AboutPatricia Ireland-Williams Expertise I am a retired K-12 Public School Principal (8 years as a teacher and counselor) and 23 years as an administrator. I can help parents with questions about how the system works, provide ideas on how to solve school issues or assist teachers in coping with the plethera of stressors they face.
Experience I am currently an educational consultant and have served on the State of Arizona Solutions Team.
Is there a major difference in principal jobs (middle/highschool/elementary)?
Pro's and Con's of each?
Why don't more teachers become pricipals?
Do principals often quit or change careers because of the stress?
I would to be a principal because I feel I make good decisions and effect more people, and the
pay increase is a "mild" incentive. I would also like to have a job in which I could still be there for
my family, understanding the hours are much longer than teaching but most schools have great
health benefits, weekends and I would imagine that I should have 1st hand knowledge of schools
and be able to help my own children during their school days (no kids yet). I also like that I can
be involved with kids and adults but not necessarily have a classroom of children. I just wrote
that stuff because I wanted to make sure I am doing this for the right reason and don't want to
start school and make long term plans with out the proper knowledge.
Any comments would be great,
Thanks again,
Mark
-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
Thanks for your time,
I taught 2 years in Hawaii and now teach in a non-traditional setting at the Starbase Academy. I
would like to go back for a Masters and become a principal (elementary school).
By the time I finish school I will have 4-5 years of teaching experience.
Is this enough to get hired as an Assistant or Principal?
Would it be frowned upon because I was in a non-traditional setting---I teach 5th grade
students, lots of hands-on, lots of up-to-date technology and I have my certificate w/ math and
science as minor/major.
What did like/dislike about being an principal?
Is there job opportunities?
I currently reside in Michigan ( I miss Hawaii at this time of year)
Thanks for your time,
Mark
Answer -
There are always many jobs for good Principals. Requirements vary from state to state but all
require Administrative Certification from a University program. Most Principals have 5 years of
teaching experience and having some experience in supervision is helpful........a Masters or
Doctorate are often required.
I do not believe that working in a non traditional setting should hinder you......that may work in
your favor.
I loved being Principal (23 years). It is a very stressful but challenging job and the rewards are
seen through building positive relationships with kids, staff, parents and community. If you
don't have excellent people skills, a sterling work ethic (12-14 hour days) and professionalism, a
person will burn out quickly. Accountability issues will permeate everything you do in that every
thing is measured and remeasured over and over again.
I would suggest that you decide where you want to be a Principal, get the requirements from that
State Department of Education and begin working on certification. The process will take a couple
of years. Be sure you stay abreast of technology, trends, initiatives and stay in the classroom
until you apply. Old experience is rarely seen as meaningful in this fast paced competitive
environment. Best of luck.
Patricia
Answer The Principal's job varies from grade level to grade level. In elementary, they often have no Assistant Principals so they end up having to provide all of the supervision of after school and evening activities on top of all of the evaluation of staff and discipline of kids.
In middle school and high school, many of those jobs are often delegated or shared with one or more Assistant Principals (depending on the size of the school). This does not mean that it is any easier because the older kids get, the more serious problems occur.
I have done all three levels and loved the elementary level, even though I was "all things to all people".
Being a Principal requires major multi-tasking and it is the Principal who then has to deal with the District Office, Superintendent and Board of Education. Many teachers do not want to do that and love the security of their own classroom. Ask yourself, do I want 30 kids for 9 months or 700+ kids, their parents and a large staff which is my sole responsibility for a full year (Principals usually get about a month off of vacation time)?
I don't believe that most Principals quit jobs due to stress......usually Principals thrive on the stress. The reason there are lots of openings is that like all jobs, people move from place to place, some go to other administrative positions and many retire (average educator retires after 25 years). Also, Principals who do not do a great job are often found out real quickly by parents, staff, etc. Many resign and go back into the classroom because they realize that the job is too tough (before they are fired).
Don't let the administrative salary fool you...........the hourly wage is much lower than the average teacher when you figure the 12-14 hour days, shortened vacations, etc.
