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Classroom Practice/Program

Principals! The Greatest Gift You Can Give

Is Your Time

By Sheri Higdon

The time invested by a school principal in students, their families, and one’s faculty and staff will
pay dividends beyond measure. Although the managerial and clerical duties involved in school
administration are vast and overwhelming, being available to those entrusted to one’s care is key to
building relationships. Fostering connections within the school makes all members feel safe and valued
(Bailey, 2011).
Greeting students before school each day and dismissing them personally every afternoon
can develop bonds not only with students but also with their siblings, parents, and grandparents.
Conversations in this informal setting foster trust and breed camaraderie. Being on the duty roster
(taking a regular duty assignment) among students
and faculty gives the opportunity for dialogue and
valuable insight. This time in an informal setting
breeds opportunities for connecting with students
and teachers, builds teamwork, and develops
understanding (Connors, 2000).
Regular informal observations in the
classrooms throughout the day show concern and
a real interest in the teaching-learning process.
Greater knowledge of curriculum and its delivery
and classroom procedures can be obtained through
walk-throughs. An administrator will have an
awareness of struggling learners and behavior
problems. Substitute teaching by administrators
shows teachers they are valued and students they are loved. Furthermore, an administrator who “subs”
will never forget what it’s like to be a teacher (Connors, 2000). He or she will know students and faculty
on a deeper level, be able to monitor morale continually, and know what teachers need.
Taking the time to take phone calls, answer emails promptly, and meet with students, families, and
faculty and staff indicate an administrator’s willingness to make education a shared endeavor. In a school
with an effective leader, there will be no hesitation to visit the school or ask questions (Connors, 2000).
Timely conversations express care and authentic interest, develop trust, and form partnerships.
Henry David Thoreau wrote, “It is not enough to be industrious; so are the ants. The question is:
what are we industrious about?” (Harding & Bode, 1958). Arriving at the office very early to tackle
“paperwork” is time well spent. Setting time aside in the day to visit classrooms, lunch periods, and
recesses is invaluable. We choose how we invest our time and energy. Without a plan and an idea
about where you’re going, you might just be going in circles. Effective organization leads to effective
implementation (Connors, 2000). The busyness of administrators’ schedules is a harsh reality, but
quality time spent with those entrusted to them will nurture relationships, build community, and make a
meaningful impact on their lives.

Sheri Higdon, a member of Chi Chapter in Louisiana State Organization, is principal of St. John Elementary School in Franklin, Louisiana.
shigdon@stjohnelem.com

Collegial Exchange · 25