School Leader:
A school principal is the primary leader in the building who
must be positive, enthusiastic, energetic, creative, caring, kind, and have
action going on each day’s activities. They should be god listeners and know
when to talk and when to be silent showing they aren’t just hearing what
another person says but that they actually understand where they’re coming
from.
Student Discipline:
A great portion of the principal’s job is to handle
discipline with students. The first step is to make sure you communicate to the
teachers that they must do what they can with the student in their classroom
before you are involved. Once they understand that, it will be much easier to
attain the steps necessary. Most of the discipline comes for teacher referrals.
Sometimes it takes a while to find a proper punishment for the specific act but
it’s important to have a foundation established for the basics in a school
bulletin for parents, teachers, and students to review before school starts.
Teacher Evaluations:
The principal is there to make sure the teachers stay at the
best of their “game” in the classroom and are constantly working to improve
their knowledge in the classroom. A good principal motivates and affirms the
teachers with constructive ideas towards higher success. It’s important for the
principal to spend as much time around school and in the classrooms as
possible. It may not happen every class period but it’s important to make
frequent visits letting teachers know you’re available for viewing activities
or discussion more of the time than not. It lets the kids know you’re
approachable too!
Develop, Implement, & Evaluate Programs:
Creating programs for your school is vital to keep
motivating improvement on all counts. A principal should develop effective
programs that cover a variety of areas and interests. Make sure the programs
fit the culture of your school. Don’t be afraid to tweak things if needed!
Schedule Setting:
Principals are there to oversee the task of creating the
yearly schedule. It’s a bit overwhelming to make sure everything fits into its
proper place but involving other staff in the process can help for cross
checking and balance. Delegate, delegate, delegate! It’s impossible to please
everyone but do your best to accommodate as many as possible with at least a
few of their requests. It’s best to be open to making adjustments when the year
begins as needed. Sometimes there are conflicts you may not be able to foresee.
Hiring New Teachers:
A crucial part of the administrations job is to hire and
fire teachers. Hiring is intended to place someone who they believe will fit
well in the culture of your school. If you choose too quickly, there may be
issues that make you wish you had been more careful. If you find the right
person, typically your job will be easier. J
The interview process is one that you’ll need to have a committee or board
available for so you all may ask the right questions. You’ll more than likely
know what those questions should be.
Overall, make sure you are a communicator and leader who
people feel comfortable talking to or meeting with but aren’t going to walk all
over you. Be someone courageous and tactful. Be someone who can show wisdom
without flaunting it. In the end, you’ll likely be thankful to have had the
opportunity to make such an impact on the school and community.
Source: www.teaching.about.com