Boy, was I right.
Even though the principalship is an extraordinarily busy job, I love spending time each day with the sixth graders. It helps, of course, that they are a great group of kids who are willing to try out new ideas and usually laugh at my bad jokes.
Teaching this year has, so far, come with some benefits other than my spending time with students. Here is my top ten list of benefits to being a teaching principal:
10. Productive time with children.
9. I get to grade papers (no, really).
8. Gets me out of the office.
7. I get first hand knowledge/frustration with outdated report card system. (I've got to talk to the administrations about this).
6. Frees up a teacher for that hour so she can help some kids learn to read.
5. Forces me to practice what I preach (tech infused, SBG*, student choice, relevant, meaningful, etc).
4. It is not all about student discipline (most days).
3. I get to know just how good some paraprofessionals can be.
2. I am seen as more than just "administration."
And, the number one benefit to being a teaching principal...
1. I love to teach!
So, there you have it. The top ten benefits to being a teaching principal.
P.S. I could not find attribution for the image of the teacher at the top. However, I thought a few points to consider about that image were in order. First, as a teacher, I don't have a desk; I use someone else's classroom. Second, I use Standards Based Grading (*SBG), not letter grades, except on the report card itself, but that is another story. Third, I have five fingers on each hand. Fourth, I have not received an apple from any students this year. Fifth, I have a nose and, often, the same blank stare. Finally, I just recently bought a shirt the same purple, but mine is called French Lilac.
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A tangential thought about being a teaching principal. It would seem to me that this might be something that midsized and large schools should consider.
ReplyDeleteThink of the benefits of an assistant/associate principal position in a school being shared among two teaching principals. (First, the school’s FTE fac/admin numbers would remain the same while spreading administrative duties among more individuals.) More importantly, however, quick thoughts that come to me are that there would be huge positives for school climate, communication and collaboration between faculty and admin, identifying/understanding PD needs and challenges, and provide opportunities for smooth transition when a principal moves elsewhere.
The benefits for the individuals acting as teaching principals would be all of those that you have stated above, but additionally this could serve also as an Principal Practicum of sorts preparing the teaching-principal to be capable and confident when taking the helm of his or her own school.
Plus, if schools were to take this approach then this there would be more opportunities for me to find that perfect job!
Really appreciated your perspective on being a teaching principal. Your relational commitment to your students and teachers will indeed reap strong positive emotional connections. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteDarcy Hill
imaginationcollaborationteacher.blogspot.com
Darcy,
DeleteYes, I made relationships based n teaching that class that will be very beneficial.
Thank you for commenting.