If you’re in the group of this year’s new school leaders, welcome! You should feel proud that you’ve decided to put your educational leadership skills to work in a way that will impact students and families on a broader scale by stepping into a school administration role. Simply put, you’re so needed, and we’re glad you answered the call.

Undoubtedly, you’re most likely already feeling that sensation of “drinking from a fire hose” — there’s so much to understand, remember and simultaneously apply in your new principal role. To help you, here’s a list of strategies to help the first year of being a principal go as smoothly as possible. Consider this an entry plan for a new principal, compiled from years of experience and mindshare:

1. Find your ideal mentor.

Even if you’ve had a front-row seat to principalship as an assistant principal, taking the reins of a school for the first time involves a massive learning curve. Now’s the time to seek a mentor. Having a supportive mentor will not only help you recognize and leverage your talents, but their support will also help you identify your growth areas. It’s like your own personalized professional development.

2. Craft your “North Star.”

Creating impact as a new principal begins by leading with purpose. To do that, center yourself with your North Start, a personal mission statement that can help you ensure that every decision aligns with your deepest convictions. Reflect on your core values, aspirations and commitments as a principal.

3. Share your goals and your decision-making process.

No matter how much you think you’re communicating with your new school community, there’s no such thing as overcommunication as a principal — especially in your first year. Be transparent about the reasoning behind your decisions and involve your school community in the decisions that affect them.

4. Honor the school culture that already exists.

Instead of trying to fix everything immediately, make it a priority to ask questions, listen to the answers and notice the flow of the master schedule your school. Conduct a start/stop/continue analysis with your leadership team, teachers and staff members to find patterns and trends. Only once you’re familiar with the state of your school can you start to implement changes to effectively improve it.

5. Focus on building strong relationships from the start.

Strong, positive relationships are the foundation of a principalship. Practice “global listening” by paying attention to more than what’s being said and focusing on a speaker’s emotions, body language, tone and gestures. Proactively offer office hours and create opportunities for loosely structured conversations. The best way to build relationships with your team is to make sure they know you are available to them, that you want to hear what they have to say and that you’ll take what they say seriously.

6. Fight the need to “be the superhero.”

Great principals know they have the expertise needed in the role but also acknowledge that there are plenty of times where they won’t get it right, have an immediate answer or will need to lean on their school community for support. Set this tone for your leadership style from your very first year. Make it clear that you aren’t afraid to lead on your fellow leadership team or other staff members for suggestions or good ideas. This is another great way to build positive relationships and earn the trust of your community.

As you embark on this exciting journey, remember that every challenge is an opportunity to grow, every setback is a chance to learn, and every success is a testament to your dedication and hard work. Embrace the newness, lean on your community, and lead with passion and purpose. The impact you make this year will resonate for years to come. Here’s to a fantastic first year as a principal — your school community is lucky to have you!

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Strategy 1: Make purposeful plans.

Think of your leadership journey as a roadmap. You have a destination in mind, but you want to detail the steps to get there. Purposeful planning includes outlining important dates, events and meetings throughout the year that include information about your level of involvement. Plans may also detail assignments for your leadership team and staff. Identify three or four goals for the school year and list progress measures to evaluate them. Don’t be afraid to make adjustments! If you use a digital planner, making changes is just a click away. One tip for paper-based planners: Use pencils. It’s easier to erase when you need to make modifications.

Strategy 2: Create captivating communications.

Communication can feel daunting for school leaders because the ability to convey information can affect your influence. Some districts have dedicated communications teams that provide reference guides and many districts release communications plans. The is great resource and many school leaders are leaning on artificial intelligence. Remember to seek district guidance on translation services if you serve a multilingual community.

To create a plan, start by preparing a list of templates for frequent types of communications, including monthly newsletters or regular notifications for staff and families. Other examples of communication that you need include:

• Crisis management (can be guided by district officials)
• Contact matrix (identifying team members to handle specific concerns)
• Protocols for public interactions (office staff, teachers, leadership team)
• Regularly updated website and district-approved social media platforms
• Speeches during school assemblies and family gatherings

Strategy 3: Cultivate a strong culture.

Have you ever heard that “culture eats strategy for breakfast?” This famous phrase signifies that plans and communications mean nothing if leaders fail to create a culture where students, staff and families feel welcomed and valued. Promoting a strong school culture starts before the school year begins. Build or strengthen relationships by connecting with your leadership team, teachers and other staff to discuss the school’s vision, mission and values. If budget and time allow, plan a schoolwide retreat with a focus on culture-building.

Families are another important part of cultivating a positive school culture. A back-to-school event such as an open house can set the tone for strong relationships between the school and families. Host key events throughout the school year with parents or guardians assisting with planning or execution. Students can also take the lead and participate.

Strategy 4: Balance the budget.

School budgets are one of the more challenging aspects of school leadership but managing one doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Lack of adequate planning can lead to rushed expenditures before deadlines, causing undue stress for staff and others involved in purchasing and procurement. When preparing for the new school year, set up a calendar or spreadsheet detailing planned and proposed expenditures. Here are some additional tips:

• Monitor budget expenditures on a consistent basis to ensure you’re on track.
• Follow district policies before entering into agreements with vendors.
• Seek guidance if you are unsure how to classify certain expenditures, particularly when using federal funds.
• Ask teachers for instructional wish lists and fulfill orders if possible.

There you have it! Take these four strategies and prepare for a strong school year. Remember, it’s all about the students – thoughtfulness and planning create a robust learning environment where students, teachers, staff and even you as the leader can thrive. You’ve got this!

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