Title: “100-Day Plan for New Administrators – School Story Podcast Transcript”
Hosts: Spencer Campbell and Stewart Hudnall
Transcript:
Spencer Campbell: Welcome back to the School Story podcast. I’m Spencer Campbell, principal of a middle school in Utah.
Stewart Hudnall: I’m Stewart Hudnall, assistant principal in a large district in Utah. Today’s episode focuses on a 90-day plan for new administrators, covering all levels from assistant principals to superintendents.
Spencer Campbell: Did you have a 100-day plan when transitioning from teacher to administrator?
Stewart Hudnall: No, I wish I had more structure and planning. It wasn’t covered in my master’s program, as far as I remember.
Spencer Campbell: Same here. It was not on my radar during my teaching period. The transition can be abrupt, especially mid-year. I had to create a plan when I became a principal for a school that was still being established.
Stewart Hudnall: Let’s discuss the differences in 100-day plans for assistant principals versus principals.
Spencer Campbell: Absolutely. For assistant principals, especially transitioning from teaching, the principal usually sets the vision. But in small districts, where roles are combined, the plan might look different.
Stewart Hudnall: Location and school size also impact the plan. Our experiences vary greatly due to our different school settings.
Spencer Campbell: True. And with experience, our plans would differ now compared to when we started. As a new administrator, there’s a lot of unknowns. A 100-day plan provides guidance and structure to navigate this.
Stewart Hudnall: Let’s dive into key aspects of a 100-day plan, starting with building relationships.
Spencer Campbell: Building relationships is crucial. One effective method is memorizing staff names and faces, perhaps using a yearbook or flashcards. This helps connect with staff during the summer.
Stewart Hudnall: Building connections with district personnel and community members is also vital. Networking with district departments and local organizations helps establish broader relationships.
Spencer Campbell: Agreed. Identifying challenges and familiarizing yourself with the school’s current situation, policies, and data is essential. Documenting and organizing this information can ease the weight of these responsibilities.
Stewart Hudnall: Handling conflicts and managing time effectively are common challenges. Developing an organizational system and being visible in the school can help address these issues.
Spencer Campbell: Absolutely. Regular check-ins and feedback from mentors and colleagues are important. Evaluate your progress every 30, 60, and 90 days, and adjust your goals accordingly.
Stewart Hudnall: The role of an assistant principal in shaping school culture involves asking hard questions, being consistent, and having a presence in the school community.
Spencer Campbell: To wrap up, a 100-day plan should include stakeholder engagement, instructional leadership, operational management, facilities oversight, and financial responsibilities. Being visible and building connections are key.
Stewart Hudnall: Next week, we’ll discuss effective communication with staff and students, a critical aspect of school leadership.
Spencer Campbell: Thanks for joining us. We’re Spencer Campbell and Stewart Hudnall from School Story. Until next time, keep leading and inspiring in education.