Being a school administrator, whether assistant principal or principal, is one of educations hardest yet most rewarding jobs. Principals play key roles in how a school functions, how the community views the school, and how teachers impact student learning.
Becoming a school principal does not happen overnight. The path to principalship involves experience, preparation, proper education and licensure, and a heart for education and leadership.
Differences Between Assistant Principal and Principal
So what’s the difference between principals and assistant principals? They are both licensed administrators and share many of the same duties and responsibilities. There are several differences between the roles; assistant principals and principals wear many hats.
Assistant Principal
Assistant principals often take on a more supportive role of the principal and manage areas delegated to them by the principal, from managing buses to custodial staff. Often, assistant principals take on the responsibility of handling discipline, and they must be ready to step up and manage the school if the principal is absent.
While both administrators hold an administrative license, handle discipline, observe teachers, monitor instruction, plan scheduling and events, and ensure school safety, there are some differences in what the principal must take on as the primary leader of the school. Assistant principal salary is often slightly lower than a principals.
Principal
The principal must work with district leaders and community representatives to bring district initiatives into compliance within their buildings. They often attend meetings at the district level containing information that assistant principals may not be privy to.
It is up to the principal to decide what should be shared with the assistant principal and how. Principals must also ensure that all stakeholders understand the implementation of district initiatives and the why behind these initiatives. They must ensure educators, community members, parents, and families understand what is going on at the school and why.
Principals also often have access to budget information that assistant principals do not. In most districts, principals are responsible for signing off on purchase orders, payroll, and other budget-related items. This is something that the assistant principal is not typically responsible for.
Despite the similarities of the principal and assistant principalship, both leaders must work together to create a school that is safe and successful and work together to meet common goals. The common goal of both positions should be doing what is best for students and staff.
Transitioning from Assistant Principal to Principal
Transitioning from assistant principal to principal will look different for different people. For some, it will be a smooth transition because they will already have experience dealing with most of the job’s responsibilities. For others, there will be a huge learning curve in which new knowledge and skills will need to be developed.
Find a Position and Apply
To begin the transition, assistant principals must seek a good fit and location to serve as a leader. They must then apply and interview.
Seek a Good Mentor
Once a principalship has been obtained, it’s time to seek a good mentor principal and develop a leadership team to bounce ideas off of and navigate the school year with.
Assistant principals play an essential role in the operation of a school. The principal of a school is extremely time-consuming and challenging, although it is extremely rewarding. As the principal, you have the opportunity to impact not only the students but the staff and community as well.
How to Become a School Principal
Deciding to become a school principal is the first step in the journey to principalship. There are, however, many other components that must be completed before one can become a principal.
The steps below will help interested educators explore how to become a school principal:
Obtain the Proper Education
It goes without saying that a bachelor’s degree in education is required of all principals. Master’s degrees are also often required, and doctoral degrees are desirable. Many in-person and online graduate programs can help educators work their way up to principal. A master’s degree in educational leadership will give educators the required license to apply for principal positions.
Get All the Experience You Can
Getting several years of teaching under one’s belt is a great way to get the educational experience needed to lead an entire building of educators. To lead teachers, principals must know what it’s like to be in their shoes. Spending multiple years in the classroom and various grade levels is a plus.
Be a Successful Assistant Principal
It is wise to utilize years spent as an assistant principal to soak up all of the knowledge possible regarding the principalship before stepping out on your own and pursuing a job as a principal. By working as an assistant principal for an extended period, assistant principals can learn a lot from watching and working with principals who already know the ins and outs of the job. This real-world experience will best prepare assistant principals for the job of principal.
Find the Right Fit
After obtaining licensure, prospective principals must decide what level of education is best for them and their leadership style. They should ask themselves questions like:
- Do I work best with elementary, middle or high school students and staff?
- Do I have a basic understanding for how students learn to read and write, and more?
- Where will my talents serve students and staff best?
How has COVID Impacted Assistant Principals and Principals?
The principalship is a difficult job, even with the absence of the pandemic. COVID only added to the stress and responsibilities that school administrators already faced.
Teacher Shortages
One major impact on education is the increasing amount of staff absences and vacancies across the nation.
This has caused stress on principals as they must find coverage for staff that are out due to illness or coverage for vacant positions that they are struggling to fill. According to the PEW Charitable Trusts, employment in public education decreased significantly since September 2019. Many systems are experiencing large numbers of unfilled positions. Nevada, for example, reports having several hundred teacher vacancies.
This is a common trend across the nation. Not having adequate staff requires principals and assistant principals to devise creative ways to cover classes and ensure students are taught the required course content.
Back to “Normal”
Another challenge school administrators have faced due to the pandemic is helping students and staff get back into a more “normal” routine and become more motivated to teach and learn. During the pandemic, many students learned virtually in situations with little to no structure.
Returning to school after two years of this type of setting has required schools and teachers to help students “relearn” school procedures. It has also created gaps in learning that teachers are working desperately to close. Considering these issues, principals are now tasked with raising student achievement and motivating staff after one of the most challenging times in history.
Transitioning from co-pilot to pilot is a tough decision, but one that will pay off. Making the move means a new level of responsibility and the opportunity to make fundamental changes in education and the lives of those around you. The impacts made by principals are passed down through many generations. School principal legacies live on through staff, students, and the school community.
Interested in becoming an assistant principal or principal? Check out our available administration and leadership graduate programs and principal certifications to get started today!
