As an Elementary Principal we often function as the proverbial lone wolf. In our buildings we are school nurse, secretary #2, custodian, teacher, lunch room supervisor, public relations department and first line of communications. Jack of all trades and master of none the role of the Elementary Principal is lonely and isolating, if you let it be.
Finding like minded Elementary Principals is the only way to survive. Creating an instructional network of friends and colleagues to keep focused on meeting tasks, setting expectations .

To overcome this isolation we must take the time to seek out other principals. For me this began as an Assistant Principal. Working as an administrative team there is immense comfort and security. When I transitioned to the Elementary world I found that I missed the team. Lucky for me we started a “Friday Breakfast Club” where about 8 principals and assistant principals meet from across buildings. Most of the time our mornings are filled with laughter and the stories that only a principal encounters (because we just can’t make this stuff up!)

The next strategy, Elementary Principals summer retreat. Two years ago we all met during the summer to plan for the year. It was a great opportunity to collaborate as a group of 10.

Finally, this collaborative blog is my (our) new way that I (we) hope to combine and form a pack of principals to work together for student academic success and our own sanity!
Here’s to future posts!

Christie