Leadership Studio Toolkit Principal's Monthly Checklist Last revised March 2008 2 Communications Send out end of summer letters to all staff reminding them of dates for beginning of the year professional development and dates for returning to school. Coaching must take place in the schools, be ongoing, and incorporate frequent classroom walkthroughs with the school principal. 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. The first year at this in my experience, Throw a good-bye party. Spend a great deal of time in classrooms, being as non-evaluative as you can. Assistant principals should meet with department heads to become familiar with their areas of responsibility so they can provide effective support. Lots of research (much of it by Karen Stout) shows that a longer, more-relaxed lunch is better for students and also reduces behavior problems while improving learning. Listening is one I would add to the list. This article has given me some things to think about as I start my first year as an Assistant Principal. Subscriptions available only as strength of membership. Tap into that. Leverage your new title to empower others to speak up and have a voice. The adoption of standards for mentor principals depends first on what effective principals need to know and be able to do. You cant fake really caring about people and investing in their lives. The time-consuming gum battle slowly disappeared as we consistently addressed issues relating directly to teaching and learning. What are some of the items on the first . The impact you will have on others is only capped by your willingness to expand and grow. Hows the year going? Questions provide an avenue for dialogue rather than dictation. 3. Although they still carry nearly the same authority among students . However you choose to stay organized, this is the time to get your skeleton in place for the next school year. Here's a bit of what I've learned in my first 100 days as a first-year principal. Assign . My challenge is to pull away from the office and the data driven nature of the job to really be out there where the folks in the trenches who are working so hard to make a difference are laboring. DCPS offers several types of Assistant Principal roles based on instructional levels and content areas. This is my first year as an AP. Above all, build the best possible relationship with the school secretary. A positive student-teacher relationship is much more important than doling out consequences and is the cornerstone of future positive behavioral outcomes. Parenting To enforce the shared responsibility for discipline, principals should insist that teachers join them in responding to students who misbehave in the classroom. National Association of Elementary School Principals. Privacy Policy, Health Watch. New principals need to walk the talk. It is important that a new principal be aware of his or her leadership style and adjust it when situations call for it. NYS Administrative License & CTLE Certificate. Drawing on research that identifies where these programs often fall short, the report offers five . What do we need to spend more time looking at? 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. On January 15 I began my first job as a principal, as the Elementary Principal of T. Baldwin Demarest Elementary School (TBD) in the Old Tappan School District.About a month prior, as I was wrapping up my job as a curriculum supervisor, I started to prepare for my new job, mostly by (1) picking the brains of my educator friends and (2) reading The First 90 Days by Michael Watkins. A graduate course in theories of leadership may provide a theoretical base for how one is to behave effectively. 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. Asking about a teachers family can help us get to know teachers as a whole just like we often ask them to do with their students. Yes, there is always the idea of getting your teachers up and running with Twitter (and Google+, LinkedIn, RSS feeds, digital newspapers, etc. Credibility has a short shelf life. Wethe classroom so that will leave an opening as well at her school. Commit to the development and mentoring of aspiring school administrators that includes providing professional guidance and support for the principal intern. Cover a duty occasionally, deliver a latte, be proactive in parent communication over discipline issues, etc. Do something to engage in a different way. This is an encouraging blog to help assistant principals find their voice and strength in their role on campus! I've heard similar stories with unhappy endings, even one in which people groused because the principal replaced Coke with Pepsi in the machine. Finally, as an instructional leader, you have to walk the walk. I have found that having these varied and diverse perspectives have helped me think through my next steps and solutions, as well as having validated my decisions. Effective mentors must be successful principals. During the 2014-15 school year, principals and assistant principals shall continue to be evaluated based on these quality standards. Supporting K-12 educational programs for Washington state students. Leave with positive vibes. 0. Ill be the first to say that each path toward trust is unique, but its never bad to start by managing the referrals that come your way fairly and efficiently, committing to being a learner in your leadership role, and moving toward each new year looking for ways to serve students and teachers in new ways. Being present in each moment, both professionally and personally, will always be a goal for me. Common observation checklist items include: Conduct an observation check on different key areas such as planning, teaching techniques, and student/ teacher relationships. I'm the new superintendent. Explore. with the Assistant Principal and Guidance Counselor, noting accommodations provided in IEPs. Recognize these, and set them aside. Take time to get to know teachers in the classroom and out. As I embark on my first year as a vice principal, these are helpful tips! The ceiling for your own professional growth is in your hands. Take time to get to know the children by being present in cafeteria, classrooms and playground. Hold a get to know the assistant principal night or day.something like that. We need to keep ourselves current, and we need to keep investing in our teachers. These actions can be empowering as they send the message that thoughts and opinions can make 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. Use the opportunity for informal conversations. Caroline, a retiring principal, introduced newcomer Mark to the students in each classroom. Explain: Other challenges include: -5- It is a marathon. The assistant principalship is one of the most misunderstood and pivotal roles in our schools. Acknowledge Student Code of Conduct*. 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. It doesnt always feel good, thats for sure. 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. I also know I still have work to do, getting to know them more personally. When we compromise our core, we compromise our ability to serve others fully. Participate in a chat on Twitter (#APChat) to connect, lead a book study, or develop a cohort of colleagues with whom to reflect. A new principal must provide social/emotional instruction to students and be familiar with current research-based models. If you cannot establish relationships, you are going to struggle to maximize your effectiveness. Meet teachers on their turfin classrooms and staff roomswhich are their safety zones. National Outstanding Assistant Principal Program; Blue Ribbon Schools; National Principals Month; National Assistant Principals Week; Distinguished Service Awards; . 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. It is the way your staff will feel valued. Make sure you start this next step in your career on the right foot! 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. Thanks for this great post. You need to take the initiative to make it what you want from it. 1615 Duke Street Alexandria, VA 22314 703-684-3345 Contact Us, 2023 National Association of Elementary School Principals | Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions | Copyright and I.P. 1. Business administrators rarely visit schools unless there is an emergency or a capital project underway. 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. Even though faculty meetings and PD days are important arenas in which we must excel, we cant only show up then. I once walked the building with a first-year principal. It is easy to be drawn to imitate those we admire. So take the time to sincerely understand where teachers are coming from. The importance of a solid team. Assistant principals, also called vice-principals, wear more hats in a day than they take off students. A solid way to build relationships is what I term Visibility 2.0. We know that being present is important, but being present is more than standing in the hallway or walking to the door of a classroom. Well done! A new leader may act out of good will, yet have difficulty repairing damage. 11. My health was also heading in a negative direction. These findings can then be brought in-house to enhance what is already taking place. 7:00 am: Arrive at school. For far too long, new principals have been left to flounder on their own when they enter the role of the principalship. Dan got some good advice. What are you doing this year thats different/new? You received the exciting call saying that you are the new principal. Managing the responsibilities can become daunting, especially when pop-up items such as discipline can take large portions of your time. The education world is very small. What is more complicated with the new schedule? I have also picked up on the culture and expectations that are in the school. Some of the items on the first year assistant principal checklist include attending orientation and training programs, familiarizing oneself with school policies and procedures, meeting with the principal to discuss the assistant principals role in the school, and coordinating standardized testing activities. Getting home in time to see your childs game is a priority, so make it number one on your daily to-do list. A closed door prevents the drop-ins that are sure to occur when it is open. I hope your very first year as a school leader is. Copyright 2019. Discover ASCD's Professional Learning Services. The transition is quickin one day you move from a teacher contract to an administrative contract. Medical 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. 3. Where you spend your time is where your values lie. 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. Meet teachers. This year, in particular, many of us have learned the importance of self-care. Establishing Relationships Relationships come before everything. Set some goals for improvement in the areas where you need the most growth, and after some time has passed, ask for input again. 2. Being a school leader is difficult. He believes life should not be boring; school either. This person must be your strongest ally; if not, he or she can be your most formidable opponent. Consider the following checklist as part of your 90-day plan to outline goals; clarify desired expectations for all players; and align plans, decisions, and actions to best serve students, stakeholders and staff. An AP needs a foundation of credibility before he can earn the relational capital that creates trust. x[[s~Lw;,vL>CyW=qV4' .x4mD@$ vP,~_,tz^No?U_^oN8=}Y First aid / fire / safety rules / drills Staff introductions: ask staff to ensure the E.A. This information is critical to preparing and retaining new administrators, and support to succeed. After conducting a thorough search and selecting the best candidate for the position of principal, a districts superintendent and central administrators should do all they can to ensure the new principals success. Remember their names, even if this means keeping a cheat sheet. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The first year assistant principal checklist is designed for new assistant principals. Thanks for your article. I definitely feel the tension between the different pulls each day. It covers PLACE VALUE, MULTIPLICATION, DIVISION, CHARTS AND GRAPHS, SHOW WHAT YOU KNOW AND FINANCIAL LITERACY- NEW TEKS! Lori learned the hard way. |B}]N=.~ve\Y9T}`5(_f 7O1t*"/k1{Qv4DLSj@OJ@S3~9hkcwWMWq(:T ae A superintendent once gave me a simple piece of advice: Stop talking and start asking. Relationships come before everything. qD1%Y}Oo|__oLRqdl[}l1 {/. Beginning in the 2013-14 school year, principals and assistant principals shall be evaluated based on quality standards as part of the pilot process. 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. Winter '23 Magazine. May 2014 - June 2015 Send introductory letter and welcome back to all faculty and staff. Miscellaneous Cultivating those trusting relationships is vital if youre interested in creating change (and who isnt interested in creating positive change). Ask them how their day is going, pry into their personal lives a bit, and make sure to attend staff outings. For more information, view NAESPs reprint policy. Get to know everyone on a personal level. Meeting with staff weekly will ensure a coordinated effort and clear delegation of assignments and work functions. Having the respect of the teachers is not the same as having a relationship with them. Six weeks into the school year, a new assistant principal was appointed to our school. As we prepare for this upcoming year and discuss tweaks and changes that we want to make, I have learned a lot about my Principal and his way of thinking and his vision. Create a master list of any changes to distribute at the first staff meeting. John T. Fitzsimons is a retired superintendent of schools and former elementary and secondary assistant principal and principal. Personal Assistant / Chauffeur. Other than a brief orientation to the school and the office they will occupy, the assumption is that the individual chosen possesses the intellectual and emotional attributes necessary to be an effective school leader. "Wow," she thought! 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The schools, be proactive in parent communication over discipline issues, etc you the!