AP Insight - December 2009

Volume 2, Issue 3

Opportunities to Lead

NASSP staff members frequently ask school leaders how they became as effective as they are. Usually, the response is, "On the job, learning from successes and mistakes." I like to think of that response as meaning, "I arrived where I am through practice, reflection, and feedback."

Practicing as a school leader in the laboratory of the school community through the continuously available opportunities to lead builds strong leaders who are effective assistant principals and develop into strong principals. Learning from good models, reflection on daily experiences, feedback, and coaching, as one does the multi-faceted job of the assistant principal, may be the best possible preparation for any school leadership position.

To support the theme of this issue, "Opportunities to Lead," the NASSP Store is offering AP Insight readers a 20% discount on High-Impact Leadership for High-Impact Schools: The Actions That Matter Most by Pam Salazar. Read a review by Karen Wilson. Voices of Experience is now available at the NASSP bookstore. Authors Sue Swaim and Patti Kinney surveyed and interviewed middle level leaders from around the country (including several members of the NASSP Assistant Principal Task Force) to get their thoughts, experiences, and perceptions about being a successful leader—whether as a principal, assistant principal, teacher, or a district office administrator.

Interviews with many of the leaders were recorded and are available as podcasts. One podcast that may be of special interest to assistant principals is an interview with Hilca Thomas, 2008 Virco/NASSP Assistant Principal of the Year. Hilca relates the experiences she had as an assistant principal that helped her make the transition to principal.

The book is co-published by NASSP and National Middle School Association.

Present a Session at the 2010 National Chinese Language Conference 

The success of the National Chinese Language Conference (NCLC) is built upon the innovation, best practices, and shared experiences of educators and administrators in the field. As the field is advancing, so too is NCLC, and this year we encourage you to share your ideas and successes by leading a session at NCLC 2010 in Washington, DC, April 22–24.

We are especially seeking proposals on the following topics:

• Articulation: Positive models of articulation and collaboration between K–12 and higher education
• Curriculum: Innovative curriculum, including models for linking Chinese to other subject areas
• Research: Implications of research on K–12 Chinese language education
• Teacher preparation: Strong models for preparing teachers
• Technology: New and proven platforms, developments, and uses.

AP Strand at the 2010 NASSP Convention

Phoenix, AZ, March 12–14, 2010
Join colleagues from schools around the country to share best practices and learn from fellow practitioners and experts. This year, 16 offerings make up the AP Strand at the annual Convention. While the selection process is not complete, the quantity and quality of the proposals promise a rich offering for assistant principals. 

AP Discussion List Hot Topic: Opportunities to Lead
Members of the AP Discussion List participated in a lively discussion about the assistant principal's role in the school and opportunities to expand that role with regard to leadership. The discussion was launched by Patricia Buschjost, assistant principal at Walter Clark Middle School in Loveland, CO:

I chose to do something interesting this school year. I asked to be moved from a high school assistant principal position to a middle school assistant principal position. My eyes have been opened! I am working with a principal who is also new to the building. What I have discovered is that the position left by the previous assistant had many duties that are handled by the secretaries at the high school level. The previous assistant took care of the keys for the teachers, scheduled the building for events, and had lunch duty three times during the day. It seems that improvement of instruction was left to the principal. I am trying to change this by empowering others in their current roles. I was wondering if other middle school assistants have been hoping to change their roles? Is there a way the Assistant Principal Task Force can help?

Don't forget! Use promotional code AP1209 when you order for a 20% discount. Hurry—the offer expires January 31, 2010.