 | Leading your school so that students get the best
September 2008 --
from MESPA President Richard Oscarson
“If there were no difficult problems to resolve or tough decisions to make then we wouldn’t need principals. That’s why you were hired.”
The 2008-09 school year is at our doorstep. I trust you took time this summer to recharge your batteries so you are at your best to welcome students, staff, and families back to your school. I carved out a good chunk of time this summer for myself -- and I’m refreshed and prepared to continue with one of the best jobs around, being a principal.
As the principal and instructional leader of your school, it’s your responsibility to set the tone and expectations at the beginning and throughout the school year so that your students will get the best from your staff each day. You lead your school so your students get the best, and you will often have to make decisions that not everyone agrees with. A former superintendent of mine once told me, “If there were no difficult problems to resolve or tough decisions to make then we wouldn’t need principals. That’s why you were hired.” I often remember her words of wisdom when I am faced with a challenging decision. I also look at making difficult decisions as job security.
As I began writing this column, I was reminded of The New Principal’s Lament by Jack M. Hill, a poem given to me as a first year principal 20 years ago. I believe it applies to principals with all levels of experience.
The New Principal’s Lament, by Jack M. Hill
I’m a new principal. Here I am at my new desk, which is loaded with guidelines and lists and policies. Everyone seems to know what I’m supposed to be doing…but me. Then I discover that, regardless of what action I take – or fail to take – I just can’t please everyone.
If I make quick decisions, I am an autocrat.
If I make deliberate decisions, I am indecisive.
If I call staff meetings, I have no regard for the teachers’ time.
If I don’t call meetings, I do not believe in teacher participation.
If I correct teachers, I am picking on them.
If I don’t correct teachers, I am a weak administrator.
If I speak up for new programs, I am on the reform bandwagon.
If I’m cautious about changes, I am living in the past.
If I attend community affairs, I am a politician.
If I stay away, I have poor public relations.
If I suspend students, I do not understand children.
If I don’t suspend enough students, I am a weak disciplinarian.
If I visit classrooms often, I am being intrusive.
If I don’t visit classrooms often, I don’t care about what’s going on.
If I clear decisions with the superintendent, I don’t have a mind of my own.
If I make my own decisions, I am assuming too much authority.
If I attend conferences for principals, I am goofing off.
If I don’t attend them, I am being unprofessional.
If I am walking around, I’m not getting my paperwork done.
If I stay at my desk, I am neglecting my staff and students.
If I complain about these things, I am a malcontent.
If I can live with them, I’m a principal.
As you move forward during the 2008-09 school year, remember to keep your students first in all of the decisions you need to make. That is why your school board hired you to be the principal for your school. Also, know that your MESPA organization will continue to support you this year as the instructional leader and principal for your school with a variety of seminars, legal assistance, a fantastic 3-day Institute in February, an updated Web site, and the nearly 1,000 principal colleagues who know what it is like to be a principal.
May this be your best year ever!
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