Today's guest blog is written by Barry Saide, a fifth grade teacher in Bernards Township, NJ

Becoming a new principal is tough. Having a vision, creating an organization that best represents that image, staying true your core while empowering others to fill theirs, it's all part of the process. It's even tougher when you take on the responsibility while still teaching full-time.

I know this, because I did this. For five years.

In 2008, my building Principal and Superintendent approached me about directing the Before and Aftercare program in the building I teach in. They were looking for someone to lead the program, as the district would be taking it over from an outside provider. This was an opportunity for me to build something. Create an entire school within a school: organize, budget, schedule, hire and observe staff, order food, handle all student discipline and parental communication. Make sure people were paid on time. It sounded great, and it was. It was also overwhelming

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