Expert: Jeffrey Williams - 2/28/2002

Question
Good Morning!  I am an elem Library Media Specialist.  I have been in the school I am at for 4 years.  My first year here I had to wage a battle for the integrity of my program.  Our building was not practicing the program as the district guidelines required, so I fought to follow district standards.  This met with quite a bit of resistance, as change for some is very hard.  Though I gained the respect of some I totally lost support from a few others.  I have always felt that our current principal has held this against me.  Though we get along fine I have often felt like she didn't quite support the library program.  I also have never felt like I was "in" with her.  She seems to have a clique of favorites, one of which I have never been.  I had my yearly summative review yesterday and she brought up my first year battle again!  Four years later!  Can we move past this, please?  anyway, she is retiring at the end of this year.  Though I will miss her in many ways, I am looking forward to the chance for a clean slate, to make a new start.  I need advice on how to present myself the first time I meet our new principal (a week from now) to show her the smart, capable, professional that I am.  she comes from a special ed background, so I am hoping she will be receptive to the needs of special, supportive programs.  I guess what I am asking is how can I be in the "new" clique?  Thanks!  

Answer
You never want to be 'in' the clique because that means someone is 'out' of the clique.  You don't want any cliques, you just want to have a professional environment.  

Never talk bad about an exboss to a new boss.  You can discuss issues, solutions about your program but keep it seperate from the people involved.  You might let her see your resume to give her an idea about your background.  Treat it like an interview, let her ask some questions.  Even ask her if there is anything she would like to know about you, your program, your style, etc.  The conversation should flow from there.  Just remember rule numero uno.

Good Luck