You've passed the SLLA exam, now what? Your journey is only beginning. The path to successful school leadership begins with the search and obtainment of your first school administrator job. I have talked about this process before, and went through the same thing 4 years ago. You can hopefully benefit from my mistakes and my positive experiences, which I will share with you.
2. +
SLLA EXAM, PASSED!
You've passed the SLLA exam, now what?
Your journey is only beginning. The path to
successful school leadership begins with
the search and obtainment of your first
school administrator job. I have talked
about this process before, and went
through the same thing 4 years ago. You
can hopefully benefit from my mistakes
and my positive experiences, which I will
share with you.
3. +
Resume in Shape
First, get your resume in shape. Make sure
you highlight your leadership experiences,
via Internship or as a Teacher-Leader. List
accomplishments and how you handled
difficult problems, or conflicts
4. +
Cast a Wide Net
Cast a Wide Net. Try to target open
positions at least 1 hour drive from your
current home. If you don't have any
constraints, your opportunities are
greater. Your goal is to get that 1st school
administrator job. With experience you
will be able to make your way back closer
to your home district , or to your desired
location.
5. +
Possess some Specific Skill Sets
Possess some Specific Skill Sets, that will
be of assistance to that particular school. If
you are a curriculum specialist, technology
wizard, exceptional children's guru, or a drill
sergeant, make that known on your
resume, during your interview and in
following up with the interviewing team.
6. +
Research the School you are
interviewing
Research the School you are interviewing with. Look at data from the
past 3 years, academic and discipline.
Understand the community partnerships, parent involvement
and how the teachers feel about the school
( Check teacher working conditions surveys).
Most of this data is public knowledge on the web.
Be prepared to ask relevant questions regarding this data,
and how you can improved student achievement,
discipline and school culture.
7. +
Finally, Principals Crave Loyalty
Finally, Principals Crave Loyalty. The
principal's job is one of the most isolated
professions in the education field. They need
to be able to count on someone, and know
that they can confide in you. You will soon
understand why school admins call this the
"Dark Side". You will encounter many
scenarios that will challenge you mentally,
physically and even morally/spiritually. School
leaders need to be able to trust in each other
and know that you have their back. State this
in your interview, and Be Convincing.
