Mar-c Holland
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Gwynn Park High School
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1.Keep a journal of daily tasks and duties. This will help you to prioritize, remember, keep track and stay efficient
2.Be positive, take one day at a time and enjoy each moment
3. Build and maintain relationships with as many students, staff, parents, community members as you can. It truly takes a village.
4. Follow policy, you will never lose this way
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Yolanda Coleman
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Thurgood Marshall Middle School
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Stay within the administrative policy guidelines and ask questions.
Organize time management and prioritize your duties.
Build and maintain relationships with your staff and parents . Understand your school culture.
Remember teamwork is very important.
Remember to make time for yourself to stay healthy.
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LaShaunda Haynes
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Drew-Freeman Middle School
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Learn/know/understand the culture of the community in which you are working, school and administration.
Develop relationships with ALL stakeholders and other APs and administrators outside of your building.
Keep a To-Do-List daily to keep track of the work to be done.
Keep a journal of your first year experience to see your growth through the year.
If you do not start at the beginning of the year, don’t panic! Take it slow and work with your principal and administration to make the transition smoothly.
If you are in the same building, you may need to RE-develop relationships with colleagues/friends, so they understand your new role.
Develop a “project” within your building that is your own “baby”, it will help to purpose your work in the school daily.
Stay within the realm of the principal’s vision for the school and the county’s vision for education.
Take time for you, that includes lunch, mental health days and vacations.
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Andrea Thomas-Munson
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Thomas Johnson MS
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Use a journal for notes and your to-do lists. Feels good to check things off as they are done, AND it keeps a record of tasks completed.
Don’t forget to take time for self-care!
As you have ideas, make note of them--use your phone’s technology or keep a small notepad handy.
Jewel #3--This is definitely a practice I found very useful!
Thick skin is necessary!
You may need to print out some documents to post in a very visible spot--keeps these details in the forefront of your attention.
If you are a “vent-er,” be mindful whose ears you choose OR try to find a different form of release--You don’t want your business and what you might have said floating around the building or further.
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Jewel Preston
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Rose Valley ES
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Follow policy...period
Keep the students first...remember we do this for the students, not the parents, teachers or anyone else.
Think before you react, in every situation. It’s always ok to say you need time to think or research before responding.
Use your resources...talk to other APs, principals and people who have walked in these shoes before you.
Make yourself a priority...this career will consume your life if you let it!
Plan your time wisely...winging it doesn’t work in administration.
Don’t take ANY of it personally.
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Andrew Dalton
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Melwood ES
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Connect to your staff, be visible and spend time daily in your classrooms.
Trust yourself, you are not in this position by accident. You are an AP because of your strengths and skills in administrative leadership
Don’t try to tackle too many “Big Rocks”, focus on measureable change for the year.
Use your APIP colleagues. The relationship you build with these people will help you tremendously as you go through the year. They are walking the same walk as you.
Trust your Principal, learn from them, yet at the same time stay true to yourself and be independant.
Follow policy and Procedure but apply it to each individual situation. Not everything is black and white.
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Rhodora Alonzo
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Frances Fuchs ECC
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Journal and calendar was very helpful.
Prioritize tasks and manage your time wisely.
Make connections to the staff and students, be visible and approachable in the classrooms and hallways.
Advocate for yourself for opportunities to grow as an administrator.
Be open for more ideas, suggestions and don’t hesitate to ask questions.
Remember that we cannot control the kind of work that we have to face everyday, but we have control over the attitude that we bring to our workplace. Always aim for positive intentions.
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Andrew Zanghi
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Beltsville Academy
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Don’t be afraid to ask questions, especially when it comes to policy and procedures
Take time to watch, listen, observe before trying to force anything. Take it slow.
Use your calendar to prioritize responsibilities
Relax, enjoy the students, talk with the staff
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Tiwana R. Cook
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Oxon Hill Middle
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Observe the personalities on your Administrative Team and the staff (expect to go through the different phases of the Group Development).
Identify ways you can contribute positively.
Keep a record/list of the highlights of your week. This makes it much easier for the reflections due.
Maintain a binder (include (SPED Process Guide, Administrative, 2250 and PGCEA guidelines).
If you are not familiar with technology, make it and its f
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Ebony Mauldin
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Waldon Woods
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Be very observant of the people you work with. Using what you have learned about them will help to bridge a conductive relationship.
Have evidence and support for all decisions you make.
When making decisions make sure that you stick within policy and practice.
If at first you don’t succeed, take your hat off and try again.
You will wear many hats.
Think outside the box and admit to your biases your may have in a situation.
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Kendra Hill
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Benjamin Stoddert MS
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Identify processes: (a) behavior referrals (PS-74, Morning Detention, ISS, Suspension), (b) accessing resources for students, staff, & self (ie; composition books, pencils, I-Pads, laptops)
Identify Schedules: (a) Transitions, (b) Vertical Planning Meettngs, (c) Horizontal Planning meetings
Keep a Log or a Google Doc with links for all of the different Google Docs you use (so they’re easy to find)
Take the time to interact casually with staff to make connections and make sure they feel supported.
Utilize Google Calendar for all meetings & activities, so you can access it from everywhere (as individuals e-mail you invites or you invite others, your calendar will update).
Learn the roles of others, so that you can ensure clear communication, expectations, & accountability.
Consistently document issues to utilize tiered disciplinary action for staff (informal verbal, informal written/e-mail, Letter of Counsel, Letter of Reprimand).
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Ryan Daniel
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Calverton ES
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Follow policy always!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions or gain clarification about things.
Observe the building, staff, admin team before making any changes.
Keep a calendar, multiple calendars if possible.
Get to know your staff individually, as a grade level/team-it will help when courageous conversations are needed
Find another AP (seasoned or new) that you can bounce ideas, situations, and problems with. It helps to have someone outside of the building to give you another perspective
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Laura Carr-Degen
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James H. Harrison
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1. Be reflective. The first year is about staying in a learning mindset.
2. Maintain and establish communication structures with all other AP’s that will guide you through the year i.e is it email, texting, face to face
3. Take time to build relationships with your teachers. This builds the structures for than being receptive to effective feedback which moves students.
4. Continue to teach and build your understanding around content and instructionally delivery especially as we continue to transition assessments and dive deeper into common core.
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Lynda Granady
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Glenridge ES
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Use the resources in your school for assistance, don’t feel as if you are the only one to handle situations.
Show appreciation for your staff at all times.
Keep a journal of everything.
Ask questions if you don’t know the answers.
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Shawnte Richeson
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G. James Gholson Middle School
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Lashawn Terrell
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Adelphi ES
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Don’t take things personal.
Get to know your staff.
Always do what you stay you are going to do.
Build relationships with everyone on your team.
Have a shut off time. Know when to stop working.
Accept Feedback.
Don’t try to do everything on your own.
Ask a lot of questions.
Don’t think that you have to know everything.
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I found this to be very helpful. There are a few points that really stick out. Time Management, Ask questions, establishing rapport within the building, follow policy and organizational structures are points that really stood out to me. I am in the process of developing structures that I will use to assist me in these areas. I am feeling positive about the transition, but I do realize that there is a lot to get done during the course of day. Having these suggestions in place will aid me having a successful school year.
ReplyDeleteThe advice is truly valuable. Each person touched on a particular topic/aspect of the job. This matters to me because I am taking it day by day, and trying to do it all. Reading this advice helped me to know that I was not alone. That it was okay to ask questions and to have a cut off time for work. I realized I don't have all the answers. And, I need to slow down sometimes, and give myself a little break to avoid work overload. I will take this advice to heart as I move into the fifth week of school. And, I do plan to revisit each entry from time to time, just to get myself refocused and recharged for the coming the week.
ReplyDeleteI am happy to know someone else feels as if they need to slow down as well. We all really want to do a great job for the children but we have to remember if we are not healthy we cant help. Wooooosaaaaah has become my daily meditation. It really works! LOL!
DeleteThe two suggestions that stood out to me the most are to not be afraid to ask questions and take time to observe. I am in a new school this year after being in one building for 11 years. I am use to knowing the ins and outs of how every day operations work, the students, parents and teachers. Being new to the building and new to the Montessori program, I find myself stepping back and observing how the school functions as a whole and developing my understanding of the Montessori program. I am also taking as many opportunities to observe my principal in action to develop my skills. I find myself asking many questions and after reading the responses from the previous assistant principals, I will continue to do so.
ReplyDeleteThe advice given here is affirming in a lot of ways. This year is about learning and asking questions. I am used to being in the know and this year I am working in a different capacity so there is a shift that needs to be made and adjustment in my actions. It is important to take the position of a learner and ask when you are unsure or unclear. Reflection is the next big ticket. Taking the time to personally review your day or situations that arise is key in preparing yourself for the next encounter and handling it swiftly and efficiently. Learning, understanding, and applying policy appropriately is also key in this role. It is how we remain consistent, fair, and protected should a situation get sticky. The common thread in the advice is this is a year of learning and growth and I appreciate that!
ReplyDeleteIn the role as an Educational Instructional leader, the meaning of the statement is clear, "Taking the Bull by the horns." Many days things are charging at you, and there will be days when you'll know exactly what to do, and there will be days when you'll have no clue. But, as the advice given by many previous APIP I members, you have to position yourself to be a learner. There is a real danger in thinking you know it all. If you assume the role of a learner as well as a reflector, then you'll more than likely make better and effective decisions as a leader.
ReplyDeleteAs I view all of the "pearls of wisdom"I find the areas of foci to be knowledge of rules and regulations, school resources (people and materials), time management and daily duties. It appears the overarching theme is "Welcome to Freshman Year of Assistant Principal 101". I found myself utilizing every piece of advice listed above during my first two days as an assistant principal! I am happy to know I am not traveling this road alone and have guides to assist me along the way. As I told my principal, I used to pretend to be Lynda Carter and twirl like Wonder Woman. There are days when I stand and look at all of my tasks, teachers, and babies and my mind instantly begins to twirl! My mind races and spins as I begin to feel out of sorts. Inevitably one of my babies will bring me back to the land of "reason"! (smile) They remind me of my one true objective. As the song says "The Point of It All"....my kids!
ReplyDeleteI thank you for the insight you have provided. These ideas will assist me as the year continues to progress. There are several points that stand out. Policy, time management and rapport building appear to be the common theme amongst new instructional leaders. While I am still learning the ins and out of this new position, my familiarity with daily school interactions remains comforting. I will focus more on time management to ensure that I am maximizing overall efficiency because the work of an administrator is never done. My positive impact on educators and our young scholars is the biggest reward of this job.
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ReplyDeleteI truly appreciate all of you taking time out to give me some words of encouragement and wisdom. Key items were all through the reading and almost the same: be positive, follow policy, time management, build relationships with staff members, parents, and the community. I have been in my school for 6 years and now my role has changed. It is truly a shift. I am learning new things everyday. Re-establishing relationships with staff with my new role really has helped. Not only am I reading this article for this assignment; it is truly a resource. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteSeptember 25, 2016 at 8:48 AM
This is a treasure of advice. Thanks to all the friends that took their time to share their experience with us. Some highlights I've written down so I can remember is to take time for life, to rest, to listen, to know others, to rethink and refresh. It is a busy job that seems to be non-stop.
ReplyDeleteMy goal this year is to get use to journal, calendar and take notes of everything. Sometimes my nature of doing and getting things done keeps me in high speed. Other aspect that I will take is follow policies and ask questions; that's how I learn and it'll help me get better every day. I have come back to this blog various times; it feels great to know that you are not alone and that we are all in the same path. Thanks for your support!
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ReplyDeleteThe reflections from the first-year assistant principals were reaffirming for me (especially after these first 5 weeks in high school). The key areas of focus that stood out to me as a new AP were time management, following policy, and asking questions for clarity.
ReplyDeleteThese 3 areas were consistently stated in the article. By the time, I got to the 4th reflection, I was like WOW! The reflections hit home because I need to work on my time management so I can get into the classrooms more consistently and frequently. It also affirmed that I am being proactive when I ask my principal and other assistant principals so many questions in regards to our county's procedures on discipline, field trips, etc.
I learned from the article that keeping a journal for reflection will help build my capacity as a school leader. We reflect regularly as an admin team on school-related issues and events but I have not taken time to reflect on my own personal leadership practices.
I also appreciate that the article reiterates that we need to take time for ourselves. I am enjoying the Largo HS staff and students so much that I am often in the building way too long after school. This is beginning to shave off time that I should be home with my own child.
In addition to the advice that I will apply to my own practice, the major point I will be putting into effect immediately will be using my Google Drive and folders for all the different documents I use (master schedule, bullying forms, suspension paperwork, college readiness team docs).
The advice given in the article addressed the following PGCPS Leadership Standards: School Wide Instruction, Shared Vision, Human Resources and Managerial Leadership. These are areas that align with my professional development plan
In closing, the article gave me an opportunity to examine my own performance objectives and to reflect on whether I will be able to accomplish them at the rate I am going now as a new assistant principal.
Based on the advice given for 1st year administrators, what stood out to me most was time management, prioritizing, keeping a journal, following policy and procedure, asking questions, and taking it one day at a time. As an assistant principal on the high school level, you have several departments and programs you supervise in addition to observations, morning and lunch duty, paperwork, meetings, coverage for after school activities, staff, parents, and students, at times it seems you are pulled in many different directions and time is not on your side. I recall being asked to come to a meeting being held by one of my departments and when I walked in I said good morning to everyone, I had to correct myself, I could not believe it was the afternoon with one hour left in school, it was just that busy that particular day. So as I reflect on the school year thus far time management, prioritizing tasks, and keeping a journal are essential.
ReplyDeleteI also think it is great advice to understand the importance of building relationships in your building and with the community. Greeting the staff and students in the morning with a smile, taking time to meet with our community partners, and attending after school activities to greet parents and show support for the students are great ways to build a rapport. Making sure you respond to parents in a timely fashion to address an issue or answer a question, meeting with students to assist them, and addressing staff concerns are also ways of building relationships.
Understanding the importance of following policy and procedures is crucial. Being over the special education department it is important to make sure we are in compliance at all times. If clarity is needed regarding a situation, I make sure I ask questions and follow policy and procedures in order to make sure we are compliant. It is also important to follow-up and keep a log of outstanding tasks.
There are so many demands for this position, taking it one day at a time and pacing yourself is important. I understand everything cannot be done on one day nor can every issue be addressed in one day so it is important to prioritize the task, keep a journal of task, and pace yourself. I feel it was great advice to say take it one day at a time and I definitely receive this advice.
This was very helpful! I intended to jot down a couple of "good ones" as I read. I found I wrote down 13! Lots of the suggestions spoke to me directly. A couple of gems I fished out: use your resources, don't try to do it all, keep often-referred to docs close by (2250, PGCEA docs, Ad Procedures,etc) and don't take it personally.
ReplyDeleteI was elated to receive this opportunity to continue to support my school community in a new way. However, it has not been without its transitional challenges. I look forward to journaling throughout this year and seeing the growth at the end. Thank you to those who took the time to sow these pearls.
My subject/area of focus is two-fold: time management and keeping a journal. The journal will help me be reflective and also ensure deadlines are being met. Working on time management will help me not get bogged down in one area/idea/project; it will force me to devote segmented time to the task at hand and then move to the next thing.
While the feedback given touches many of the PGCPS Leadership Standards, the three that were raised most often were standard 1, standard 4, and standard 5. Standard 1 speaks to the mechanics of teaching, having adequate time and student growth. Many of the suggestions shared help with getting this work done. Standard 4 talks about the shared vision and collaborative work. The suggestions of time management, getting to know staff and being visible will really help with that. Standard 5 speaks to school culture. Several of the second year APs addressed knowing your colleagues and building relationships.
This work is large and can definitely be overwhelming. However, with a clear vision forward and lots of positive support, achievement is attainable and my colleagues and I can all be seen as top notch successes in the field of education here in Prince George's County!
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DeleteThe AP advice blog is very helpful as it confirms that feelings and experiences you’re having as a first year Administrator are natural. In addition, beneficial strategies are being shared among a network of colleagues to help build on our craft. There were several strategies and words of advice that stood out but the one’s that resonated with me the most were to build relationships and to take time for yourself.
ReplyDeleteBuilding relationships are essential when you are in the business of working with people, regardless of age. Staff, students, parents, stakeholders, and other colleagues need to feel a sense of trust and confidence in the Administrators they rely on for ensuring a safe, orderly, and respectful environment. It is important to foster a culture of positive rapport in our field of work.
While I have yet to figured out how to take time for myself in my personal life, it is an even bigger challenge in the professional setting. There never seems to be enough time in a day to carryout the roles and responsibilities of an Administrator and incorporate time for lunch and just simply some “me time.” However, I agree that it is a must in order to avoid letting the job consume you.
On a final note, one of the ways that I have attempted to have work-life balance is by using a “things-to-do” and “reflection” journal as mentioned in the advice blog. It has been helpful in mapping out everything that needs to be done and with appropriate priority. It has also helped me to assess my time management and organization along the way. Later, I will have my reflections to use when scenarios arise again or to provide leadership coaching to others. This piece of advice was very useful and I would recommend that it isn’t being done, to start!
These words of wisdom are reaffirming and will provide guidance throughout the year. Having started as an AP half way through last year, I can say I have personally used some of these tips. I am still struggling to adhere to all the advice. Writing down everything throughout the day has proven valuable when something related comes up in the future. Finding a consistent system that always works and is always accessible is my sticking point. I write in a journal and I have an electronic system I am not trying to use that syncs to all my devices.
ReplyDeleteI have a "baby" program and am finding it hard to give it my attention that I believe it deserves. It is very busy in high school and my day can get hijacked by a myriad of situations at any given moment. The reflection and journal is key in these moments. I need a minute to step back and review the day.
Follow policy is repeated and it is key. Knowing where to find policy and following policy will always ensure you are following the correct path and leaves no room for second guessing yourself.
I recognize the importance of a work-life balance and I have always struggled with this. I have my moments and now my life also consists of being a doctoral student, making a work-school-life balance very difficult.
I appreciate the advice and will revisit some tips throughout the year.
Reading the blog and reflections of prior APIP1 participants has been comforting. I have found that my experiences in this AP life are not unusual or unique to me, personally. I honed in on several areas of focus; there were many similarities amongst the posts (which is good). However, time management/prioritizing and taking time for self-care stood out to me most, as they are all intertwined.
ReplyDeleteTime Management: In regards to time management, I have found it challenging in this area. Even when I have the best intentions of completing certain tasks by a certain deadline, there are always things that just come up and take away precious time from completing those planned tasks. I find that dealing with disciplinary issues (talking with students to ascertain details of incidents that happen in school, calling parents, completing appropriate forms to send home) are time-consuming and can sidetrack a good portion of a day’s work.
Prioritizing: For a first-year AP, everything seems like a priority to me. I do rely heavily on my AP colleagues in my building when I am faced with multiple tasks that seem of equal importance to me.
Self-Care: Lastly, time for self-care can often get lost in the course of the day for an AP. Even basic necessities like eating lunch have been put on the backburner to handle work tasks. Though I fully understand the importance of taking time to do such things, it has been difficult to fit it in in a timely fashion some days. I think it would be helpful to schedule lunch (in my calendar) during the same time everyday.
I’ve learned that the administrative policy and procedure is one of the most important tools in an AP’s toolkit. Following policy helps to keep APs safe in their work – though not everything is in black and white and context must be taken into consideration.
Because of the hectic nature of AP life, keeping a journal sounds like a very good strategy to document our experiences and help to keep us on track.
In closing, as new APs, there is a lot to learn. However, we are not in this position alone. We have resources at our fingertips (our principals, APs in our building, other APIP1 participants, etc.) on which we can call with questions, concerns, and advice. With these sources of support and the helpful strategies and tips provided in this blog, I feel a little more empowered to tackle this job.
Reading the blog and reflections of prior APIP1 participants has been comforting. I have found that my experiences in this AP life are not unusual or unique to me, personally. I honed in on several areas of focus; there were many similarities amongst the posts (which is good). However, time management/prioritizing and taking time for self-care stood out to me most, as they are all intertwined.
ReplyDeleteTime Management: In regards to time management, I have found it challenging in this area. Even when I have the best intentions of completing certain tasks by a certain deadline, there are always things that just come up and take away precious time from completing those planned tasks. I find that dealing with disciplinary issues (talking with students to ascertain details of incidents that happen in school, calling parents, completing appropriate forms to send home) are time-consuming and can sidetrack a good portion of a day’s work.
Prioritizing: For a first-year AP, everything seems like a priority to me. I do rely heavily on my AP colleagues in my building when I am faced with multiple tasks that seem of equal importance to me.
Self-Care: Lastly, time for self-care can often get lost in the course of the day for an AP. Even basic necessities like eating lunch have been put on the backburner to handle work tasks. Though I fully understand the importance of taking time to do such things, it has been difficult to fit it in in a timely fashion some days. I think it would be helpful to schedule lunch (in my calendar) during the same time everyday.
I’ve learned that the administrative policy and procedure is one of the most important tools in an AP’s toolkit. Following policy helps to keep APs safe in their work – though not everything is in black and white and context must be taken into consideration.
Because of the hectic nature of AP life, keeping a journal sounds like a very good strategy to document our experiences and help to keep us on track.
In closing, as new APs, there is a lot to learn. However, we are not in this position alone. We have resources at our fingertips (our principals, APs in our building, other APIP1 participants, etc.) on which we can call with questions, concerns, and advice. With these sources of support and the helpful strategies and tips provided in this blog, I feel a little more empowered to tackle this job.
I agree with your reflection on self-care. In this profession, it is so easy to neglect my self in order to complete all the tasks day to day. I need to make sure to take care of myself as well as take time regularly during the day to reflect upon my practices and take a "mental break".
DeleteThis advice was very helpful and I will use and refer to it often. A few comments had a common theme and resonated with me. My take aways are:
ReplyDelete1. Build relationships with my APIP Cohort, the staff in the building and my school community as a whole.
2. Reflect often and keep a journal
3. Follow policy and procedure
4. Remember to take some time for myself
These are all things that as educators we know we need to do but it is reassuring that many of us have similar thoughts and feelings.
Following policy and procedure is another great tidbit. It's a learning experience but asking plenty of questions and doing a bit of research helps with understanding it all better and building confidence.
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ReplyDeleteI think what I got out of this blog is that I need to slow down and reflect more on what I do well and how I can improve in areas I still need to grow. But, I must not forget to take care of myself and continue to laugh and enjoy what I am doing. It is a learning process and if I knew everything already then I wouldn't need to continue my journey. Having an outside support system is necessary and networking with colleagues in the same position will help me from thinking I am losing my mind. I am stretching as a leader and sometimes it isn't easy to be vulnerable and open to critiques, but it is needed to make me a more well rounded person.
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ReplyDeleteI truly enjoyed reading the advice provided by first year assistant principals. Suggestions that appealed to me most related to time management, culture assessment and development, adherence to policies and procedures, journaling, and work-life balance. Though I have tapped into some of the above-mentioned suggestions prior to reading the advice shared, I will take pride in executing consistency when following through with the outlined strategies in moving forward. It is extremely important for me to serve as an effective educational leader, in fulfilling my administrative responsibilities.
ReplyDeleteFollowing Dr. White's organizational management session, during APSLI, I purchased a journal to house documents related to school systems and structures, policies and procedures, and school data. Additionally, I created a Google calendar to ensure that I remained aware of important dates to remember. This has proven to be helpful.
I find that creating a work-life balance and adhering to an established time management system can be difficult for me at times. Given the tasks that are presented to me daily, I stay late at work often. To ensure that this does not become a problem, I would like to create a consistent patterns chart to outline my day-to-day responsibilities. Maintaining a reflective journal would also prove to be useful, as documenting my reflections would encourage me to continue to improve and learn from my experiences.
I look forward to referring back to the advice provided by first year principals throughout the academic year. I am also excited about the opportunity to forge relationships with my APIP I colleagues, to learn from them as well.
The advice on reflection and keeping a journal or log of daily duties was most helpful. Reflection is an area that I plan on focus on better and a log of how I handle discipline issues and teachers concerns.
ReplyDeleteAs I read through the advice it gave me assurance that each AP has faced many of the obstacles that I see and foresee and building strong professional relationships are essential for providing support and encouragement.
Continuing to stay positive, getting engaged in the community, and investing in a project that will help become vested will be and focused. I appreciate how the advice lined up with the leadership principals gave a better perspective on how it looks in a school each day.
As I read the reflections given I was very appreciative and it was a reminder that I am not in this alone. I am already doing a couple of things recommended but I also highlighted and made a mental note of that advice that was common(ie keeping a journal, establishing relationships etc.) I am beginning to see how important these things are in being a successful AP and plan to implement those things I have not started doing.
ReplyDelete1.) Organization- keep calendars updated and document all things- I need to ensure I am placing things into folders on my Google Drive in an organized way in order to access efficiently
ReplyDelete2.) Resources- take advantage of the principal's expertise and learn from my colleagues
3.) Time Management- prioritize tasks and ensure I am also taken care of
I'm seeing that I have to stay extremely disciplined in management of my time and resources. I can't be afraid to ask for support when I'm uncertain of things. Stay positive!
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ReplyDeleteI am very grateful for all of the advice and glad to hear that I am not alone. Some of the advice I am going to keep in the forefront of my mind the following:
ReplyDelete1) Be organize and follow policy
2) Take time for self
3) Build relationships with staff,parents, and students
4) Ask for help from other APs
The greatest issue I am finding is trying to find a balance between work and personal life. I will not deny that I do feel as if my life is the school because I wake up and go to sleep thinking about my school and how to make it a safe and education rich environment.
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ReplyDeleteFirst, let me say thank you to everyone who shared their advice. It is truly reassuring to know that there are so many resources as I begin a new role in a new school system. Already, in just one month on the job, I have learned the importance of prioritizing, adhering to policy, and maintaining organized records. I very much appreciate Mar-c's advice to keep a daily journal of tasks/duties. Not only has this has helped me keep track of my responsibilities as an administrator, but it has provided me with the personal space to reflect on my practice and evaluate my own performance as I respond to situations within my building.
ReplyDeleteI suppose I should include my name here... - Daniel Sass
DeleteI have sincerely appreciated the advice given in these blog posts! Building relationships, which was advice given by several people, has been one of my keys in adjusting to my transition. I am so thankful for the number of people in this county who are willing to reach out and help! I think my largest struggle and biggest take away has been the advice around staying organized and keeping up with the details. Based on the advice given, I have created several different calendars and am keeping a journal. These have both helped tremendously. I also appreciate what Andrew Dalton said, “Trust yourself. You are not in this position by accident.” Words I live by.
ReplyDeleteWOW!! Everything from "trust yourself. You are not in this position by accident" to " follow policy" were all insightful words. The advice shared was helpful to understand that we are ALL in this together. It helped me put things into perspective as a new AP and new the county. I want to thank APIP II cohort members for taking the time to share their encouraging words and expert advice! Also, I want to always keep myself reminded that nothing can done without prioritizing and organization. These will both be things I will be working on this year for my professional and personal life.
ReplyDeleteBest,
Courtney Forbes
I appreciate the feedback about keeping a journal; staying organized is a lifetime work in progress for me. I have become famous for my little blue notebook that I carry around with me all over the building. It has helped both my Principal and me reference things that have happened in the past for future action. Also, the advice about policies resonates with me. As I am a "gold," rules and policies are important to me. Relationship building is one of my strengths and I plan to leverage my strength as a relationship builder throughout my career.
ReplyDeleteMy biggest take away after reviewing all of the content is the importance of adhering to school policies and procedures. it is imperative to reference to the student rights and responsibilities handbook for all matters in regards to understanding policy and disciplinary procedures. All administrators should adhere to all guidelines listed in efforts to understand what is needed to help to manage the building.
ReplyDeleteAnother important review to comment on is the importance of accessing and utilizing the google calandar or a system that be-suits you. By utilizing the calandar thus far, I have been able to understand how to structure my meetings, plannings, and work time along with others schedules so that I am able to be a strong instructional leader.
- RYAN S. NOVITSKI
DeleteWhat a wonderful reflection tool. I found this advice truly insightful and I love how authentic and real the responses were. I often find that journaling can be difficult for me, but I love the idea of having a "listening ear" to engage in reflection with. Furthermore, it helps get feedback from your peers as well as more seasoned administrators who have learned from their experiences. The one on one debrief or reflection helps to keep yourself professionally, emotionally and mentally healthy. This is imperative in order to be a strong and effective assistance principal.
ReplyDeletePost by Davonia D. Bryant
ReplyDeleteThe advice from the second year Assistant Principals was very useful. The points that really resonated with me were: stay within the administrative policies, organize your time and prioritize, make time for yourself and have a shut off time, and develop relationships with all stakeholders.
ReplyDeleteKeeping this advice in the forefront of my mind will help me stay focused. I definitely need to work on the shut off time. I am constantly thinking about what I need to do at work and what I can do to help things move smoothly and effective at work.
I am looking forward to building on each day's learning opportunities in order to have a positive impact on my school community.
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ReplyDeleteAfter reading the postings, I feel like I am a part of a unique group to people. Most of us will do anything to improve the lives of children. We are excellent workers.
ReplyDeleteRhodora Alonzo stated, "Prioritize tasks and manage your time wisely." This advice really summarized my month of September. I found myself at times too busy to eat lunch. I sometimes realized at the end of the day I did not take time to break of eat the entire day. I am constantly working from the minute I enter the building until it is time to leave.
I am the Testing Coordinator as well, and we have been testing the entire month of September. I am trying to learn to manage my time wisely and give myself a break during the day. I love my work and Ardmore family. I am constantly looking for improvement.
This advice has been extremely helpful. There are a several pieces of advice that have assisted me in my first few months as an AP. Adhering to administrative policies and procedures, using Google calendar to organize meetings and conferences, and not being afraid to ask questions are just a few pieces of advice that I have utilized recently. I have come to realize that the world of an Assistant Principal is very fast pace. Therefore, it is imperative that I am organized and responsive to situations in a timely and accurate fashion.
ReplyDeleteThank you to everyone for the sound advice!
Having read this advice earlier in the school year, it resonated as sound, sensical, and important. Reading this advice nearing the end of the first quarter, it means so much more. Coming into the assistant principal position, I knew every day would offer something different and there would be little downtime. I was up for the challenge! But the sheer volume of job duties and responsibilities, learning, and APIP assignments have been nonstop at best and overwhelming at worst. The advice that seemed like common sense and practical to apply, but now being in the thrall of "lunch-less" days, dealing with conflicting prioritize, long hours, and no time for self, I see the importance of not only knowing the practical nature of such advice but to also make a quality effort to build that advice into your day. As an achiever, I like to accomplish tasks to feel satisfied and content, but when there are so many short and long term tasks that it is key for me to able to feel rewarded by smaller benchmarks of progress. Another positive aspect of the reading all of the advice is that there are common themes amongst many AP posters which means that the first year AP experience has similar themes no matter where you are.
ReplyDeleteThis article serves as a very useful resource that I will make reference to throughout this first year. I see my experience as a first year Assistant Principal being reflected in almost all of the recommendations given, so I will briefly touch on just a few:
ReplyDelete1) “Don’t try to tackle too many ‘Big Rocks,’ focus on measurable change.” By Andrew Dalton.
This quote has guided me in a direction of focus and cohesiveness, and has assisted me in revising my Professional Development Plan. After an initial review of the Leadership Standards I began to get a little overwhelmed when trying to figure out how I would achieve each. After focusing on my area of need and recognizing its alignment with the school’s needs, I was able to see how the standards were interrelated. Additionally, I was able to hone in on particular standards, identify areas where I could produce evidence of change, and plan to meet the expectations of many of the other standards through the implementation of cross standard activities.
2) “Stay within the realm of the principals vision for the school and the county’s vision for education.” By LaShaunda Haynes.
“Understand the school culture.” By Yolanda Coleman.
When identifying my needs in order to move forward with my growth plan for the year, it was vital that there must be alignment between my plan and the principal’s vision, as well as what the county expects from us as leaders. I came into this position with a wealth of ideas in terms of improving teaching and learning, and I quickly realized the importance of the school as a whole being on one accord, and taking into consideration the school’s culture. What works at one school may not necessarily work at another school. Being at a school where there is true collaboration has allowed me to engage in shared decision making.
I appreciate the comments and advice given by those who have walked in our shoes ahead of us. The points that resonated with me most are: "Spend time daily in classrooms", "be visible", "think before you react", "It's ok to research before you respond", "follow policy". Being that I am responding to this blog at this point in the year, I must say that these pieces of advice are definitely accurate and helpful. So many distractions come each day, so I am sure to plan to visit classrooms early in the day and early in the week. I make sure to make it a priority, even if I have to excuse myself from another task. I prioritize and place classroom visits on top of my list. I appreciate the "research before responding" because we are faced with so many situations where we must respond and make decisions on the spot. So, that reminder helps. It is ok to say I will get back to you on that. Being visible is something I learned from a former principal. I station myself in the hallway at times, with my laptop. That way staff may stop and talk to me. I may see something that needs my attention. I am also in a position to prevent something from taking place, just by being present. Thank you to all who took the time to share. Lauri Hay, Kettering Elem.
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