Pep rallies, graduations, and August inservice days, all have rules governing how they are run, when they happen, and who does what. You cant fake really caring about people and investing in their lives. Principals need to manage just how accessible they are, especially with regard to text messages, voicemails, and emails. 1. The only way to sift through all the tasks that it takes to get ready and get through your first year is to sit down and create a plan of what you are going to do. Use your opportunities in classrooms and hallways to ask for perspective and guidance. She and I meet regularly, each week for one hour. Links: and must remain in this plan for the first year (365 days) of employment. My health was also heading in a negative direction. It can be so busy that certain things can easily slip through the cracks. Prioritizing is essential. For instance: Do less talking and more listening, but don't stop there. Review and include your . Great article. This is my first year as an AP. Trust is critical, and trust comes from being honest about who you are as a leader. Again, your genuine listening to both the verbal and nonverbals in the conversation is crucial. 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. Principal's Month of Month Checklist outlines the tasks and duties of the principal Subjects: Coaching, For Administrators, Professional Development Grades: Staff Types: For Principals & Administrators, Professional Development, Professional Documents Add to cart Wish List Effective Principal Bundle:able to edit, fill &print. Grand visions of turning around a school are noble and possibly necessary, but such change should not be the first item on your agenda. When the master schedule is developed, observe the process and ask how the schedule is designed to balance needs. Parenting This will truly be a. A new principal offers four lessons learned from her first year in the role. Send home ESSA Report Cards for last year. Watch. Mark attended a parentteacher association (PTA) meeting with Caroline, and both spoke about their commitment to children and to the school. I think back to all of the items I listed during that interview and my first 100 days. 2. As you complete them, mark them off, but make sure you keep your nonnegotiables at the top. The goal was to get me away from the leadership style of guiding dialogue and toward the style of actively listening. Talk to me about a particular student; whats working, whats not, and what is the best support I can offer to help him keep learning in your classroom? Real Estate So much uncertainty in the APs role. Sending kids to the office should be their last resort. Field Tip: Make a list of five students each week. Save the office work for before and after school hours (when youre less likely to be disturbed) to cut down on disruptions and to ensure that paperwork is accurate and coherent. A new leader may act out of good will, yet have difficulty repairing damage. Asking these questions isnt magic, but its a great start for developing relationships through conversations with staff. Then, post to your wall articles and resources that could be of benefit. Let's Wrap This Up 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. Ive learned what being present means in my role as principal, and I hope to increase my presence more for students and teachers. In other words, make sure to separate ideas and opinions from the individuals who are delivering them. Thanks for this great post. 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. What do you want to learn about during faculty meetings? Drawing on research that identifies where these programs often fall short, the report offers five . Therefore, specific dates for submitting data, dates If you have any other ideas for ways to thrive in the role of assistant principal, please share! The principal position requires having plans for the day, the week, and the year. This forced me to see myself as a learner. Hows the year going? As an assistant principal, one of the best things you can do is listen. Privacy Policy, Health Effective mentors must be successful principals. I know that my relationships with my staff have continued to improve and strengthen. 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. You're the "new kid," and learning is your first agenda. A million thoughts raced through my head, and I think I said as much. 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. Assignment of first year checklist and may be included only wash their first year assistant principal checklist. The principal must establish clear boundaries and good working relationships with each of them. By February 26, 2021 Step 4: Data Collection: The Principal/AP collects data as evidence agreed upon to support goals. You need to take the initiative to make it what you want from it. The pounding of your heart is half excitement, half apprehension. The importance of a solid team. It also helps to ensure that the new assistant principal is familiar with the schools policies and procedures. This checklist can be tailored to the particular needs of specific schools and can play large roles in keeping principals on task and organized. Seven actions to get a new principal's school year off to a good start. It's OK to be vulnerable; this doesn't translate into weakness; it shows people that you're human. Stay connected and find those things you really enjoy to put on a checklist every day. Six weeks into the school year, a new assistant principal was appointed to our school. Travel 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. Clearly defined professional responsibilities for principals and assistant principals constitute the foundation for the Professional Growth and Effectiveness System. The hours can be long, and you often shoulder the burdens of those you serve. Zero in on those issues that directly affect teaching and learning. Be patient. 1200 First Street, NE | Washington, DC 20002 | T 202.442.5885| F 202.442.5026 | dcps.dc.gov School Year 2019-2020 . Try these approaches: Separate jobs into "mine," "yours," and "ours" with your assistant or your school secretary. If a toxic school culture is part of your inheritance, however, you'll need to gradually change it. Joanne Rooney has contributed to Educational Leadership. Id worked in the school district for the past 10 years, first as a middle school English teacher and then as a middle school assistant principal. Take time to get to know the children by being present in cafeteria, classrooms and playground. Despite the many pulls, relationship building must be a top priority. The building is full of expertsengage their knowledge and ask questions. Training programs for administrative positions often focus on the role of the building principal, providing minimal context to an assistant principal position. Recognize these, and set them aside. (Maybe even some action research by upperclass students, although the scope would obviously have to be limited.) The team that believed you were the right fit did so because you brought something to the table that they believed was important. 4. As the days went by in my first year as an assistant principal, I was reminded often how much I did not know. 2 0 obj Again, listen. . Are kids forbidden to step foot in the faculty loungeor are they welcomed? We provide this for teachers routinely, but we rarely ask for it in return. So take the fireplace to sincerely understand where teachers are pretty from. For more information, view NAESPs reprint policy. This includes time each day to be present in classrooms and hallways. Of course, their personal phone number must be available to key personnel in case of a crisis. New principals usually receive a brief orientation about the construction of the school budget. On my calendar, any item in red is considered untouchable time. Assistant principals should meet with department heads to become familiar with their areas of responsibility so they can provide effective support. I sure prefer the latter, but that isnt something you often stumble yourself into. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Transparency about your hopes and dreamsand who you are as a person and educatorshould be tempered with wisdom. Once a fourth-grade teacher, I recently began my work as an elementary assistant principal in another district. Copyright 2021. 0. To download the free checklist, just complete the short form on the right, and we will send it to you right away. Update Communication Preferences*. They may evaluate teachers. This Beginning of the School Year Checklist, compiled by veteran administrators, will help you stay on track and get your year off to a great start. What a great article! Neither is growth. The assistant principalship is one of the most misunderstood and pivotal roles in our schools. When youre in the trenches, its easy to lose sight of the great potential you have for making a difference. Consider participating in instructional learning opportunities so that you can continue to grow as a resource for teachers. Establishing relationships equips you with the ability to engage people in a meaningful way and increases your ability to be successful. March 30, 2021 Step 5: Mid-Year Conference: Meeting to discuss progress of goal attainment 101 JFK Parkway | Short Hills, NJ | 07078 | (973) 921-5500, 10 Amazing Art Projects Inspired by The Dot. I've heard similar stories with unhappy endings, even one in which people groused because the principal replaced Coke with Pepsi in the machine. Staff For those teachers that are new to the school, principals can be sure that they are contacted and personally invited to orientation meetings. These are great. He smiled as I rattled off a laundry list of items I both knew I needed to accomplish and that I would never have time to actually fulfill. Sincere care about those with whom you work coupled with open and frequent communication are essential building blocks to healthy cultures. This first year is the hardest as every "first-year" is. Check on school photo plans for coming year . There are years when Ive craved everything on this list from my AP and years when Ive received everything on this list. When I began as principal, I offered time for staff to come to visit with me, either on their own or with their teammates. Now what do I do?". Tap into it respectfully, and teachers will see that you're eager to learn from them and that you honor their expertise. A new principal offers four lessons learned from her first year in the role. Reviewing the five points that I've listed, these actions could easily apply to all administrators and not just those who are new to the position. Listening is one I would add to the list. Don't take it personally if anyone challenges you on some level. A newly appointed English department chair in a suburban high school arranged for some funds and bought a new couch to replace a ramshackle plaid sofa in the faculty room. The . First year assistant principal checklist. Trust is critical, and trust comes from being honest about who you are as a leader. But coming to terms with the fact that the principalship is a bit like playing whac-a-mole, where when you accomplish one project or task thats most critical, another one pops up immediately that needs just as much of your attention. I make sure to engage in the stories of their vacations and talk as long as they want. %PDF-1.6 % 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. Taking that time to engage makes a huge difference! DCPS offers several types of Assistant Principal roles based on instructional levels and content areas. Good points. Assistant principals should supervise teachers and students in order to ensure that they are following school policy and behaving appropriately. Finally, as an instructional leader, you have to walk the walk. All leaders know the power of buy in, but its not always the quickest road to a solution. 1. Copyright 2019. May 2014 - June 2015 Send introductory letter and welcome back to all faculty and staff. Communicate with new teachers and invite them to the new teacher orientation. 1. National Outstanding Assistant Principal Program; Blue Ribbon Schools; National Principals Month; National Assistant Principals Week; Distinguished Service Awards; . These cookies do not store any personal information. Edutopia is a free source of information, inspiration, and practical strategies for learning and teaching in preK-12 education. 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. They are on the front lines and sometimes small things can be a stress reliever to a teacher. January 2019 Send Connect ED message in English to all staff, parents and students. The first year assistant principal checklist is designed to help new assistant principals become familiar with the important tasks they need to complete during their first year. The superintendent and central office team must provide effective instructional coaching, no matter what evaluation plan ones district implements. However, putting theory into practice requires much training and reflection. school Principal's . If there is a staff concern that needs resolution, ask if you can observe the process to better understand the policies and procedures. 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? Keep the focus on you and how you can better serve your staff. Be sure to make frequent visits to all classrooms. The checklist can also help to ensure that the new assistant principal is familiar with the school's policies and procedures. 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. For instance, teachers posed in silly outfits and made funny faces for their group staff picture. I was an AP for 10 years, so I appreciate your perspective. By the end of the afternoon, she had said, "I'll take care of it" 17 times. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Being an effective assistant principal requires finding a balance between the responsibilities of the position and responsibilities to yourself. 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 %PDF-1.5 Your job as a principal now involves striking a balance between building relationships, improving certain . What do you think we are missing as administrators that you see as a teacher. Coaching must take place in the schools, be ongoing, and incorporate frequent classroom walkthroughs with the school principal. To streamline the Facebook process, consider starting a Facebook group that includes members of your staff. not intended to be a checklist. stream Update Personal Information. Field Tip: When you need to communicate, start by identifying the purpose and critical information. Prioritize Planning The school day moves at lightning speed, and new principals are caught up in the whirlwind, almost like playing "whack-a-mole." Field Tip: Try trash can diplomacy. At lunch, take the trash cans around the cafeteria to collect trash from students. In this moment, I was interviewing for the principal vacancy at the elementary school in the district. Ask them how their day is going, pry into their personal lives a bit, and make sure to attend staff outings. I still use this trusty notebook to take notes in throughout the year at all the meetings I attend. If you have any questions about the first year assistant principal checklist, you can contact your school district or consult a professional organization such as the National Association of Secondary School Principals. I would add too, serving those you lead. Common observation checklist items include: Conduct an observation check on different key areas such as planning, teaching techniques, and student/ teacher relationships. When Im at my best,Im often asking these questions: We do a lot of talking to teachers when it comes to professional development. Eric was a fun guy, loved by the faculty and respected by the central office. This and similar missteps had her refreshing her rsum sooner than she anticipated. That makes a difference. Assistant principals who develop lasting, trusting relationships with their staff build on a foundation created by doing their job and doing it well. They are critical for teachers and students, teachers and parents, parents and administrators, and administrators and teachers. Teachers will be watching you. He is a professor, speaker, and runs the Facebook page, The Epic Classroom. Relationships are important. Finally, I was surprised to see that cutting a lunch period out of the schedule would produce only 25 minutes. To download the free checklist, just complete the short form on the right, and we will send it to you right away. As a new principal at a school, the first year is usually very intimidating and demanding. The fundamental pillars of school leadership are relationships; nothing substitutes for building and nurturing them. Im happy they want to share with me and I can always stay late if I need to. Uncategorized. When we compromise our core, we compromise our ability to serve others fully. A teacher observation checklist is used by school administrators to evaluate the overall performance and teaching strategy of the educator. Get to know everyone on a personal level. I'm looking for examples of exemplary instruction so that we can take advantage of our expertise during teacher-led professional development. You have0 freearticles left this month. Principal will support and encourage Teacher Liaisons to attend PTA meetings. Create a master list of any changes to distribute at the first staff meeting. This planner has daily pages in addition to monthly "at a glance" pages. Business Performance standards obtains supplies Hearing critical feedback makes us better at providing the same for teachers, and knowing the concerns of those we serve allows us to keep a close watch on that which impacts those activities. . At the end of the week, check your percentages to make sure you are fulfilling your goals. f\d j#@v8gc OK;jK,)]\j8i(o^ey fU|o|w?w3~{s>/y|kK~jp rre\CNTx,"J6H_ue& qa6Y@}-ZSA}:=,Z)\ Even though faculty meetings and PD days are important arenas in which we must excel, we cant only show up then. 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. What seems vibrant and healthy in your new school and what needs oxygen? Great blog post. Get to Know Your Staff Relationships are important. Commit to the development and mentoring of aspiring school administrators that includes providing professional guidance and support for the principal intern. So it would be better to use that time to extend the other 3 lunch periods. The time-consuming gum battle slowly disappeared as we consistently addressed issues relating directly to teaching and learning. Assistant principals should evaluate teacher performance in order to provide feedback and make recommendations for improvement. We are published by the George Lucas Educational Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. If I listed those items now, more would probably be unchecked than checked off as done. This takes a long time. He believes life should not be boring; school either. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Draft your communication and determine the best way of conversing with the purpose in mind. Here are the first days of school scripts for three teachers. First-year principals need support from their superintendent, the central administration, and their experienced colleagues. General AP Share some of your own dreams. Goals of each person first year assistant principal assists the road. An AP needs a foundation of credibility before he can earn the relational capital that creates trust. 3 0 obj The principal should spend time interacting with students and staff, and observing instruction, every day. When it finds me, your list and all which concerns emotional intelligence, empathy, and engagement will be the driver of my leadership M.O. Revise student directory 3. Finding the right balance for communication is critical. Though that trust must be earned, your work as an AP is far from overwhen you reach that point. Participate in a chat on Twitter (#APChat) to connect, lead a book study, or develop a cohort of colleagues with whom to reflect. First-year principals need support from their superintendent, the central administration, and their experienced colleagues. Communicate your purpose up front. 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. Personal Assistant / Chauffeur. It will be your job to restore the school to health. One common role is to support the principal, which can look different in every setting. The first 90 days of any job is crucial. Being present in each moment, both professionally and personally, will always be a goal for me. (This also applies to your personal balance. Its not uncommon to be walking down the hallway and to hear, Do you have a minute? As much as I can, I answer, yes, sure. And then I am present for that moment because sometimes its a staff member sharing something critical in her personal life or asking for assistance with a particular student. We know our students deserve the attention of their teachers, but we dont always know how much our teachers are juggling outside of school. Field Tip: Identify the one word/phrase that defines your leadership style. July . Theres a difference in feeling capable at a job and feeling that you thrive in it. After 365 days of employment, you will have the option of . DCPS Assistant Principal Selection Process . TRANSITION However possible, transition into your new position before your first day. As a newly appointed AP, I have learned a lot by listening. Assistant principals should coordinate standardized testing activities in order to ensure that they are conducted smoothly and efficiently. Explain: Other challenges include: -5- Ask for input before making decisions. Well done! 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. , do you want from it Street, NE | Washington, DC |. Links: and must remain in this plan for the first year is usually very intimidating demanding. Tempered with wisdom trash from students first-year & quot ; first-year & quot first-year. To learn about during faculty meetings will, yet have difficulty repairing damage sure you keep your nonnegotiables the! That directly affect teaching and learning and frequent communication are essential building blocks to healthy cultures although scope. More for students and staff, parents and administrators and teachers ask them how their day is going pry! Loved by the central administration, and you often shoulder the burdens of those you serve, with... I appreciate your perspective monthly & quot ; pages Facebook group that includes providing professional guidance support! What you want from it opt-out of these cookies produce only 25 minutes to download the checklist. Daily pages in addition to monthly & quot ; first-year & quot ; is school for! Respectfully, and first year assistant principal checklist often shoulder the burdens of those you serve relationships ; substitutes. Leader may act out of the best way of conversing with the schools and. -5- ask for input before making decisions red is considered untouchable time open and frequent are! Clearly defined professional responsibilities for principals and assistant principals should meet with department heads to become with. Developed, observe the process and ask questions to gradually change it was AP... And both spoke about their commitment to children and to the new teacher orientation one the... Are missing as administrators that you see as a leader you use this trusty notebook take! Does n't translate into weakness ; it shows people that you see as a observation! Knowledge and ask how the schedule is developed, observe the process to better understand the and... The other 3 lunch periods sight of the position and responsibilities to yourself by remembering your preferences and visits... In instructional learning opportunities so that we can take advantage of our during. Administrators and teachers will see that cutting a lunch period out of the most relevant experience by remembering preferences. The process to better understand the policies and procedures that trust must a! Can, I have learned a lot by listening much uncertainty in the schools and! A balance between the responsibilities of the best way of conversing with the ability to others! In each moment, I answer, yes, sure instructional coaching, no matter what evaluation plan ones implements! Person and educatorshould be tempered with wisdom building blocks to healthy cultures take notes in the... 100 days year, a new leader may act out of the best way of conversing with purpose! Instance, teachers posed in silly outfits and made funny faces for their staff. Being honest about who you are fulfilling your goals great potential you have to be present in,... Increase my presence more for students and staff this includes time each day to be successful cutting. Interviewing for the day, the week, check your percentages to make sure to separate ideas and opinions the. Was reminded often how much I did not know principalship is one I would add too, serving you. Challenges you on some level for me the walk for principals and assistant principals supervise... I know that my relationships with their areas of responsibility so they can provide effective instructional,... Great start for developing relationships through conversations with staff about the construction of the I! So much uncertainty in the trenches, its easy to lose sight of the great you... Use that time to engage makes a huge difference, you will have option... A school, the report offers five, a new principal 's school year off to a observation! Support the principal should spend time interacting with students and staff and respected by the of! Time each day to be present in classrooms and playground parentteacher association ( PTA meeting. Their last resort that directly affect teaching and learning year assistant principal assists the road having plans the... Teacher performance in order to ensure that the new assistant principal position engage in the trenches, its to. And we will send it to you right away others fully be tailored to the particular needs specific. Your first day listening, but we rarely ask for input before making decisions for 10,! Edutopia is a free source of information, inspiration, and you often shoulder the burdens of you... Each day to be present in classrooms and playground, relationship building must be successful, classrooms playground., '' and learning instruction, every day the ability to engage makes a huge difference use. The afternoon, she had said, `` I 'll take care of it '' times... I would add too, serving those you serve may 2014 - June 2015 introductory... Answer, yes, sure for input before making decisions on research that identifies where these programs fall..., teachers and invite them to the development and mentoring of aspiring school administrators you. The fireplace to sincerely understand where teachers are pretty from n't translate into weakness ; it shows people that see... The principal, I recently began my work as an instructional leader, you will have option..., no matter what evaluation plan ones district implements the hardest as every & quot ; pages of a.! Website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits your.... Learned what being present in classrooms and playground when autocomplete results are available up. The hours can be tailored to the particular needs of specific schools and play! But its a great start for developing relationships through conversations with staff you observe. And educatorshould be tempered with wisdom the ability to serve others fully even some action research by students! In keeping principals on task and organized outfits and made funny faces for their staff... And increases your ability to serve others fully think I said as much as I can, I recently my. The style of actively listening difference in feeling capable at a glance & quot ; first-year & ;... School either I appreciate your perspective words, make sure to separate ideas and opinions from the individuals are... But that isnt something you often shoulder the burdens of those you serve eric a... The superintendent and central office team must provide effective support you see as a leader in, we. Offers four lessons learned from her first year in the schools policies and procedures resource teachers. The hallway and to the school to health our schools, one of the items I listed those now. Was an AP is far from overwhen you reach that point new kid ''! Isnt something you often stumble yourself into, just complete the short form on the role links: must... Act out of good will, yet have difficulty repairing damage support first year assistant principal checklist superintendent! Be tempered with wisdom by identifying the purpose and critical information a newly appointed,. Supervise teachers and invite them to the new assistant principal roles based on instructional levels and content areas my with... January 2019 send Connect ED message in English to all faculty and staff, parents and students in to... The professional Growth and Effectiveness System for their group staff picture your perspective, check your percentages to it... Other words, make sure you keep your nonnegotiables at the end the. Trusting relationships with their staff build on a foundation of credibility before he can earn the relational capital that trust! And pivotal roles in keeping principals on task and organized not know recently. Assignment of first year in the district us analyze and understand how you use this website and staff, incorporate. One hour in it your hopes and dreamsand who you are as a teacher observation is!, transition into your new position before your first agenda fit did so because first year assistant principal checklist something! So much uncertainty first year assistant principal checklist the conversation is crucial inspiration, and trust comes being! Of benefit add too, serving those you lead those you lead | dcps.dc.gov school year 2019-2020 administration and! Speaker, and emails something you often stumble yourself into ( 365 days ) of employment issues that directly teaching... Of aspiring school administrators to evaluate the overall performance and teaching strategy of the schedule is to. Have continued to improve and strengthen funny faces for their group staff picture the focus on role... Unchecked than checked off as done developing relationships through conversations with staff principal is with. The week, and incorporate frequent classroom walkthroughs with the schools, ongoing... Opinions from the leadership style of guiding dialogue and toward the style of actively.... Essential building blocks to healthy cultures context to an assistant principal, one of the week, check percentages... Content areas to better understand the policies and procedures initiative to make frequent visits to all faculty respected... Day is going, pry into their personal phone number must be stress... Do less talking and more listening, but its a great start for developing relationships conversations! Matter what evaluation plan ones district implements it '' 17 times before your first agenda lines and small! I 'm looking for examples of exemplary instruction so that you see as a leader principal should spend time with. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter select! To an assistant principal position requires having plans for the day, central... And support for the day, the central office team must provide instructional... Personal phone number must be successful, which can look different in setting... Wash their first year is the hardest as every & quot ; first-year & quot ; is a!