We as human beings have a natural tendency to doubt ourselves sometimes. This is especially true when it comes to new situations. When you are not confident in what you are doing or afraid to make a mistake, you cannot be as effective as you should be.
Current administrators, if you have been selected to be in a leadership position someone believed in your ability to do the job. It’s up to you to make the most of your opportunity. Here are a few things that I’ve learned that could be beneficial.
Ask questions; it’s impossible to know and remember everything. If you don’t know something or you cannot find the answer on your own ask for help. It takes time to learn new systems and protocols.
Find a mentor; this will help speed up your learning curve. Whether it’s your Principal or a fellow Assistant Principal, find someone that you can learn from that will actually help you and not judge you. You could also find a mentor through social media. If there is someone that you admire, do not be afraid to start a dialogue.
Get to know your school community. Building relationships is of the utmost importance for an administrator. Casual conversations with staff, students, and parents will help you immensely. This is also how you build trust.
Learn as much as you can about school operations. Familiarize yourself with the master schedule. Another thing that some people don’t pay much attention to is the school budget. Learning about the budget and how it works will be beneficial in your administrative career.
Honor your word; if you say you’re going to do something please follow through. This simple act helps to build staff members trust and confidence in you. Keeping your word is also beneficial in your relationship with students and parents.
You have to trust your instincts. The things that made you a successful teacher will also help you as an administrator. Be curious, keep learning, be confident, and know when to ask for help.
My Life In Education… 