There are two positions in education where you still have control over your daily work and direction. One is a teacher and the other is a principal.
Ask any principal. Their fondest memories are their days as a school principal. Also their most challenging memories.
Professional development for principals is difficult.
There are not enough hours in the day to complete tasks. Issues require immediate attention. Principals are reluctant to give up time for professional development.
Imagine the response during a professional development session when a group of principals were asked to write the reasons why they became a principal.
Everyone in the room laughed and started to shout negative comments. Obviously the responses were not the real reasons why someone would choose to be a principal.
After taking a few moments to settle down, the group began to struggle.
What are the real reasons to be a principal?
- Ensure students have a positive school experience.
- Enjoy working and spending time with young people.
- Find different groups and cultures fascinating.
- Provide students with the skills necessary to be competitive in life.
- Send more students to college.
- Hate being tied to a desk and office all day.
- Want to make a difference in the world.
- Love being in schools and able to turn kids on to learning and reading.
- Change is exciting.
- Be part of a bigger purpose.
Complete this activity before the start of school.
Write down the real reasons to become a principal. Revisit the list when having second thoughts about your job. Post the list in your office. Remember the real reasons and stay focused during difficult times.
