Page 103 - EdViewptsSpring2019-web

Assistant principals play a dissecting the school in terms of what Trust within the princi-
vital role as administrative currently exists, for example the cul- pal and assistant prin-
ture and climate, student performance,
staff in elementary curriculum programs, and overall cipal relationship is the
needs of the building. Open and hon-
schools. Historically, this individual est dialogue unlocks the door to the most essential factor
is assigned to supervise the day-to- relationship as you begin to establish when aiming toward
day execution of tasks needed to the mutual agreement of your shared
keep an elementary school running visions and goals. What can we do to success. Involving one
smoothly; however, assistant improve the building as a whole? another in the deci-
principals also need to be involved sion making process,
in the development of academic As a Matter of Trust
programs, hire and train faculty, and Trust within the principal and assis- respecting each other’s
attend to other administrative functions tant principal relationship is the most opinions, and having the
such as budgeting and record- essential factor when aiming toward
keeping. Assistant principals also success. Involving one another in the ability to infuse humor
maintain relationships with parents, decision making process, respect- builds the bond within
students, faculty, and may represent ing each other’s opinions, and having the relationship.
the school at various events. the ability to infuse humor builds the
The early stages of this role can be bond within the relationship. This trust, to take on the world and follow their
quite intimidating. You can find your- forms a strong passion and purpose future aspirations the relationship
self reflecting on the notion, “Am I truly for the shared mission of the building. between and principal and assistant
fit for this position?” However, it’s all in It drives, motivates, and empowers principal models exactly that. As these
the approach, attitude, and mind set of the other to achieve the agreed upon two individuals live out their own per-
the administrator. Accepting the real- goals and vision of the building. sonal/ professional dreams each day,
ity to enjoy the important work within So where does that trust come from? It they model team building, commit-
the leadership role without carrying has to come from the building principal! ment, and positivity for their students
the actual responsibilities of the main One must be willing to let go control and staff. The bond created between
leader eases the fear of acting out of the tasks that are assigned to the these two professionals is consistently
the position. Each day, every conver- assistant principal, but still guide and reflected in the work they accomplish
sation, and each encounter should assist as necessary. As stated at the together. If an assistant principal is
be viewed as a learning experience. beginning of this article, the role of the given the support he/she needs failure
Furthermore, maintaining a profes- assistant principal no longer falls into is not an option. Therefore, as stated
sional and open relationship with the the categories of disciplinarian, cafete- earlier the core of this support lies in
building principal is the key factor. In ria supervisor, and observation writer. It the hands of the building principal.
most cases, the principal was present is vital to remember that the more ex- In turn, the assistant principal should
during the interview process and had a posure they get, the more well-rounded appreciate, value, and reciprocate
voice hiring his/her assistant, but living they will become. Ultimately, the goal that support given keeping in mind the
out the duties and words voiced in an of the building principal is to prepare success of the children and constant
interview is difficult when beginning to his/her assistant to one day take on a improvements of the building. For
manage and operate a building as a building of their own. Deborah Day once said, “Encourage,
team. Key word TEAM! lift and strengthen one another. For
The relationship between the principal The role of the assistant principal in the positive energy spread to one will
the elementary setting is not a posi-
and assistant principal unveils itself tion to be overlooked. Furthermore, be felt by us all. For we are connected,
immediately. Collaboratively, you begin moving forward in preparing students one and all.”

About the Authors
Christina Scaduto is currently the Elementary Assistant Principal in the Westwood Regional School
District. She has been serving in her first administrative role for the past two years. Prior to her current
position, Christina taught elementary school for 13 years in grades 1, 2, 3, and 5. She completed both
undergraduate and graduate work at Felician University.

Tom Conroy is currently the principal of Brookside Elementary School in the Westwood Regional
School District. He has been in Westwood for the past five years. Prior to serving in his current position,
Tom held both teaching, and administrative positions on the elementary, middle, high school, and district
levels. Tom serves on the FEA Board and is entering his fourth year on the NJPSA/FEA Leadership
Academy Development and Presentation Teams. Tom completed both his undergraduate and graduate
work, at Montclair State University.

Educational Viewpoints -101- Spring 2019