Thanks for your article. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. What could you do with 25 minutes a day? Follow Dr. McEwan's seven steps for effective communication with your staff. 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. Links: We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Leverage your new title to empower others to speak up and have a voice. Note the parking lot at dismissal. with the Assistant Principal and Guidance Counselor, noting accommodations provided in IEPs. A teacher observation checklist is used by school administrators to evaluate the overall performance and teaching strategy of the educator. We need to keep ourselves current, and we need to keep investing in our teachers. 3. They may plan schedules for teachers or for testing. Sitemap I've heard similar stories with unhappy endings, even one in which people groused because the principal replaced Coke with Pepsi in the machine. 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. As a newly appointed AP, I have learned a lot by listening. Meet with outgoing principal to obtain information about the culture, strengths and challenges of the school and community. That is special! Field Tip: When you need to communicate, start by identifying the purpose and critical information. As the students enter school in the morning, do your best to pop your head into every classroom just to be present and touch base with your teachers and students. Take time to get to know teachers in the classroom and out. Extend your relationship building to other district principals. Field Tip: Make a list of five students each week. component of my first year. You cant fake really caring about people and investing in their lives. Business administrators rarely visit schools unless there is an emergency or a capital project underway. ASCD empowers educators to achieve excellence in learning, teaching, and leading so that every child is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged. A good read. Meet teachers. ::h!4t 5I:4 Z7FILg1ef|E|RqJG7pQ]NJu~(/S}@'kJKa?\O Worried about? Acknowledge Student Code of Conduct*. This information is critical to preparing and retaining new administrators, and support to succeed. When communicating with teachers, it's important that your conversation doesn't just focus on the job itself. Performance Plan that need attention. Teachers will be watching you. He sat with the men and women who ran the buses, kept roofs from leaking, mowed the grass, and shoveled the snow and said, "OK, guys. Copyright 2019. Now what do I do?". Assistant principals should familiarize themselves with the school's policies and procedures in order to effectively carry out their duties. I also know I still have work to do, getting to know them more personally. January 2019 Communicate the Principal Entry Plan to staff members (via e-mail and Chewing gum was forbidden in my school when I arrived as principal. 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. For instance, teachers posed in silly outfits and made funny faces for their group staff picture. Based on my research and what I have experienced so far, I'd like to offer five ways for a rookie administrator to successfully navigate his or her new position. 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. Then, post to your wall articles and resources that could be of benefit. It is easy to be drawn to imitate those we admire. 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. Taking that time to engage makes a huge difference! Neither is growth. The work of building a really good school is an endless journey. Even though faculty meetings and PD days are important arenas in which we must excel, we cant only show up then. The ceiling for your own professional growth is in your hands. Questions provide an avenue for dialogue rather than dictation. What are some of the items on the first . Field Tip: Develop personal professional growth goals each year. Like anyone else, teachers do not want to listen to someone who doesn't genuinely care about them. 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. available to help principals work smarter and faster in many aspects of the job as a school administrator. I had to seek mentorship, professional development and resources, but most importantly, I had to rely on support from the staff to build my background knowledge . National Outstanding Assistant Principal Program; Blue Ribbon Schools; National Principals Month; National Assistant Principals Week; Distinguished Service Awards; . Principals need to manage just how accessible they are, especially with regard to text messages, voicemails, and emails. Ultimately, what matters is working collaboratively to do what's best for the children, not trying to market yourself as the owner of all things great in your school or district. 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. Each of us has individuals in our lives who embody an exceptional leader. October 30, 2020 . 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. You'll be remembered for your honesty, care, and passion for learning. The first 90 days of any job is crucial. First year assistant principal checklist. The other assistant has made comments about things that she would like to take off her plate as well. 4. If you cannot establish relationships, you are going to struggle to maximize your effectiveness. Some battles can never be won. Review Disability Accommodations Request Process (Academic Year) To help me with this, I find that keeping my actual list of to-do items written down in a notebook helps. This will truly be a. 2. I sure prefer the latter, but that isnt something you often stumble yourself into. He believes life should not be boring; school either. Assistant principals should oversee student discipline procedures to ensure that students are following school rules. 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. Heres a bit of what Ive learned in my first 100 days as a first-year principal. 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? Courtney Goodman is principal of Middleton Elementary School in Skokie, Illinois. Get to know everyone on a personal level. These actions can be empowering as they send the message that thoughts and opinions can make a difference. Training programs for administrative positions often focus on the role of the building principal, providing minimal context to an assistant principal position. Relationships come before everything. ^@ :C1X1RpA2fkLYD4 Though that trust must be earned, your work as an AP is far from overwhen you reach that point. Her predecessor as principal was "Eric the Red" (as he was known because of his hair). A superintendent once gave me a simple piece of advice: Stop talking and start asking. 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. 4E}]x_'5hyw+q4 Z|8CUq}i}p(1@v{k34mfggFdfl[2s[K5TBTgfRdIq*rF J`?[[PZ)Mgf/ SfMsGju\4 {Om'/W'2$jEjInNHA 9IzW! Probe for deeper meanings. But learning to delegate responsibility is the mark of mature leadership. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Yes, there is always the idea of getting your teachers up and running with Twitter (and Google+, LinkedIn, RSS feeds, digital newspapers, etc. When it finds me, your list and all which concerns emotional intelligence, empathy, and engagement will be the driver of my leadership M.O. The checklist includes the following topic areas: Welcome to the Pack. This is an encouraging blog to help assistant principals find their voice and strength in their role on campus! "They'll love it." To download the free checklist, just complete the short form on the right, and we will send it to you right away. I hope you end up managing each of those pulls well this year. After 365 days of employment, you will have the option of . The principal must establish clear boundaries and good working relationships with each of them. Finding the right balance for communication is critical. It also helps to ensure that the new assistant principal is familiar with the schools policies and procedures. Education Mentoring for new principals, once rare, is now required by half the nation's states. In today's connected world, all educators should be actively looking for ideas and resources from outside their district. Ferret out teachers who are less vocal, and respect those known to be less than supportive. 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. The Elementary school Principal's Calendar: A Month by Month Planner for the school Year Michael Terc and Ida Ayers. Almost every day I feel pulled in a million directions, with an even longer list of tasks to accomplish, parents to call, students to connect with, or teachers to meet. 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. Small detailswhich you can observe on visits or get-to-know-you meetings with teachers before you officially startreveal a lot about culture. Rich discussions will follow. Do teachers slip out before the buses have finished loading studentsor do they hang around helping kids? Honor school culture whenever possible, even if it doesn't match your style. And thats not quite fair. Discover ASCD's Professional Learning Services. Just because you can be available 24/7 doesnt mean you should be. x[[s~Lw;,vL>CyW=qV4' .x4mD@$ vP,~_,tz^No?U_^oN8=}Y 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. 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, there are some issues to avoid when using the checklist, such as failing to attend orientation and training programs, not meeting with the principal to discuss the assistant principals role in the school, and overscheduling oneself. % And you'll need to have district office personnel as partners whennot ifyou make your first big mistake. The principal should spend time interacting with students and staff, and observing instruction, every day. 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 July . 3. All rights reserved. By Courtney Goodman Communicator November 2019, Volume 43, Issue 3, There I sat in a conference room, surrounded by a dozen or so parents from the community, a Board of Education member, and the district superintendent. Hows your daughters basketball team playing? At the end of the week, check your percentages to make sure you are fulfilling your goals. Much respect for leading like you do and helping others become better. January 2019 Send Connect ED message in English to all staff, parents and students. Sit with a student and do the practice problem, talk to teachers about their children, or ask parents how they feel the school year is going. 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. The most important lesson in leadership is be you.. Year 1: Mentees will receive 40 hours of 1:1 mentoring, 7.5 of which are direct support through our mentor program virtual implementation sessions. Zero in on those issues that directly affect teaching and learning. Ideas, Inspiration, and Giveaways for Teachers, Practical advice, inspiration, and tools for K-12 school leaders. For admins just starting out, its helpful to establish relationships, visit classrooms, understand others, flatten the hierarchy, and become an active social media presence. One common role is to support the principal, which can look different in every setting. Student assessment administration training begins. ?fK#Iz0 "y>{3s.g=3>9+0?jV-dKgHJ'+4,RH`ENf?%,1[m 0 g>g}I'sZY I am strong in some of her weak areas, and we have discussed how we can both improve in multiple areas. What would you try if money or time werent barriers? |B}]N=.~ve\Y9T}`5(_f 7O1t*"/k1{Qv4DLSj@OJ@S3~9hkcwWMWq(:T ae Culture is the "surround" of the schoolthe air everybody breathes without conscious effort. The most unlikely corners of a school's culture can have symbolic value. Where you spend your time is where your values lie. Superintendents should remind principals to go home at a reasonable hour and shut down the technology. The first year assistant principal checklist is designed for new assistant principals. Be sure to make frequent visits to all classrooms. Well done! I am also fortunate to work in a small school district, where the superintendent is accessible via phone and email. $h591j}R3xW$i>"B3Yu`O'_nbYynbXY2uP March 30, 2021 Step 5: Mid-Year Conference: Meeting to discuss progress of goal attainment Consider participating in instructional learning opportunities so that you can continue to grow as a resource for teachers. Travel It pays dividends in building trust. ("I remember when I was pregnant and lay on that couch "). It lists your high-level priorities and actionable goals, as well as the metrics you'll use to measure success in those first three months. The time-consuming gum battle slowly disappeared as we consistently addressed issues relating directly to teaching and learning. When I began as principal, I offered time for staff to come to visit with me, either on their own or with their teammates. Title I Principal - Monthly Checklist Page 2 The brutal truth was that I did not have balance. Let secretaries, special education personnel, parent organizations, and so on manage their own spheres of responsibility. 3. The most important lesson in leadership is, be you. Authenticity, including recognizing our strengths and weaknesses, makes us better leaders. Ask yourself what you've done during other new seasons to find your groove, and take similar steps in this one. 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