Felecia K.

Hemingway-EA8940

My Credo

If you had asked me if I wanted to be a school administrator three years ago, my answer would
have been an emphatic no! As a matter of fact, I turned down several requests from my
principal to take over as building director in his absence because I didn’t want to step out of the
comfort zone of my classroom. However, after actually being an assistant principal for the last
two years, I know this is what I was born to do! I’ve always recognized the values, qualities and
skills that made me a great teacher, but what I failed to realize at the time was how closely
aligned those same characteristics were with being a great administrator.

The first step is to build and maintain genuine relationships with all stakeholders, students, staff,
families and community members. “Kids don’t care how much you know, unless they know how
much you care” and the same is true for the adults you encounter. You must get to know them
as people and establish mutual trust before any effective teaching, coaching, mentoring,
disciplining, leading or partnering can take place. As you get to know them, allow them to get to
know you as well. Be vulnerable and open so they can see who you truly are and that you have
their best interest at heart. When they conclude your standards, values and objectives are
aligned with theirs, they're more likely to believe in you as much as you believe in them.

Once you get to know your school family, it will become easier to anticipate their needs and
figure out how to meet them. It also allows you to identify their strengths, assign duties and
tasks accordingly and motivate or encourage them along the way. Knowing what others do well
will allow you to strategically put them in positions or situations that foster success and build
confidence. Then, you can use these strengths and accomplishments to counterbalance and
build on their weaknesses, providing numerous opportunities for growth and challenging them to
aspire for more.

Building connections and forming alliances within the school family will require you to establish
a clear means of open, honest and consistent communication. Those whom you serve want to
know what’s going on and feel as though they are included in the decision-making process.
Communication is not just disseminating information, but also receiving it. You must be an
active listener, by giving your undivided attention, and allowing their voices to be heard more
often than yours. In addition to being a good listener, you must be approachable and
dependable so others feel comfortable coming to you and know they can count on you for
guidance, resources and support whenever necessary.

Finally, in order to maintain a safe, orderly and inviting environment, you must be the light that
radiates positivity! Be intentional about highlighting the good things that are happening to make
people feel special and increase the likelihood of them continuing to excel. Show how much you
value everyone as individuals, as well as their efforts as a team. Let them know often how much
you appreciate their diligence in working together to make the school a better place. Above all,
always remember that “Your goal is their success!” The coach cannot win games without the
team members effectively executing the plays. When everyone works together toward a shared
vision and common goal, we all win!