Middle School Principal Susan

Introduction

  • Susan's Background
    • Middle school principal for three years
    • Previous experience includes varied roles in education
    • Former high school English teacher for 16 years
    • First administrative role as director of curriculum in state and federal programs for five years
    • Transitioned to high school principal just before COVID-19 pandemic
    • Returned to the district where she graduated to serve as middle school principal

Journey to Principalship

  • Experience
    • Teaching experience provided insight into student needs and instructional practices
    • Transition to administration helped develop awareness of curriculum needs at different academic levels
    • Assumed leadership roles during critical transitions in the educational environment

Effective Practices in Instructional Leadership

  • Understanding Student Needs
    • Importance of assessing where students are academically and where they need to go
    • Experience as a data coach and in school improvement highlighted the academic needs of students
    • Attention to essential standards across different elementary schools to ensure consistency for incoming sixth graders
  • Role of PLCs (Professional Learning Communities)
    • Focus on collaboration among teachers to ensure all students receive the same foundational information to build upon

Creating Safe and Supportive Spaces for Students

  • Caring Environment
    • Emphasis on ensuring students feel cared for and that they belong in school
    • Importance of a positive school culture and climate
  • Family Meetings
    • Held every Wednesday to foster community and support
    • Focus on social-emotional well-being and implementation of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
    • Engaging assemblies that involve student participation and recognition of achievements
    • Recognition systems in place, such as the "Lancer leader ticket" for positive behavior
    • Awards and spotlights on students for their accomplishments

Working with Parents and Community

  • Communication Strategies
    • Weekly parent newsletter sent every Friday afternoon
    • Monthly themes highlighting character strengths for the upcoming week
    • Involves video clips and discussion questions for parent-child engagement
    • Importance of maintaining strong communication from school leaders to parents

Typical Day of a Middle School Principal

  • Daily Routine
    • Arrives at work early to prepare for the day
    • Morning greeting for students at the school entrance
    • Involves students in morning announcements and daily activities
    • Engaging with students during lunch periods and hallway interactions
  • Problem-Solving
    • Adaptability to handle a variety of situations that arise throughout the school day

Building Staff Culture

  • Positive Environment for Staff
    • Strategies to create a fun and engaging work atmosphere
    • Weekly recognition programs such as the "ABCD Winner" to appreciate staff contributions
    • Events and activities that promote enjoyment among staff without substantial costs, such as raffles and holiday celebrations

Recent Changes Affecting School Leadership

  • Safety Concerns
    • Increased focus on student safety amid fears of school shootings
    • Development of a threat assessment team to proactively address safety concerns
  • Mental Health Awareness
    • Emphasis on addressing mental health and emotional support for students post-COVID-19
    • Guidance counselor-led programs aimed at social skills development and support

Preparing Future Principals

  • Core Values
    • Importance of understanding personal core values and beliefs as a leader
    • Ability to prioritize battles and maintain focus on student-centered decision-making
    • Self-awareness crucial for navigating leadership challenges effectively

Conclusion

  • Reflection on Susan’s experiences as a principal
  • Encouragement to embrace leadership with empathy and a focus on community-building.