. During our meetings, she asks questions, offers suggestions for how I can proceed, and makes sure I feel supported. Assistant principals who develop lasting, trusting relationships with their staff build on a foundation created by doing their job and doing it well. Once a fourth-grade teacher, I recently began my work as an elementary assistant principal in another district. This includes time each day to be present in classrooms and hallways. After 3 years as an AP of a middle school, I would agree with all your points, but definitely take the time to get to know families and students. Assistant principals should manage budget and financial resources for the school in order to ensure that funds are allocated wisely. It is easy to be drawn to imitate those we admire. Groups such as the PTA, the local collective bargaining union and its representatives, and the informal faculty leaders at each school all hold political capital. When you do, share how its going (when its great and when theres room for improvement)! First year assistant principal checklist. In this moment, I was interviewing for the principal vacancy at the elementary school in the district. Your job as a principal now involves striking a balance between building relationships, improving certain . 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. Be sure to ask By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. It's true that you need to learn how everything runs and that the buck's final home is on your desk. 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