Sometimes a pause is the first step toward a better conversation with a student. Pause. See the student. Choose your response.

Back-to-school season is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming for Assistant Principals. After serving as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and district leader, I know how important it is to start the year with a clear plan. To help, I created this Assistant Principal Start-of-Year Checklist filled with practical reminders and key tasks to keep you organized, visible, and focused on what matters most: supporting students, staff, and school success. Feel free to download,...

Elementary Classroom The first days of school can feel like a whirlwind, but with the right plan in place, you can set a positive tone and lead your school with confidence. Whether you are stepping into the assistant principal role for the first time or returning for another year, having a solid game plan helps you stay focused, calm, and connected to your team. This checklist is what I used as a guide when I first became an assistant principal. It helped me stay organized, build...