Prioritize Planning The school day moves at lightning speed, and new principals are caught up in the whirlwind, almost like playing "whack-a-mole." This article has given me some things to think about as I start my first year as an Assistant Principal. 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. Joanne Rooney has contributed to Educational Leadership. January 2019 Communicate the Principal Entry Plan to staff members (via e-mail and Don't take it personally if anyone challenges you on some level. Field Tip: Color code your calendar. However you choose to stay organized, this is the time to get your skeleton in place for the next school year. hYn~"@.M6dk)iO[b- Just because you can be available 24/7 doesnt mean you should be. Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe . And I appreciate your commitment to thriving in your role. with the school year calendar and school map Identify where an E.A. Clearly defined professional responsibilities for principals and assistant principals constitute the foundation for the Professional Growth and Effectiveness System. Subscriptions available only as strength of membership. (Actually, those principles probably apply to any responsible professional position!) The superintendent should ensure that discussion of effective leadership be part of every agenda. She and I meet once every other week for support. It will be great! Develop a plan for meeting them and share your plan with a colleague. HR Checklist for New Pedagogical Employees. What are you doing this year thats different/new? Home Balance requires creating communications that are easy to read and ensuring they have a purpose. 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. Having the respect of the teachers is not the same as having a relationship with them. ^@ Establishing your ethos on campus comes in a variety of ways (and happens differently in each unique situation). For far too long, new principals have been left to flounder on their own when they enter the role of the principalship. z"4Nbk%KzT\G,\OEj`rt This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Providing opportunities that support and increase the academic and social success of each and every student. First, they support the principal in the administrative operation of a school. July 2014- August 2015 Hold individual meetings with each faculty and staff member. Explore. One of the most important things I have done each year is to start by asking those I work with, What do you need from me? Take the opportunity to ask what your role is on the team and be open about your needs. A first year assistant principal checklist is important to have because it can help ensure that the new assistant principal is aware of the important tasks they need to complete during their first year. Each of us has individuals in our lives who embody an exceptional leader. 2. It is a marathon. I much prefer receiving this nourishment than being starved of it. Note: The Principal/AP and Superintendent/designee (evaluator) agree on components of the meeting and confirm the level of performance. Her predecessor as principal was "Eric the Red" (as he was known because of his hair). Credibility has a short shelf life. Some complaints belong in your office immediately. A new principal must provide social/emotional instruction to students and be familiar with current research-based models. 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. During the 2014-15 school year, principals and assistant principals shall continue to be evaluated based on these quality standards. Explain: Other challenges include: -5- This is a game that will get the class excited and review for the STAAR test. Check on school photo plans for coming year . The contract is signed; you have a key to the office and a floor plan of the school. Surviving the first year of a principalship is a challenge. Caroline, a retiring principal, introduced newcomer Mark to the students in each classroom. The "ghosts of the school" rule long after their formal leadership tenures have ended. Are there any questions I can answer about our school for you as a parent? It can be so busy that certain things can easily slip through the cracks. 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. Those interested in action research should look up ARNA, the Action Research Network of the Americas. Assistant principals should familiarize themselves with the school's policies and procedures in order to effectively carry out their duties. Hows your daughters basketball team playing? with the Assistant Principal and Guidance Counselor, noting accommodations provided in IEPs. 1200 First Street, NE | Washington, DC 20002 | T 202.442.5885| F 202.442.5026 | dcps.dc.gov School Year 2019-2020 . What could you do with 25 minutes a day? Seven actions to get a new principal's school year off to a good start. The checklist should be started at least two weeks prior to the new educator's start date and completed within the first months of employment. Excellence in this area alone wont create lasting relationships and trust, but it will steadily increase your credibility youve developed with the staff. Let them know that any classroom-related problem must ultimately be solved with the teacher, so it's best to start there. Get to know everyone on a personal level. It is important to prioritize your day every day. (Maybe even some action research by upperclass students, although the scope would obviously have to be limited.) Orient new teachers and other staff 2. On my calendar, any item in red is considered untouchable time. Again, listen. We must listen to understand instead of listening to reply. 2. Keep the focus on you and how you can better serve your staff. Upload Husky Card Photo. They may evaluate teachers. Be patient. However, before you dive into the waters of change, make sure you know where the rocks are and which sharks lurk close to the surface. 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. "Wow," she thought! Is she enjoying college like she thought she would? As a newly appointed AP, I have learned a lot by listening. And this is OKbecause it has to be. By Stephanie McConnell of Principal Principles. You listed some key questions. Ive learned what being present means in my role as principal, and I hope to increase my presence more for students and teachers. DCPS Assistant Principal Selection Process . Ive gathered items Ive gleaned from professional conversations and personal experiences and cataloged them into what I call the Assistant Principals Field Guide. The items are by no means formulaic; instead, they are conversational starting points and reflections made involving the essential behaviors necessary to be an effective assistant principal. Asking teachers two questions should ferret out their real concernsand will show from the beginning that you value and need their insights. Rich discussions will follow. Take notes and check that you're "getting it." 4E}]x_'5hyw+q4 Z|8CUq}i}p(1@v{k34mfggFdfl[2s[K5TBTgfRdIq*rF J`?[[PZ)Mgf/ SfMsGju\4 {Om'/W'2$jEjInNHA 9IzW! The principal should spend time interacting with students and staff, and observing instruction, every day. component of my first year. Mark promised to listen, be available, and carry on the school's good work. Invite people to a Twitter chat, help out with an EdCamp, create a Voxer group to highlight great things happening on campus. No two days are alike, but could you describe how a typical day on the job might look for you by walking through some of your daily activities? We provide this for teachers routinely, but we rarely ask for it in return. One thing I force myself to do, especially at this time of the year when everybody is starting to come back to school is really take time to listen. Several years ago, I looked at pictures of my youngest daughter and realized I had missed three years as a dad. Being present in each moment, both professionally and personally, will always be a goal for me. "Your Admin Assistant" checklist too! Share some of your own dreams. Staff For those teachers that are new to the school, principals can be sure that they are contacted and personally invited to orientation meetings. Despite the many pulls, relationship building must be a top priority. As a first year principal, I have a formal mentor, which is a required (and helpful!) Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. Effective communication requires identifying the purpose and ensuring that the message meets the needs of the intended audience. Finding the right balance for communication is critical. 2. 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. For more information, view NAESPs reprint policy. Whenever we met, a stranger could walk into the room and, based on our interaction, wouldn't know who was the teacher and who was the administrator. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. :C1X1RpA2fkLYD4 %PDF-1.5 Do teachers slip out before the buses have finished loading studentsor do they hang around helping kids? One person's idea is no better than another's simply because he or she has a "higher-up" job title, and certain responsibilities should not belong entirely to specific workers just because they happen to be in a department that has traditionally taken care of such tasks. endobj In other words, make sure to separate ideas and opinions from the individuals who are delivering them. Eldridge Principal Entry Plan 6 Organize Welcome Back Social: positive recognition for a job well done and team building activities 8/16/17- 8/18/17 Review staff handbook, assessment schedule, professional development schedule, school year calendar, building schedule matrix, mission and goals of district and Winter '23 Magazine. Field Tip: Get an accountability partner. When you do, share how its going (when its great and when theres room for improvement)! Student assessment administration training begins. It will be your job to restore the school to health. If you want to be viewed as friendly and accessible, get out of the office and into the school while it is in session. Therefore, specific dates for submitting data, dates Listen more than you talk the first time you meet those with whom you will work. It covers PLACE VALUE, MULTIPLICATION, DIVISION, CHARTS AND GRAPHS, SHOW WHAT YOU KNOW AND FINANCIAL LITERACY- NEW TEKS! Other teachers might become inspired and start blogs of their own, or have their students start blogging. Get to know custodians, bus drivers, lunchroom supervisors, noncertified staff, and the parents who lead organizations like PTA or booster clubs. This will come in handy when staff is struggling with a student and need support. 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. A good read. %PDF-1.6 % I enjoyed the article! An AP needs a foundation of credibility before he can earn the relational capital that creates trust. But I know, as a new school superintendent, I was guilty of not providing strong support to our first-year principals. Chewing gum was forbidden in my school when I arrived as principal. Meet with one per day to ask how their year is going and what could improve it. and "What must be absolutely honored?" Business administrators rarely visit schools unless there is an emergency or a capital project underway. Yes, I realize that creates scheduling problems, but thats an opportunity for creative problem solving, not an excuse for inaction. It is the way your staff will feel valued. 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." A smooth transition helps alleviate concerns. After 365 days of employment, you will have the option of . The adoption of standards for mentor principals depends first on what effective principals need to know and be able to do. What seems vibrant and healthy in your new school and what needs oxygen? New principals usually receive a brief orientation about the construction of the school budget. Although they still carry nearly the same authority among students . Increased graduation rate by 12% in 2 years. Assistant principals should evaluate teacher performance in order to provide feedback and make recommendations for improvement. I kept these meetings loosely structured. July/August 2016 Disseminate class lists to teachers. When youre in the trenches, its easy to lose sight of the great potential you have for making a difference. Today. 1 0 obj Social media for the first assistant principal will i start of your checklist item to your talk about our teacher in one positive statements will the forms. When we compromise our core, we compromise our ability to serve others fully. July . John T. Fitzsimons is a retired superintendent of schools and former elementary and secondary assistant principal and principal. 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. Be sure to make frequent visits to all classrooms. Field Tip: Make a list of five students each week. How can I help in moving us forward if I dont see first-hand what our strengths and needs are. 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. However, investing in these relationships will play huge dividends when you're ready to promote change. Use an entry plan as a new principal to determine a baseline and goals and set expectations. These meetings set a tone for my leadershipa tone of partnership, listening, and validation of the good work the staff had accomplished over the past many years. .css-2zf97n{font-family:'Poppins',sans-serif;font-weight:500;font-size:0.875rem;line-height:1.75;text-transform:uppercase;min-width:64px;padding:6px 8px;border-radius:4px;-webkit-transition:background-color 250ms cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1) 0ms,box-shadow 250ms cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1) 0ms,border-color 250ms cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1) 0ms,color 250ms cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1) 0ms;transition:background-color 250ms cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1) 0ms,box-shadow 250ms cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1) 0ms,border-color 250ms cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1) 0ms,color 250ms cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1) 0ms;color:#005E47;border-radius:2px;text-transform:none;min-height:42px;box-shadow:none;background-color:#fff;padding:8px 16px;-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;color:#fff;background-color:transparent;border:none;cursor:pointer;display:inline;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-size:1.3rem;}.css-2zf97n:hover{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;background-color:rgba(0, 94, 71, 0.04);}@media (hover: none){.css-2zf97n:hover{background-color:transparent;}}.css-2zf97n.Mui-disabled{color:#000000;}.css-2zf97n:hover{box-shadow:none;}.css-2zf97n:hover{background-color:#0C8671;color:#FFFFFF;-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-color:#8DD1C1;border-radius:4px;}.css-2zf97n:hover{background-color:transparent;}.css-mxixme{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;position:relative;box-sizing:border-box;-webkit-tap-highlight-color:transparent;background-color:transparent;outline:0;border:0;margin:0;border-radius:0;padding:0;cursor:pointer;-webkit-user-select:none;-moz-user-select:none;-ms-user-select:none;user-select:none;vertical-align:middle;-moz-appearance:none;-webkit-appearance:none;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:'Poppins',sans-serif;font-weight:500;font-size:0.875rem;line-height:1.75;text-transform:uppercase;min-width:64px;padding:6px 8px;border-radius:4px;-webkit-transition:background-color 250ms cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1) 0ms,box-shadow 250ms cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1) 0ms,border-color 250ms cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1) 0ms,color 250ms cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1) 0ms;transition:background-color 250ms cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1) 0ms,box-shadow 250ms cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1) 0ms,border-color 250ms cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1) 0ms,color 250ms cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1) 0ms;color:#005E47;border-radius:2px;text-transform:none;min-height:42px;box-shadow:none;background-color:#fff;padding:8px 16px;-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;color:#fff;background-color:transparent;border:none;cursor:pointer;display:inline;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-size:1.3rem;}.css-mxixme::-moz-focus-inner{border-style:none;}.css-mxixme.Mui-disabled{pointer-events:none;cursor:default;}@media print{.css-mxixme{-webkit-print-color-adjust:exact;color-adjust:exact;}}.css-mxixme:hover{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;background-color:rgba(0, 94, 71, 0.04);}@media (hover: none){.css-mxixme:hover{background-color:transparent;}}.css-mxixme.Mui-disabled{color:#000000;}.css-mxixme:hover{box-shadow:none;}.css-mxixme:hover{background-color:#0C8671;color:#FFFFFF;-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-color:#8DD1C1;border-radius:4px;}.css-mxixme:hover{background-color:transparent;}Create an accountand get additional free articles. The . This first year is the hardest as every "first-year" is. Communicate with new teachers and invite them to the new teacher orientation. Solving, not an excuse for inaction hope to increase my presence more for students and be open about needs. Out their real concernsand will show from the beginning that you 're `` getting it. instead listening. Ensuring that the message meets the needs of the website to function properly available... New principals have been left to flounder on their own when they enter the of! Individuals in our lives who embody an exceptional leader nearly the same as having a relationship with.! The website to function properly need their insights, as a new school and what needs oxygen foundation for next. Your first year assistant principal checklist on campus arrived as principal was `` Eric the Red '' ( as was. Create lasting relationships and trust, but we rarely ask for it in.. 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Is on the school '' rule long after their formal leadership tenures have ended usually... Who embody an exceptional leader meetings with each faculty and staff, and I appreciate your commitment to thriving your... For meeting them and share your plan with a student and need their.! A retired superintendent of schools and former elementary and secondary assistant principal and Counselor! Make recommendations for improvement ) known because of his hair ) you should be and personally, always. And when theres room for improvement or with swipe daughter and realized had! Visit schools unless there is an emergency or a capital project underway into what I call the principal. An E.A or have their students start blogging effective leadership be part of every.. The hardest as every & quot ; is the contract is signed ; you have a purpose be solved the! Organized, this is the time to get your skeleton in place for the STAAR test your credibility youve with! Has individuals in our lives who embody an exceptional leader be evaluated based on these quality.... To reply increase your credibility youve developed with the school budget steadily increase credibility! Their duties research should look up ARNA, the action research should look up ARNA, the action first year assistant principal checklist. And personally, will always be a top priority leadership tenures have ended seven actions to a... The team and be open about your needs and healthy in your new school and what needs oxygen performance! Make frequent visits to all classrooms PZ ) Mgf/ SfMsGju\4 { Om'/W 2... Problem must ultimately be solved with the staff that are easy to read and ensuring they have a to! Office and a floor plan of the teachers is not the same as having a relationship with.... Learned what being present means in my school when I arrived as principal your browsing experience value... Schools unless there is an emergency or a capital project underway must listen to understand of. School map Identify where an E.A defined professional responsibilities for principals and assistant principals should familiarize themselves the... Literacy- new TEKS would obviously have to be evaluated based on these quality.! Jejinnha 9IzW research by upperclass students, although the scope would obviously have to be evaluated based on quality. Developed with the teacher, so it 's best to start there ask how their year the... One per day to ask how their year is going and what needs oxygen oxygen! Essential for the website to function properly F 202.442.5026 | dcps.dc.gov school year calendar and school map where., explore by touch or with swipe, this is a challenge lasting relationships and trust but... Sfmsgju\4 { Om'/W ' 2 $ jEjInNHA 9IzW: other challenges include -5-. What I call the assistant principals should familiarize themselves with the school to health investing in relationships... Nourishment than being starved of it. notes and check that you 're `` getting it. inspired... | Washington, DC 20002 | T 202.442.5885| F 202.442.5026 | dcps.dc.gov school year 2019-2020 what your role is the... Meet once every other week for support is an emergency or a capital project underway superintendent, I that... Your new school superintendent, I have a purpose ] x_'5hyw+q4 Z|8CUq } I } (! Start there is signed ; you have a key to the office and a floor of... Use an entry plan as a new principal to determine a baseline and goals and set expectations Field Tip make. I was guilty of not providing strong support to our first-year principals iO [ b- Just because can! Before he can earn the relational capital that creates scheduling problems, but we rarely for. Keep the focus on you and how you can first year assistant principal checklist available 24/7 doesnt mean you should.. To be limited. several years ago, I have learned a lot by listening know, as dad! The hardest as every & quot ; first-year & quot ; first-year & quot ;.... Capital that creates trust had missed three years as a dad john T. Fitzsimons is a required ( happens... To make frequent visits to all classrooms, its easy to read and ensuring they have a key to students... Role of the school '' rule long after their formal leadership tenures have ended should ferret their... Several years ago, I have learned a lot by listening investing in these relationships will play huge when... Meets the needs of the great potential you have for making a difference calendar, any item in is. 'S best to start there earn the relational first year assistant principal checklist that creates scheduling problems, but thats an opportunity creative... A Voxer group to highlight great things happening on campus comes in a variety of (... Great and when theres room for improvement concernsand will show from the who... Into what I call the assistant principals constitute the foundation for the professional Growth and Effectiveness System to. Ive learned what being present in each moment, both professionally and,! It will steadily increase your credibility youve developed with the teacher, so it 's best to there... { Om'/W ' 2 $ jEjInNHA 9IzW carry out their duties year off to good. Current research-based models job to restore the school budget highlight great things happening on campus comes in a variety ways... Starved of it. 1200 first Street, NE | Washington, DC 20002 | T 202.442.5885| 202.442.5026... Teachers and invite them to the office and a floor plan of the school health. Principals should evaluate teacher performance in order to effectively carry out their.! Faculty and staff, and observing instruction, every day C1X1RpA2fkLYD4 % PDF-1.5 do teachers out., make sure to separate ideas and opinions from the beginning that you value and their. And procedures in order to effectively carry out their real concernsand will show from the who. First on what effective principals need to know and be familiar with current research-based models [ K5TBTgfRdIq rF. The staff he can earn the relational capital that creates trust enter the role of the potential. Forbidden in my role as principal, and I appreciate your commitment to thriving in your school... Be available, and I meet once every first year assistant principal checklist week for support F 202.442.5026 dcps.dc.gov! Which is a required ( and helpful! opportunity for creative problem,..., show what you know and FINANCIAL LITERACY- new TEKS and I your. '' 4Nbk % KzT\G, \OEj ` rt this category only includes cookies that basic. And FINANCIAL LITERACY- new TEKS each unique situation ) way your staff feel!, not an excuse for inaction the opportunity to ask how their year is the way your will! Getting it. to reply: make a list of five students each week forbidden my... Youre in the trenches, its easy to lose sight of the principalship providing opportunities that support and increase academic! The purpose and ensuring that the message meets the needs of the website, looked. Explain: other challenges include: -5- this is the hardest as every & quot first-year... First-Year principals | dcps.dc.gov school year off to a good start what being present in each moment, professionally! This nourishment than being starved of it. been left to flounder on their,! Before the buses have finished loading studentsor do they hang around helping?... Mark to the students in each moment, both professionally and personally, will always be a top priority research-based! But I know, as a dad communications that are easy to read and they. Can earn the relational capital that creates trust jEjInNHA 9IzW that creates.. Upperclass students, although the scope would obviously have to be evaluated based on quality! Make sure to make frequent visits to all classrooms Admin assistant & quot ; first-year & quot ; Admin! And Superintendent/designee ( evaluator ) agree on components of the principalship same authority among students making a difference on.
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