Ten Things Principals Wish Everyone Knew

By Dave Barry
MASSP President

Ten Things Principals Wish Everyone Knew

1.    Being a principal is more than a job – For many it is a passion and a life’s calling. Students are valued and at the heart of the decisions we make. Teachers are appreciated, even when we forget to tell them.

2.    Most of us love to teach and lead – Nothing excites us like leading a group through a decision making process or assisting with a problem. We get encouragement from being involved with the school’s successes. When we get invited in to a classroom we get energized. This is what keeps us going.

3.    Some things really drain our emotional and spiritual tanks – Unbending people, self-serving people, constant criticism, endless expectations, micro-management, too many meetings, and squabbles over trivial matters take a toll.

4.    Volunteers are priceless – Schools require many hours of labor and recruiting helpers is time consuming and mentally exhausting. To the parents, staff members, and community members who give of their time you have our heartfelt gratitude.

5.    We are staff members as well as a leader – We should not get paid to supervise dances, assist with athletic events, or attend extra curricular activities. We can contribute to these events when we have the time. We also see our responsibility as leading by example, facilitating instructional purchases, providing professional development for staff, and managing the school facility.

6.    We have families – A common assumption is that schools hire a principal and a principal’s family. Thank you for allowing our spouses the freedom to choose where they give of their time. Thank you also for letting our children be kids.

7.    Family time is precious – Please save non-emergency matters for office hours. Our home life is often hectic because of evening functions and meetings. Weekends are usually workdays for us. Our families are a crucial part of our lives and we want them to be glad about our chosen profession.

8.    As principals, we struggle to find the time to read educational research and participate in leadership training – Expect us to attend a professional conference at the state or national level each year to update ourselves on the current trends in education. We need to learn and grow. We cannot give what we do not have.

9.    Don’t gossip about how much we make – Our salary can be a touchy subject since it is open for public discussion and debate. Please be sensitive. Our salary package can be misleading since we are on a full year contract. We make what the market is willing to bear. Compared to other school principals, we make an average salary.

10.    Become our friends – Principals long for trustworthy, intimate friends within their local school. We are regular people with regular problems. Friends who support us despite our shortcomings and failures are an encouragement. Evenings of fun and social activities are a morale booster during the difficult times.

If your principal could ask one thing from you, it would be to have empathy in your interaction with people. On many occasions, the decisions that are made have conflicting perspectives. Parents, students, and teachers all see a situation differently but we need to compromise. As principals, we know that our success is based on the achievement of students and the quality of the staff with whom we work.

Now you know,

Dave Barry