I am a new elementary school principal. Do you have any advice for talking with the staff for the first time?

Question

I will be a new principal for the first time. It is in an elementary school, and I only have secondary experience. I want to "interview" each teacher to see what went well, what they think needs to change, what their expectations are, etc. Any pointers? Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

We switched principals 3 times at our school. The first change brought in a lady who didn't acknowledge how wonderful we as a staff were. We had an excellent reputation as teachers, and our students had earned HIGH state testing scores. She did the same thing that you were planning, but she asked each of us individually to meet with her so that she could get to know us better. I thought that was great, but at the meeting she asked what I wanted changed and I felt really put on the spot. I had adored my previous principal, and I didn't want to say anything bad. I also didn't want to look like a complainer. This principal also kept all of the same bulletins and notes from the former principal and didn't bother coming up with any of her ideas. That bothered us.
This lady was gone in 2 years...
Our next principal came in and just gushed about how excited she was to meet us and be the principal. She said that she wanted to learn from us (the "chiefs" of our staff just loved this). She came up with original ideas and changed things just enough so that we were happy, but it wasn't so huge of a change that we were angry.

With my second principal who came in, she made me loose my love for teaching. No one wanted to come to work. I was going to choose a different career. When our third principal came in she was so happy to be with us, and it made me love my career again. Principals have the power to make or break their staff. Please tell your new staff all of the great things you have heard about them. Listen to their suggestions and tell them that you really, really value their input. Get them a little candy or pastry on the first day of school and write them each a "Good Luck" letter. Show interest in their teaching.
At the first staff meeting, keep it light and non-stressful. Have some light treats-maybe cookies and juice and fruit. Food says a lot! But for sure...just relax. Just the fact that you are asking this question shows that you care.

Answer 2

You're probably in this school because your parents made the decision, and they are the first people you should talk to. It is important that they know how you feel about the school and that they understand that your education and future are being put at risk. Find out what their concerns are about your attending public school, and be prepared to accept a compromise, such as a different private school. Listen carefully when they explain their thinking to you. This is not a time to confront them about "losing your faith," particularly if they are fundamentalists themselves and believe that pushing an idea at you will make you willing to accept it. Try to be flexible and focus on the weaknesses of the school which have nothing to do with its association with religion. You also need to be prepared for the possibility that your parents simply will not budge, and that you will have to stay where you are. In that case, keep your attention focused on doing your best, staying out of trouble, and going "unnoticed." You cannot get out faster without the approval of your parents, but you can make the experience less nasty by recognizing the rules and following them, doing your best (so that your opportunities for the future don't get too minimal), and focusing on those areas of your life which bring you pleasure.

Answer 3

If you interview all the teachers, it will be taken as a grilling in advance to finding out how to fire those without tenure and to reassign those with tenure to purge the school and bring in your hand-picked. Ask for anonymous submittals to a suggestion box but do not be surprised if the input is "modest". Do not lie at any point. Give your honest approach for the future and not the politically correct one. Please note that your previous experience has been researched and spread throughout the staff. Be prepared for toadies who will "yes sir" you right into the sewer. As you should well know, they are also the first ones to stab you in the back if things go bad. Have some trust (but not blind trust) in those who bring forth ideas for change. They are being very brave in speaking up. If you recognize a teacher from another school, do not assume that the teacher has the low experience level that you remember. Teachers, like students, do mature in their capabilities.

Answer 4

Even though it seems like a good idea to interview teachers it would make them very nervous! I would suggest finding time to meet with each grade level before school starts. You can accomplish the same thing but no one will be put on the spot!

Answer 5

I've got to say I agree with Elizabeth - meet with the grade level teams to start with, you'll get more of a feel for how everyone works together and nobody gets put on the spot. Then, as you get to know them and the school a bit better, you can meet with teachers individually, on a more casual basis, to get their ideas, concerns, and expectations.

Good luck!

Answer 6

Introduce yourself, give a prepared speech about who you are and what goals you envision to achieve for your school and announce that you will meet individually with each teacher to find out what needs to change as well as what is working well.
You are their boss!!!
When you meet individually, take notes for every meeting.
May God bless you.

Answer 7

first of all dont interview EVERY teacher. and just be nice and truthful. dont lie about the cafateria food.