Principal Survival Guide 101

“The Need to Know Information, before you Need to Know” Brian Stroman, Superintendent Bloomburg ISD

Leading from the Middle Make sure your problems do not become the superintendent’s

problems.

Make sure your problems do not become the board’s problems.

Keep your principal or superintendent aware of situations.

Know your role and stay in your lane.

Do not get caught in district drama with employees or parents.

Making logical and well thought out decisions.

Change is good, but slow change is can be more effective.

Preparation is the key to being successful.

Hot Topics Textbooks-EMAT Budget District Policy Sped Rules such as SB 507 Teacher shortage Teacher retention Dealing with the community Discipline Building relationships Technology School Law Teacher Ethics

Development and growth as a leader Marketing yourself and growing your skills.

Sharpen the saw daily.

Plug in to what is going on.

Consider getting your superintendent certification.

Tasbo-Texas Association of School Business Officials

Join at least one organization you are passionate about.

Burning the candle at both ends is required in this job.

Leadership is not about power.

Attitude does reflect leadership

Becoming a Master at the Game Learning benefits and how they work.

Learn your community and how it works.

Learn how to budget and save the district money.

Study and develop conflict resolution strategies.

Develop organizational skills and time management techniques.

People don’t care what you have have to say, till they know how much you care.

Building campus morale is worth it.

Taking care of yourself professionally and outside of work.

GET A HOBBY; work can not become your life.—(Unplug everyday)

Start each day with a clean slate.

The campus where dreams go to die As a principal, you have to get creative. Transform yourself and your campus to

a different style of leadership. Treat teachers like family, and involve

them in the process of transformation. Provide teachers with a clean and up-to-

date classroom. Provide teachers with a safe and secure

environment to work in which to work. Develop a “Why Work for -------ISD” Advertise it with all jobs. Develop campus teachers that can

assist you.

Provide leadership opportunities for teachers

Mentorship program for veteran teachers to develop leadership qualities.

Mentoring program for all first and second year teachers to help ensure success in the classroom.

Mentors’ main job is to get the new hire to a term contract and not leave the district.

Offer a stipend for the mentor or extra comp-time; allow them to feel appreciated for a job well done.

Offer leadership opportunities to mentors.

Select teachers who truly represent the culture of your district.

Why work for Bloomburg ISD Incredible quality of life with family-

friendly work day Mentorship program for all new teachers Small class size 10:1 student teacher

ratio Yearly teacher retention stipend and

classroom supply money Minimum Extra Duty Requirements Open conference period Monthly Employee Appreciation

Events/Luncheon Fun family-friendly working environment Supplemental 403b/457 retirement Fund

Available Recruiting stipend for teachers

Optional Dental, Vision, Critical Illness, Disability, Identity Theft, Life and Flex Spending Accounts

Supportive administration and low teacher turnover

$5,000 stipend for math and science teachers with 3 preps.

Health Savings Account to help employees save on insurance

Financial Planning free to all staff

5 days of State Leave and 5 Days of Local Leave – Free to all employees

Teachers do not pay for substitutes

Catastrophic Sick Leave

Example of Retention

Letter

Taking Care of Yourself Pick the hill you wish to die on.

Stress management and exercise.

Make sure you have an appropriate contract.

Months and days of contract.

Length of contract.

Additional benefits in contract.

Supplement retirement.

Building that 5 year average.

Ratliff Academy to earn your superintendent certification.

Develop a personal plan for your career!!!!!

Contact Information

Principal Survival Guide 101 Leading from the MiddleHot TopicsDevelopment and growth as a leaderAttitude does reflect leadershipBecoming a Master at the GameThe campus where dreams go to dieProvide leadership opportunities for teachersWhy work for Bloomburg ISDExample of Retention LetterTaking Care of YourselfContact Information��