My Best Principal
Have you heard of ASCD? [“ASCD is a membership organization that develops programs, products, and services essential to the way educators learn, teach, and lead.”] I receive their magazine “Educational Leadership” monthly. At the end of the magazine, there is a section called, “Tell Me About A Time…” where readers (just like us!) can write in on specific topics. So, of course, I did!
The topic was:
Describe the best school principal you have ever known. Tell a story about what that principal did that made him or her memorable.
Here was my entry:
My 7 year teaching career has been filled with many leaders; 8 to be exact. At first, I thought this might be a negative series of events, but it has turned out to be a blessing. With my intent on becoming a principal of an elementary school in the future, these 8 leaders have shaped the type of leader I want to become. I have learned a lot about what I do and do not want to do or be as a leader and respect each leader for various reasons. The leader that stands out the most in my mind is my current principal (no not because it’s the most recent memory!).
I have had the privilege of really getting to know my principal on a personal level. I think the way we met makes the dynamic of our relationship different than any other leader I have had in the past. I took part in the interviewing panel to hire my current principal. Because I was sitting on the opposite side hearing her sell herself as an outstanding leader, I for the first time did not have to sell myself. This shift leveled the playing field and made our relationship one of two professionals working together towards a common goal- making our school excellent by focusing on what is best for students.
As a first year principal, she has demonstrated strong leadership for numerous reasons. Within this short time of knowing her, I have already witnessed a leadership style I would be honored to duplicate. Below I have compiled the qualities I identify as the reason behind her strong leadership style.
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Caring and Empathetic |
My principal makes personal contact with all staff members. Although her focus is on academics, she makes time to learn about the personal lives of the staff. As a mother of two young children, she is has a naturally caring demeanor. |
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Non-Emotional Decision Maker |
My principal looks at the facts when making a decision and reacts with professionalism and poise. She thinks through her decisions thoroughly, keeping students in the forefront of her mind. She does not react emotionally to negativity or personal confrontations. |
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Supportive of Teachers |
My principal believes teachers are knowledgeable in their subject area or grade level content. She respects the decisions that teachers make and treats them professionally. |
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Invests in Teachers |
My principal takes interest in the personal goals of staff members. She supports their efforts in attaining them. (For example, she knows my dream of becoming a principal and allowed me to shadow and interview her, provided me with experiences to lead the staff through professional development and planning meetings, and continually asks how she can help me. This personal investment has given me opportunities I would not have had if she had not opened the door.) |
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Puts Best Foot Forward |
My principal never lets what is going on with her professionally or personally carry out through the school building. She chooses a positive attitude always, smiling and engaging with staff members at every turn. She remains strong for her staff so that they only have to worry about themselves and their students. She demonstrates selfless character. |
For these reasons, I am pleased to say I work for a wonderful person and an outstanding leader. She has not only helped me become my best teaching self, but also a mature and strong leader within the school building. I can never repay her for the investment she has made in me; but, I promise to pay it forward and help other educators become their best selves so that students have the brightest of futures.
Who was your best school principal and why?
About the author, Gretchen
I am a teacher trainer and coach. Working elbow to elbow with teachers and teacher leaders to ensure instructional proficiency and student achievement soar lights me up. We have a real need in our nation for strong educators to remain in the field. My blog, book, podcast, courses and instructional materials are geared towards empowering teachers (and those that lead them) to receive the support needed to grow and thrive today, tomorrow and always.