Two tips that particularly resonate with me as I look back and reflect on my first year as a principal are "grow some leather and schedule yourself to be with students." Tough skin is a MUST....The principalship is not for the faint at heart. There are so many competing events during the school day that you MUST, you MUST, you MUST spend (quality) time with students...Even if that means putting it on your calendar!
The tips are below, but please click on the highlighted link below to read in further detail about each tip.
1. Meet with all of your staff in the summer. (I will add...if you can or as soon after you are appointed as you can).
2. Honor the History of your school.
3. Identify the major players and support them.
4. ...be fair to all.
5. Be kind, caring, and respectful in all of your relationships and be willing to apologize.
6. Focus on school and classroom culture.
7. Budget...
8. Grow some leather.
9. Get to know your facility.
10. Set fewer and more succinct goals in Year 1
11. Model great practice.
12. Keep your "Immediate Supervisor" in the loop (The original tip said keep your "Superintendent" in the loop. In larger school districts you may have other individuals they you need to report to and not directly to the school's district superintendent, i.e. Instructional Director, Area Superintendent).
13. Communicate well with your staff and community.
14. Find a mentor.
15. Schedule yourself to be with students.
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