What if you don't have your principal's support (not for negative reasons, but she just doesn't know you), but you need her for a strong recommend? I'm in a situation where my principal is fairly new to her position and my school -- this is her second year in both. She spent much of the first year getting used to her team of administrators (as she did not know many of them -- and most of them were both new to the school and their job as she was). This year she seems to have gotten a better feel for her team of administrators as she has moved a few of them around to positions that make more sense with who they are.
As far as teachers go, she does not know many of them that well. She does not make many classroom visits and rarely walks the building--largely due to meetings, trainings, and operative issues. She seems to feel most at home handling the operations/management side of her job--as opposed to the instructional leadership side. In fact, most of the veteran teachers love this about her (someone who "leaves them alone and trusts them to do their job"--as one teacher explained to me). Don't get me wrong, I'm not criticizing her for emphasizing operations over instruction. No one walks in on day-one able to juggle all of the moving parts within a struggling high school. It takes time... which is not a luxury for me.
I only mention the instructional leadership part because that's where my strong suit lies, and in a very short time, I will need her recommendation more than ever. While she knows about a few of my accomplishments at the school, she doesn't know me. More importantly, I can't tell how she views me. Our interactions have mostly been polite chit-chat--outside of the few things that she has asked me to do. While there are several current assistant principals, former principals and a few district personnel who could vouch for me -- I need her, but have no idea where I stand with her. Trying to figure out my next step without asking her directly "where do I stand with you"???
Ron,
ReplyDeleteI can understand your concern here. While my administration has stayed very stable during my career, I have a new assistant principal this year. I also have wondered how to build that relationship with her, since my old assistant principal knew my work ethic thoroughly. I will say it takes time and communication. Are you able to schedule time to meet with her regarding your leadership hours? I wonder if during those sessions you could potentially shadow her for a day or set up hours that involve her getting to know you as well. These are just some suggestions!
I would suggest scheduling a meeting with her (maybe before or after school). Tell her what you goals are and what contributions you have made for the school in terms of instruction. Also, add that you are on her team and you want to be an active member in the mission and vision of the school. If there are any leadership roles that she may suggest that she considers you as you already have a proven track record. Recommendations are driven by relationships. Even if she has to do a recommendation for you in the near future she would at least know that you are committed and a loyal team member
ReplyDeleteI was in a very similar situation last year with my principal. I needed a recommendation for another job offer from my current principal but she had only been there for a little over a year. I felt very awkward asking her for a recommendation when she had only been in my classroom maybe once or twice. Like your principal, she was very focused on the operations side and not the instructional leadership part of being a principal. When I was offered this other job, I explained that my assistant principal is the leader that knows me better, has been in my room more often, and knows my teaching practice. But, the school still wanted to hear from my principal.
ReplyDeleteI asked for a meeting with my principal to discuss my situation. We sat down and I explained that I knew it was a little weird to ask for a recommendation when we did not know each other all that well. I came with my observation feedback from each observation my last three years of teaching and I felt that helped her understand me more as a teacher. She was able to see and discuss where my strengths were and where my areas for improvement were in my practice.
While I know that I am no expert, I suggest you try and schedule a meeting with your principal and maybe bring some artifacts. Some artifacts may include classroom observation feedback, student work samples, class data, or anything else that may show your strengths as a teacher. Your e-class page may also be a good artifact. Then, I would be open and honest in the recommendation that you are seeking. I would share all of the ways that you are committed to success at their school and what you do to support your students.
Great advice! Yes, please schedule an appointment as soon as possible to discuss your aspirations.
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