Leadership is a choice - Not a position.

I couldn’t agree with Steven Covey’s quote from Principled-Centered Leadership more. I know this because I chose this role before I even started a teachers education program at Clark College (now Clark Atlanta University).  After a few years of teaching, I set out to earn my masters degree and administrative certificate. Then, I applied for all kinds of positions with no thought to whether it suited me or not. I was going to climb this administrative ladder and eventually become a successful principal. Well, stay tuned for stories of how this ladder shifted multiple times once I got to the top. It didn’t take long to understand the choice of leadership cannot be taken lightly.

There are 3 types of educators that make the decision to become a principal.

1.  There are some leaders who have been tapped for leadership because local or district admin has been a witness to the work that educator has done in leading teams or been a leader of some sort in their content area. And so it becomes inevitable that they are selected or pushed into taking the administrative path.

2. There are also those, like myself, who never shied away from leadership roles and saw the path and checked the boxes to make it happen.

3. Then there are those who are dazzled by the position, its “power and authority” and haven’t taken on any meaningful leadership work. Plus, there are no leadership receipts to show for their accomplishments. Easily, they are leading with no one following them. 

I can tell you from experience of nearly 20 years as a principal and over 3 decades as an educator in the 3rd largest district in the country that when you choose leadership, there are days when you want to leave “The Position” because the weight of the job can get pretty heavy.  This is especially true, if you were a principal during the pandemic. So, it makes good sense to go into the role with as much experience and insight BEFOREHAND, so that you don’t abort the mission at the first challenging incident.   Our schools, our students, our communities need committed educators that are compelled to do the work. 

To that end, principals are breaking under the pressure of the principalship. I contend that if prospective administrators receive direction and support early from their principal preparation programs. district leaders, or leadership mentors and coaches to steer them in the right direction, we can reduce the nationwide principal shortage rate. 

My goal is to be that beacon that is ready to support lead teachers,  coaches,  assistant principals, or counselors create a plan for elevation.

It’s levels to this principal thing.

With the right toolbox of leadership skills, you can step into your principalship with more confidence and a zest that will transform an entire school community. 

So…Join me. Follow me as I help you Chart your Course towards leadership. 

You’re Next in Line to become a school leader.

And SOON you will be At the Helm of your school!