Tag: Assistant Principals
Simple Additions to Make Now
There are a few additions that you could make to any week: A few more veggies and fruits A bit more exercise A ounce more of laughter A minute more with those you love And then there are additions to make now. You can’t make them always. That’s because they are doors of opportunity. When…
Get the Gig
Landing your first principal job is no small feat. Likely, you’ve discovered some challenges already in this process. Maybe you’ve followed some principal interview tips and prepared the perfect answers to principal interview questions. Unfortunately, it’s not that easy. However, there is hope. And there are simple steps you can take to find the right…
Leading As Yourself
Work personality, work demeanor, work mindset, workwear, work friends, work, work, work. Where are you? Sure there are clear lines between personal and professional. However, where is your self? Research has shown that leaders who are vulnerable tend to relate better and lead better. Yet, it’s hard to be vulnerable, let alone be yourself, when…
Finding Mistakes
When editing my writing, I love finding mistakes. A mistake is one step closer to excellence. The same is probably true in all aspects of life and learning. Not all mistakes need to be a stumbling experience. Finding mistakes is different than making mistakes. We can certainly learn from making mistakes, but it’s much cleaner…
Thorns and Dams
Even the smallest thorn can stop the strongest runner. It’s a pain deep in a shoe that really can’t be ignored. The largest dams are massive structures. They are extremely successful at holding back unimaginable forces. Both are obstacles. Addressing obstacles is a central responsibility of leaders. Of course, it’s easier to address obstacles when…
When Leaders Connect
We marvel at the tight-rope walker because she’s all alone. She’s way up there with no support. She’s centimeters away from a dangerous fall. We marvel. But that’s about it. We don’t grow. Our abilities aren’t enlarged. It’s thrilling and entertaining. It’s not quality leadership. You know that school leadership can be a lonely, if…
Back to School Tasks as Vehicles
There’s so much to plan for as a school leader: master schedule, student schedules, hiring, handbooks, facility repairs, new student registration, instructional materials, and the list goes on. It’s easy to let tasks take center stage. However, what if tasks were thought of as vehicles? Yes, vehicles. What if instead of allowing the back to…
Just Because You Have a Position
There’s a tricky little balancing act between position, power, promise, and people. They are not all the same (obviously), but they each have a play in our identities. They each play a game in shaping our perceptions and self-efficacy. More importantly, they can impact your leadership, followership, or dictatorship. There’s a lot to unpack in that…
Empathy From an AP to Students
By the time you read this, she may no longer be an assistant principal, because this level of empathy belongs behind the principal’s desk, and she’s destined to get there soon! What did she do? Here’s a quote from assistant principal Alexa Musarelli Kehres, “50 notecards went out today to let my ‘repeat offenders’ know…