Letter to a Future Principal

The Executive Director of my TFA region is leaving us in a few days to return to the school setting as a principal. As a region, we are putting together a book of advice and encouragement for her as she makes this change. I really cannot say how excited I am that she is doing this, because ES is going to be an incredible principal. She was an incredible ED. She is truly one of the most inspiring people I have ever worked with. Her energy, enthusiasm, passion, dedication and poise are all characteristics I aspire to project myself. I'm going to miss her. But I secretly hope to one day work for her. Below is my contribution to her book.

Dear ES -

I don’t need to remind you that I’ve seen more than my share of administrators in two years teaching in Bertie. From passive-aggressive, to absent, to capable but underdeveloped, I’ve seen them all (or at least quite a few different ones). Always looking to learn, I’ve tried to figure out what makes each one a great principal so that I can emulate that in my classroom and utilize those strategies in the future. Here are some of the tidbits I’ve gathered:

• Trust your teachers. They are professionals who have put themselves through many hours of training to get where they are, and deserve to be treated that way.

• Train your teachers. Yes, we’re professionals, but there is always more to learn - and not just about how to give tests or use gradebooks. Coach your teachers on how to teach, how to improve, how to help students more effectively.

• Believe in your teachers. Just as you believe in students and have high standards for them, do the same for teachers. We all want what is best for students, but get discouraged sometimes. Remind us that we can do it, and our students can too.

• Give teachers ownership. We want to feel like we have some control and a place in our school. Consult with your teachers before making decisions when appropriate. We want to help. We want to have a part in the place we spend the majority of our time.

• Develop a community. Teachers, staff and students need to rely on and support each other for the school to be effective. Host some school-wide events and encourage all members to attend sporting events, plays, concerts. Only together are we strong.

• Believe in your students. This is the big one. All your students want to learn. All your students want to grow. Especially those you see in the principal’s office week after week. Keep believing in them. Don’t let them go. They may not all help your test scores, but they all want to give you their best if you and your teachers just believe in them and support them.

There is no doubt in my mind that you are going to be an incredible principal. Your students and teachers will be lucky to have you. As you transition to this exciting new journey, know we will miss seeing you as regularly and we are all with you, pushing for success.

All the best!