Be a Good Elementary School Principal
Every kid in school fears that someday they'll be sent to the principals office. One day you might be that person they fear, but we're sure that's not what you want. The school principal should be someone they respect, not fear, through his leadership and knowledge.
Steps
- Attend your training session. If hired by the school district, attend your training session with all the other principals. If you have any questions about being a principal, don't be afraid or embarrassed to ask them.
- Arrive early. On your first day of being a principal, (for example the student's first day of school ), arrive early, be well groomed and dressed appropriately. Dress professionally, shower and comb your hair. This way you will be setting a good example for the students and other teachers.
- Smile and greet everyone. A first impression is everything, especially in a school. Say good morning to students and teachers as they walk in.
- Keep your office organized. Keep safety drills records and student information in folders; have pens, pencils, a notepad and whatever else you need to work on your desk.
- Be sure you know the safety plans. Safety is a top priority in an elementary school. Always conduct a fire drill within the first week of school, because new students don't know what to do yet in case of a fire. Have the first fire drill announced to the school and the rest as a surprise. When scheduling them, contact your fire department's main line to tell them that it's not a real emergency, just a drill.
- Do other drills for severe weather and school lockdown. A fire is not the only danger an elementary school faces.
- Be nice to the kids when they are sent to your office. Approach them with a soft voice and pick a suitable punishment. For example, if someone gets caught talking loudly in classes, don't have them suspended, give them a warning; kids sometimes think of suspension as a vacation, while a punishment will teach them a lesson.
Tips
- Keep your office organized: an organized office makes you an organized person, setting a great example for the kids and maybe even other teachers!
- Try to make friends with your colleagues (the teachers)! Working 6-7 hours in a school without social interaction and no friends can be depressing.
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