The May/June My Two Cents question asks: What do you wish you had known about leading schools when you were a new principal?
As a new principal I thought leading schools/being the school leader was similar to reaching to top of a hill and the end to a lifelong goal. I quickly realized it wasn’t the end but the beginning of an ever-changing process that I work on each day. Being the leader of a school today just helps you get started on leading the school for tomorrow.
Andy Cox, PrincipalAbingdon Elementary SchoolAbingdon, Virginia
Never compromise on hiring the best people. Hire the best teachers, assistants, secretaries, custodians, instructional aides, etc. for your building. The best are always striving for improvement, and are exactly what you want and need for students in your building.
Carol Grace, Director of Elementary Schools Wise County SchoolsWise, Virginia
Think back to your first years as a principal and let us know what you wish you had known about leading schools when you were a new principal.