THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUR ADMIN
You remember those long, hard years I spent at a middle school? It was a decade ago that I moved from high school to middle school, following one of the greatest administrators (admin) in my life. JoAnn had gone from an incredibly successful career as a CTE teacher into administration, and asked me to join her there. Through tears and anxiety, I joined the staff after a quick, incredible phone call from the woman who became my principal, Roxanne. I took the job without ever seeing her face, or me seeing the campus.
Culture shock doesn’t begin to cover my transition from a magnet, application-only high school to the lowest academic and socioeconomic level middle school in our district. It was, no exaggeration, a war zone. The neighborhood gangs had actually met after Roxanne took over the school, and agreed to make Mack a “gang neutral” zone. That’s respect.
Then I Left
I left after five years to pastures that weren’t even close to green, moving again in two years to my current school—my retirement school—with an admin I can love and respect. My relationship with my current admin at West is spectacular, one of mutual support and admiration. I feel appreciated and an integral part of our school. This is only the second administration of my life that I feel understands me as a professional and respects me as a person. I credit my current relationship with Amy, my principal, to Roxanne, who showed me how important it is to work together towards the common goal of serving students. When you are lucky enough to find that, hold on with both hands and get ready for the ride of your life.
Roxanne, the principal at Mack, retired this year. I am writing this blog in remembrance of her love, her loyalty, her brilliance as a leader. Using her model, I’m going to go through the steps to gaining the support and respect of your admin.
From The Jump
Ten years ago, Roxanne trusted JoAnn enough to hire me, and I never forgot it. Not only was I anxious to prove JoAnn was right, but I wanted to solidify my place on the staff. That meant making the best first impressions that I could with everyone on campus.
Make a smart choice
I left Mack for a “better” school that was a terrible fit for me. Don’t make my mistakes! While I went to a much tougher environment when I went to Mack, I knew it was the right fit, because of the research I did about the admin team at the school, and the extreme paradigm shifts they were making on the campus.
Market yourself well
JoAnn got me this job, not me and not my resume. While that might not happen to you, however you get the job you still walk in an unknown commodity. Make sure you are presenting the right image in all things. Look professional, be professional and give them nothing to make them second guess your hire.
Demonstrate your commitment
Once you have decided on a campus, become part of that larger community. It is important that you understand the cultural and socioeconomic situations you are walking into, so that you can be sensitive to key demographics and potential issues your students might face. Go eat at the local restaurant, and stroll the nearby parks. These are your people now. Commit to them.
Do your job
You won’t get anywhere with admin if you don’t do your job. They hired you to teach certain classes and cover certain clubs or events. Do all things to the best of your ability and a good attitude. It will start to show, and your reputation will begin to form with admin, teachers, students and families alike.
Build That Relationship
I barely saw JoAnn once school started. And she wasn’t my supervisor. My supervisor was awesome, but I didn’t know her at all, so I was starting from scratch. There are important steps in building that professional relationship, and the sooner you take those steps, the sooner you will start to enjoy a healthy professional relationship.
Open Communication
While I never want to flood my boss’s inbox, it’s important to run things past them so you won’t have problems later. Get comfortable emailing them whenever necessary. Even better, stop by the office from time to time just to check in and let them know how things are going for you. By being visible on campus, your reputation will continue to improve with all stakeholders.
Ask little—deliver much
I am quite the minimalist as a teacher. I don’t ask for supplies or textbooks or new technologies—I simply make the most of what I have. At first. I demonstrate that I can get results quickly through my proven teaching methods. That is why they hired you, after all.
Be proactive in all things
I can’t stress this enough: Think ahead, and plan for every eventuality so you won’t be surprised. Because admin at school doesn’t like to be surprised by things, at all. Reach out to students, parents, other teachers or admin when a situation is small and easy to handle, so that it doesn’t become difficult and multi-leveled.
Do your job
Your reputation is building on campus based on the proactive, responsive things that you are doing within and outside of your classroom. It can disappear like a wisp of smoke with one false move. Continue to show up every day—on time—and make a difference in the classroom, so that you are a credit to your students, fellow teachers, and those lovely administrators.
Build A Personal Connection
Within a month or two, your reputation has begun to solidify on your campus, and it’s time for you to relax and be yourself a little bit more. It’s time to let your fellow teachers and especially your administrators into your life.
Be open to school social engagements
Administrators like mine at Mack and West know that socialization is extremely important in building a strong faculty. Their efforts only work if you participate. So…show up! Go to that Happy Hour or bowling party. Maybe someone is throwing a pool party one Friday night, or a group is going to Bingo. Consider attending—you’ll get to know everyone at your school a little better.
Show up unexpectedly
Have you ever heard that most business deals happen on the golf course? Yeah, well, the same is true of school decisions, except it’s a basketball game or music recital. Show up to things your students are involved in, and actually enjoy doing it! The kids will absolutely love to see you, and it sends the correct—and true—message to admin that you are participating in the entire school community. You’re not just a “paycheck player”.
Reach out as much as possible
Building any relationship takes time and consistency, and this is no different. Following that quick chat you had about something at the basketball game, shoot an email to follow up whatever decision was made. The same is true after a social gathering—it doesn’t hurt to say thank you either in person or on email if you enjoyed the evening with your colleagues.
Do your job
Part of your professional responsibilities does include building strong collegial bonds with your department and fellow teachers. The best way to do that, and have it last, is to make personal connections with people through activities and events. By going to different school and faculty functions, you will meet more people, and become part of the fabric of your school
Finally
Having followed all of the steps above to build your reputation in your new school, you are absolutely ready to enjoy the benefits of having a good, positive, strong relationship with your admin. You’ve gotten to know some fine people, and you are now comfortable enough to stretch your legs and really benefit your students.
Show your asse
Great phrase, isn’t it? It means to let your true self be visible. They now know you are an excellent teacher, but have you demonstrated your personal powers yet? Now is the time for you to reach out to your fellow teachers and administrators and let them know the changes you’d like to make in your curriculum, or within your entire campus.
Present your agenda
I have always had an agenda at every school I’ve taught in. I wouldn’t exactly call it “hidden”, but it might not have been obvious on the outset. At some point, however, you need to let people in on your Grand Master Plan, or it will never come to fruition.
Use your relationship
You’ve demonstrated your efficacy in the classroom, and proven yourself a team player on campus. Use these relationships to help catapult your plans into motion, building a stronger and better environment for your students. You have great ideas and desires—now that you’ve built a strong reputation and good communication skills with your peers, it’s time to put things into action.
Leave Your Legacy
Does it surprise you that my Grand Master Plan was bringing CTSOs to the middle level? I’m nothing if not consistent and loyal, am I right? So, that’s what I did. I used the reputation I had built with my administrators to gain their support for the first Mid-level FBLA in my district. They believed in my vision—as I had demonstrated belief in Roxanne’s—and supported me over and above what would be called reasonable. To get the funding for my dream, Roxanne leaned on other principals like a politician, gaining financial support for my students to go to nationals.
My kid won. First Place at Nationals for FBLA. The very first year we were in existence. It was an incredible feat by an incredible young man, supported by an incredible admin team at school led by Roxanne.
And it worked. Following his first place victory in 7th grade, he went on to be Student Body President at both his middle and high school, earning a full scholarship to his chosen university. It’s just one example of how we changed lives at Mack.
It all started with building a relationship.
Show Gratitude
So, thank you, Roxanne, for believing in me sight unseen. Together we propelled hundreds of children higher than they ever imagined. Thank you for showing me the incredible value in building relationships with colleagues and administrators, to better serve our student body. I appreciate you giving me the passion and the tools I’ve carried with me to West, where I am a better person and teacher because of my relationship with you.
In all things, my friends, show gratitude. It is easy, free, and can make a difference. So, in closing, I say “Well done, builder of humans, well done”.
Now, Amy, while I’ve got your attention…
THANK YOU FOR READING THIS FAR!!!
Wow, thank you for reading about the importance of admin at school!
Hey, since you’re here! You may as well check out how to make accounting fun, here, and learn about summer boot camps for CTSOs, here! Check out our other topics here! Either way, I appreciate you!
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