Your First Year As Principal: Everything You Need to Know That They Don't Teach in School

As you sit at your desk behind the door ominously marked Principal's Office, you are suddenly struck with a feeling of terror: What have you gotten yourself into? Being a principal and essentially being the leader of a school is a difficult job filled with responsibility and stress. Before you panic, you should know that most principals survive the first year. However, Your First Year as a Principal will help make the first year easier, providing you with all the information you did not learn in school. In this new, extensively researched book, first-year principals will learn how to deal with teachers, how to step out from behind the previous principal's shadow, how to make changes without changing too much too soon, how to deal with parents and students, how to deal with the feelings of loneliness and unpopularity, how to handle the piles of paperwork that never seem to shrink, how to become accustomed to the workload, how to find a mentor, how to write important letters, how to plan for public relations, and how to obtain feedback. Additionally, you will learn the common mistakes first-year principals make. You will learn about how everything falls on your shoulders and how to handle that responsibility. You will also learn how to build strong relationships with teachers and staff, how to pick your battles, how to have confidence in yourself, how to boost staff morale, how to discipline students, how to use the staff to your advantage, and how to deal with conflict. Ultimately, you will clearly understand what comes with being a principal. You will be able to clarify and define your roles, expectations, and responsibilities. We will provide you with advice and tips from novice and veteran principals who have all been in your position. Whether you are the principal of a small, large, public, private, urban, rural, or suburban school, Your First Year as a Principal will be an indispensable companion. With the help of this book, you will not only survive, but you will enthusiastically look forward to your sophomore year.