| Answer |
Respondent |
| After working in districts with both categories of superintendents, I can say definitively that experience as a school administrator makes a huge difference with decision making; especially, when it relates to instruction. |
Anonymous |
| I think it would be difficult, working so closely with school level leaders to not know all that the job entails. |
Anonymous |
| Although other experience in helpful, without being a principal it is difficult to understand the day to day challenges of instructional leadership, irate parents, students with special needs, balancing the personalities and strengths/weaknesses of teaching staff etc. |
Anonymous |
| I have experienced many central office folk who have not had building experience as a principal. It is hard to know what is needed for support staff, programs, funding and students when you have not walked in the shoes of a building administrator. I believe you are a better leader when you have that experience as you are best able to support your building leaders in creating systemic, sustained change. |
Anonymous |
| I think it makes sense to have the district leader understand what the building leaders are dealing with day to day. |
Anonymous |
| Climbing the ladder has insight benefits. |
Anonymous |
| YES!! This is a MUST. |
Anonymous |
| They need to have first hand knowledge regarding the role and responsibilities of the principalship. This is necessary so that the superintendent can provide the needed guidance for school success. The Supt cabinet should have members who are experts in other fields such as finance, curriculum, educational laws but experience in leading a school has to be personal for effective leadership. |
Anonymous |
| And experiences at all levels, not just 1 level. Just can't have Elementary. |
Anonymous |
| The principalship is the lynchpin of a successful school. Superintendents need to understand the complexity and demands of school leadership. |
Anonymous |
| But, it helps! |
Anonymous |
| I’ve worked with both those with and those without experience. One of our best was a “without” and our worst was a “with”. |
Anonymous |
| I have worked for Superintendents and Assistant Superintendents who were not building leaders and they were harder to work for. Those who know what it takes to run a building are more appreciative and supportive in my experience. |
Anonymous |
| Absolutely!! I've experienced both sides. I left a district within two months knowing the new Super would not be effective. Nothing beats having someone who has been in the trenches, it's great to have someone you can learn from. Not a person who thinks how it should be from reading a book. |
Anonymous |
| I feel assistant principals are like nurses, they do a lot the work and the doctors receives all the credit. Administrative experience is useful but you don’t necessarily need to be a principal in my opinion. |
Anonymous |
