The principal as the school leader should be visible: before, during and after school. Attend after school sporting events, concerts, plays, etc. It is easy to see an assistant principal, but everyone wants to see you. As the school leader-- students, staff and parents feel better when the principal is seen in the schools and at different functions. Principals are the key to school climate (J. Hanna). As safety becomes even more of an issue in schools, visibility of the principal becomes even more necessary. It is easy to get tethered to the computer and phone in the office, it is still essential for the principal to be present and visible to all school community members.
I get to work early, and I sit in the lobby of our school on a couch and greet staff when they arrive each morning. Then we have an outdoor flag salute and I see and meet students and parents then. I try to walk our halls (4 floors) when school starts as often as I can. I try and do the same at least once more. This is not doing pop in observations but just being visible. I also go into the cafeteria (we are a pre-K to 12th grade school) and say hello to the students and staff. I try and greet parents at the end of the day to pick up their students.
A study by Hsiehe and Shen a few years ago reviewed the traits of school leaders---characteristics and duties as seen by superintendents, teachers and principals. Their research shows that visibility is a key element. Two factors affect a principal’s success in establishing his or her presence at a school.
Be visible at your school to improve school climate.
Les Potter, Ed. D.
Director
American International School West
Cairo, Egypt
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