How times have changed in the expectation for school leaders. What are the expectations for you in your position? Are you able to keep up with all of the demands?

In a 2020 survey conducted by the Washington Association of School Prinicpals, the following results were noted:

The number of principals working 7 days per week has more than doubled since 2018-19 (7% to 15.6%).

43% of principals/APs work more than 61 hours per week.

70+% of principals/APs work more than 56 hours per week.

Over 71% of principals/APs report their job having a negative or somewhat negative effect on their personal relationships

Nearly 13% of principals/APs plan to leave education entirely or retire at the end of this year. 

Only 60% plan to stay in their current position at the end of this year

Certainly, the demands of school leadership have resulted in greater stress and concern. Test scores, student dicupline, parental demands, teacher needs, violence, job requirements, etc., have led to greater dissatisfaction with hte position. Yet, the position is critical to the success of schools, second in importance only to teacher quality in the classroom.

What can help principals survive and thrive in today schools? I will offer a few ideas and would love to hear what you have to say on this topic.

First, set boundaries for yourself. When you leave at the end of the day, leave the demands at the door. Establish with your staff on when you will answer emails, respond to text, etc. It is OK to say “don’t contact me unless it is an emergency.” You have the right to family time and alone time.

Find an outlet for the stress. Exercise, walk, do yoga, meditate, practice mindfulness, etc. – whatever works best for you. But take time each day to decompress and relax.

Work hard to develop the leadership of your teachers and delegate responsibilities if the are willing to take on leadership roles. If you have administrative help, clearly define roles and responsibilities Trust others to do the job they commit to with minimal oversight on your part, unless they are not successful with their work.

Don’t beat yoursefl up over mistakes that are made. Making mistakes, and owning up to them, makes you human to your staff and adds to their respect of you. Mistakes are part of the learning process and improvement. Like our students, we can learn a great deal from our mistakes.

Find joy in your day. Vist that wonderful kindergarten classroom of energized students who delight in everything they do. Participate in a game being played outside by your students. Offer to teach a lesson for a teacher to remind you of the wonderful impact educators have on students. Call a parent to relate postiive messages about their children. Take delight in all of the positives of the job and do not focus in the negatives.

Buld strong relationship with your colleagues and find a trusted colleague to vent when needed. We can all use a supportive ear and sometimes the vent is just what you need to carry on. Join your professional organizations and participate in meetings, conferences, and networking opportunities.

Finally, realize that you are important to you students, staff, and community. You are needed, appreciated, and valued.