Building a Strong Relationship with your Superintendent
Check out these three tips from a recent Education Week article for building an impactful principal-superintendent relationship.
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Be sure you share the same mission and vision. What are the common goals and what role do each of you play in achieving them? How are challenges and struggles approached in your district? What does communication look like in different circumstances? How do you stay on the same page, grounded in your mission?
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Be humble and present. Ask questions, listen fully. Invite your superintendent into your building to build a shared understanding of what is happening and what might be needed next.
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Know yourself, and make sure others know you. What is important to you? What is important to your superintendent? Where do you have autonomy (loose) and where do you need to follow district-determined expectations (tight)? Be clear about how your building level leadership influences and is connected to district initiatives and plans.
For mentor-mentee reflection:
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How do you ensure you’re on the same page with your superintendent?
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What does your meeting structure with your superintendent/admin team look like?
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How do you serve as the champion of district initiatives while also being an advocate for your building?