So You're the New Principal: Ten Rules for Year One
(For details see July 2010)
Rule #1: Don't talk about your previous school. Nobody in your new school cares about your old school. Believe me, they don't want to hear about it.
Rule #2: Keep a smile on your face. Have fun! People want to see that you are happy and confident about their future.
Rule #3: Know your staff well. Know who they are and what they do. Call them all by name. Learn what they hope for.
Rule #4: Know your school's leaders. Learn who are both the official and unofficial leaders, those who have influence and whose perspectives are valued by their colleagues.
Rule $5: Learn the stories that underlie the culture. You were not a part of the history of the school, the experiences that make it what it is. You must learn to understand and respect that history before you can gain your own influence.
Rule #6: Make classroom visits a priority. The classroom is the heart of the school. You cannot be effective as a school leader without knowing first-hand what is happening in every classroom.
Rule #7: Help students and parents get to know you. Students thrive when they are empowered, when they know that they have the power to make their school the best learning place ever. Parents respond to their children's enthusiasm. Make time to meet them.
Rule #8: Share who you are and what you believe. A school is a moral place. Its people need to know that their leader is a person of integrity and compassion. Let them know what you believe about school.
Rule #9: Take time to reflect. This is the rule that determines greatness in the principalship.
Rule #10: Take care of yourself. Seriously. Nobody else will.
