Lessons Learned the Hard Way: Mistakes Principals Make and How to Avoid Them | Dr. David G. Melton | Louisa County Public Schools
Program Description
Being a principal is challenging, perhaps more challenging than it needs to be. Principals must make hundreds of decisions each day, and it is inevitable that mistakes will be made. Mistakes must be minimized for principals to survive. Principals don't get fired for the reasons one might think. Ineffective management, poor student achievement, and resistance to change are less likely to lead to termination than bad interpersonal relationship skills. Principal preparation programs focus on theory and what effective leadership is rather than teaching the things administrators should avoid doing. Avoiding mistakes is just as important as knowing what to do. In fact, we learn from our mistakes. This presentation will identify common mistakes and provide strategies to avoid them. The presenter will describe real-life cases where administrators made mistakes which cost them their jobs. Special tips from a superintendent to principals will be shared through an interactive lecture, question-and-answer session, and handouts. ISLLC Standard V will be addressed during the presentation.Virginia Standard(s) Addressed
Communication & Community Relations (ISLLC standard 4) and Professionalism (ISLLC standard 5 & 6)Program Goals and Objectives
- Participants will be able to demonstrate that they have learned the most common mistakes principals make by avoiding those mistakes.
- Participants will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to be an effective principal by practicing effective communication and interpersonal skills.
- Participants will be able to demonstrate that they are trustworthy by building trusting relationships within their administrative team.
Program Format
Most research and principal preparation programs focus on what effective leadership is rather than what mistakes should be avoided. This program will focus on the most common mistakes principals make by reviewing principal responsibilities, due process, politics, fatal errors and supervisory behaviors that are viewed by teachers as mistakes. Questions and open dialogue are encouraged. The presenter will cite specific examples from 20 years of experience as an assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent.Target Audience
The target audience would be principals, assistant principals, central office administrators and aspiring administrators.Self-Selection and/or Identification Through School Division
No/yes.Duration of Program
One half-day session; 2-3 hours; also available as 1.5 hour presentation.Outcomes Measured
Supervisor or peer rating of:
- avoiding common mistakes made by principals
- effective communication and interpersonal skills
- building trusting relationships within the administrative team
Program Evaluation
Participant evaluation forms.Contact Information
Dr. David G. Melton
P.O. Box 7
Mineral, VA 23024
Phone: 540.894.5115
Email: meltondg@lcps.k12.va.us