A Network Connecting School Leaders From Around The Globe
By Peter DeWitt on April 16th, 2013
Smart Blog on Education
Most school districts do not hire a principal a few days before the school year begins. Principals are typically hired months before they can officially start in the district. After getting over the initial shock and excitement of being the person in charge, new school principals have to figure out what their next steps should be. Everyone is waiting to see what a leader will do first.
The longer it takes a new principal to make their first move, the more at risk they are that someone will be critical of them for not doing anything at all. It sounds unfair, especially if the new leader is still teaching or leading another building in a neighboring district, but it happens. With the right first move, a new leader can create some important relationships before they even finish their teaching duties.
What’s next?
Personal experience
Seven years ago, I was hired in early April to be a principal in a neighboring school district. I was teaching second grade in a city school and had to find a balance between both positions. Fortunately for me, I was taking over for someone who was moving into the assistant superintendent role in the same district. She could not have been more supportive!
The administrative team wanted me to be successful, so my predecessor and I created an entrance plan together. Although she was staying in the district, in many ways, she was still saying goodbye to staff. I didn’t want to step on her toes and she didn’t want to prevent me from opportunities to meet new people.
One night, the PTA put on a meet and greet with me and many parents attended with their children. Actually, the line of parents and children lasted for more than three hours. It was a great venue to meet people, and my late secretary Sue stood next to me offering to help as she introduced families. It was kind of like the scene from “The Devil Wears Prada” where Anne Hathaway stood behind Meryl Streep providing her with the names of people … only Sue stood by my side.
I also visited the school during the day and my predecessor put together a schedule for me so I could spend quality time in each grade level. I ate with second-graders, had recess with third-graders, and had the opportunity to meet the whole staff. By the time I officially started the new position, I knew everyone.
In the end
Getting a school leadership position is exciting, but it’s only the beginning. It’s important that new school leaders make the effort to meet staff, students and parents before their position officially begins.
Sharon, the assistant superintendent, and Sue, our late secretary were instrumental in the success of the transition. The following are a few of the key things that Sue did for me:
Servant leader
Transitioning into the role of a new school leader takes time and effort, but it will help them have a bigger impact when they officially begin the position.
Peter DeWitt is an elementary principal in Averill Park, N.Y. He blogs at Finding Common Ground for Education Week and is the author of “Dignity for All: Safeguarding LGBT Students,” published by Corwin. He can be found atPeterMDewitt.com. Connect with DeWitt on Twitter @PeterMDeWitt.
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