Jake Grimsley

MUED 373

Summary and Reflection on Edgar Article

In this article, Edgar goes through many of the different ways first-year music teachers

interact with principals, both positive and negative. He takes three very different schools and

interviews the teachers (all first-year) concerning their relationship with the school and the

principal. One had a principal almost involved too little, one was involved to a fault, and one, a

former band director, was a great one to work with. There are a great range of ways that

principals may be involved, and it’s important to understand how best to deal with it. One thing

though, that helps all problems, even before they occur, is communication. The teachers

interviewed recommended weekly meetings with the principal, and through those meetings you

may develop a relationship, one where you can educate them while also respecting information

and expectations they have for you. In my own teaching, communication does seem the way to

go. Especially if there are any problems, letting them stew will just make things worse. With

often interactions, you and the principal will get to know each other and to know how each other

think, therefore removing any smoke and mirrors present and allowing you to be much more

open in your work environment and in your planning and preparation.