There's an ancient Chinese proverb that says, "If you want to know about the road ahead, ask someone who is returning."
I heard this quote during the later days of my principalship. I wished I had heard it earlier, much earlier. The principal's job is a tough one. One year it's a hurricane you have to deal with, the next a gun shooting, the next a pandemic, and then an election year. The list just goes on. Every time we faced something tough on my campus, we would debrief as a leadership team, knowing that something else was always around the corner. We just didn’t know what that something was.
There are so many new campus leaders out there, and I wish they had great mentors to help them through the first few inevitably rough years. I remember how my health, relationships, marriage, and faith were all tested and strained when I first became an assistant principal, then principal. Much of it could have been prevented if I had had a mentor to help guide me.
To those out there who might be struggling a little, coming back on contract and ready to begin a new year of unknowns, please find me if you need me. As a consultant with years of firsthand experience, I’m here to listen and provide a safe place to ask those questions you might be afraid to ask or just don’t have anyone to ask. Additionally, I can help connect you with other experienced principals who can offer mentorship and guidance based on their own journeys. Let's work together to ensure you have the support and guidance you need for a successful school year.
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