Assistant Principals as Instructional Leaders

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I'd like to ask for some candid feedback from some of you that are currently APs. We've been learning about the crucial role of the principal as instructional leader in the school, but aside from TKES evaluations, how much do you really lead and support teachers to improve instruction? Do you conduct PL workshops or teach model lessons in the teachers' classrooms? Do teachers actually come to you and say "Hey, do you have any ideas for an integrated lesson design for our lesson on these standards?"?  The reason I'm asking is that I'm starting an administrative internship next week, and I know that it could potentially lead to an AP position. Honestly, there's not very much about the AP job that I find attractive except being in a position to lead and support and help other teachers to do their jobs well and enjoy coming to work everyday.  Am I naive to think that I will actually be able to do that? I think I could make a significant and positive impact as an AP, but I know I accomplish this everyday as an elementary teacher of G/T kids (and I LOVE my current position). Of course an AP pay raise would be nice, but I'm questioning whether or not the extra money is worth all the hassle and headaches that will come along with the title, especially if I can make more of a positive and significant impact as a teacher-leader in my current position. Please give me some advice based on your experiences. Thanks a million!

Comments

  1. UnknownFebruary 1, 2016 at 7:30 PM

    Hey Charlie,
    Congratulations on the possible new position! I am not an AP. However your comments shadowed a recent conversation I had with a peer. It was time to complete surveys on administration and there is a section along the line asking if admin provides resources or help. We debated this for a minute. No doubt if asked admin would help out. Operative word "if asked." Long story short if your ideas are going to happen you are going to have to be deliberate in making it happen. I have asked for help with data i.e. reading it, interpreting it, etc. I was told "let me know how I can help" versus "let's meet so I can show you or model for you"

    Like anything I believe it's what you make it. Follow your heart. If the AP position isn't what it's cracked up to be you can ALWAYS go back to the classroom. That's one place that will ALWAYS be in need of awesome educators : )

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  2. Phyllis FavorsFebruary 2, 2016 at 7:35 PM

    Charlie,
    I love teaching and if anyone would have asked me if I would ever leave the classroom I probably would have responded, "Are you kidding me?" Eight years ago when an AP position came available I was fearful of the unknown but excited about the new journey to not only help students but teachers alike. As AP, I believe in giving teachers quality feedback and supporting them with resources they need. I also lead professional learning along with the principal and academic coach. I share the disciplinarian role with the principal and coordinate RTI and 504 meetings (HUGE!). I am the testing coordinator and our school's safety leader. In addition, I serve on many teams. As you can see, I wear many hats as an AP! The principal and I started our new position at the same time; she and I work very well together. Both of my children are currently in middle school and she knows that I am now ready to become a principal, so she is helping me in making that transition by allowing me to take on different assignments. I truly believe principals can help you to love being an AP or vice versa. You will do great...go for it!

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  3. UnknownFebruary 4, 2016 at 9:23 PM

    Thanks so much Nicole and Phyllis! I really appreciate the info and words of encouragement. After only 4 ridiculously busy days, all I can say is "WOW!" I've been wearing plenty of leadership hats in my building just as a teacher, but now I completely understand that "administration" is much more complex (and difficult) than simply teaching and/or leading. I can be a teacher-leader all day long, and without the RTIs, 504s, discipline referrals, TKES, lunch duty, meetings, etc.etc.etc. It's going to be an interesting month of learning and growing professionally and personally, and I'm pretty sure I'll be confident about which way I want to go after the internship is over. So I'm really thankful to have this opportunity to experience the role and determine how I feel about it and not just having to jump into the unknown. Thanks again!

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