11 Qualities of a Good Assistant Principal

For those of you who are wanting to break into the ranks of school administration, then the usual route is to become an Assistant Principal (or vice principal), then move into the Principalship.  Occasionally, a school system will hire a teacher straight into the principal position, but it’s not usually done that way.

Some people start as Administrative Assistants (essentially, assistant principal duties while working for less pay – though some systems will hire people who are not fully certified as a principal for those jobs. That is a plus) Other districts may have Dean of Students positions. These are very similar to Assistant Principal positions, with an emphasis, usually on discipline. Another trend of bigger school districts is to start an internal “Leadership Academy”, where the school district will train and promote their own employees into school leadership positions. There are pros and cons about this approach and I may touch on that topic somewhere down the road.

The skillset of a good assistant principal is very similar to that of the principal, but with significant differences, in my opinion. I have found that there are three types of people who take positions as Assistant Principal.

There are those people who can handle the duties of assistant principal quite well, but for some reason, usually family issues or obligations, wanting more life/work balance (that’s another whole blogpost there) or just not wanting the additional stress that goes along with the principal position. And, yes… there is quite a bit of additional stress for principals.

The second group of people are those who are very successful as principals, but for whatever reason cannot make the “jump” to being the principal. These people usually do not seem to have the vision, proactiveness, ability to handle stress, or the persuasive and outgoing personality that is usually associated with the principal position. Sometimes these people can overcome their natural tendencies that are holding them back and in other cases, are destined to be “career assistant principals”.  More and more frequently, due to politics, principals can find themselves back in the position of assistant principal.

Lastly, there are those whose ideal career track includes the principal position, a central office position, or even a position as Superintendent. These people are ambitious, always wanting to learn, and constantly pushing themselves to improve.

If you’re looking to break into the ranks of the assistant principalship, or if you’re a new principal and you get the chance to hire your first assistant principal yourself, then these are the qualities that you should be on the lookout for:

1. Be a good listener “Sounding Board” – a “go-between” for the principal. Some people will never feel comfortable talking with the principal, but they will talk with you. Let them know you don’t keep secrets from the principal, but that you will bring their issues and/or concerns to the principal in a positive manner.
2. Give solid feedback – be prepared to let the principal know if the “water is choppy” or if you feel the principal is heading in the wrong direction. A good assistant principal will challenge authority when it’s needed. Don’t be a “yes, man”.
3. Know when to speak up and when to go with the flow. If you have concerns and you’ve voiced them, then you will need to learn when to let it go. Unless it’s a moral issue, then the ultimate decisions are up to the principal. Don’t sweat it… you will get your chance.
4. Always bring the discussion back to “Is this good for kids” when discussing new initiatives, programs, etc… If it’s good for kids, it’s hard to go wrong.
5. Know to ask, “What can I do to help” quite frequently.
6. Be a steady influence. Being in the principal seat can be one of the more stressful positions around.
7. Be pro-active – be a self-starter – if you KNOW something needs to be addressed or taken care of, then do it. You don’t always have to be told what to do.
8. Be good at giving others credit. This goes a long way in how others perceive you. This will get you pushed up the “respect ladder” quickly.
9. Gets in classrooms and talks with teachers. Get out of your office. You will be amazed what you will learn. Teachers also appreciate it. They do!
10. Show appreciation for your staff – buy pizza at meetings, doughnuts for morning, fruit, etc… – use your own money, or some from school if that is allowed. Have coffee occasionally for those who drink it. Say thank you and then say it again. Rinse and repeat.
11. Lastly, and most importantly – Show Loyalty – Don’t talk negative about your principal. Parents, students, and teachers may try to drive a wedge between you and the principal by asking leading questions. Be careful. Regardless of how you might feel, sometimes people are just looking for a “crack” in the unity.

Become the kind of leader that people would follow voluntarily, even if you had no title or position. – Brian Tracy

What are your thoughts on these 11 items?  Do you agree with them? What would you have included that I did not? Drop me a comment below.