Overburdened.
Constantly pressured. Unending workload. Do those words describe
the job of your principal (and your future job)? In reading this chapter,
those descriptions seem to accentuate how a principal feels and what they have
to face. As the world has changed, so has the role of principal adapted
in order to cover these changes - too bad the support hasn’t come along with
it. Administrators are pushed more than they ever have before, the public
and the press are breathing down their necks, and the pressure to perform is at
an all-time high.
“In summary, principals see themselves as overloaded with
work and feel frustrated by bureaucratic red tape, political machinations, and
the demands of NCLB… The resulting feelings of ineffectiveness often cause them
a great deal of stress. In spite of it all, principals feel resilient
and hopeful. They believe in themselves and in their capacity to be
successful” (Sergiovanni, italics added). There are many reasons to not
go into administration, yet there are many reasons to go into
administration. This attitude of resiliency and hope is why principals
and schools succeed. As I reflect on my past and current principals, I
can now place what I saw in their eyes as this overarching positive
attitude. Despite what they were meddling through, deep within was that
belief in themselves that they were contributing positively, that they were
making a difference.
So, instead of getting bogged down by the pressure and workload that will
constantly be heaped upon me as a principal, I need to remember that I will be
making a difference, I can be successful, my work counts - it is worth
it. As I do the things I know are right, I will be able to move forward
with my school and community towards excellence. Even as opposition
comes, I will be resilient and hopeful, focusing on what’s best for our present
and future. I, as the principal, will be the key to that movement, and my
attitude will be the key to my success.
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