What My First Year as an Assistant Principal Taught Me

When I accepted my first assistant principal position, I knew the job would be challenging. After 21 years in education, I understood that leadership would stretch me in new ways. What I didn’t fully appreciate was how much I would grow—not just as a leader, but as a person.

This year taught me that leadership is often less about having the right answers and more about asking the right questions. It’s about listening before speaking, supporting before correcting, and building trust before expecting change.

One of the biggest lessons I learned is that visibility matters. Some of the most meaningful moments of the year happened not in meetings or behind a desk, but in classrooms, PLCs, and conversations with teachers. Being present helped me better understand the challenges teachers face and the support they need.

I also learned that good intentions are not always enough. There were times when my focus on compliance, deadlines, and accountability overshadowed the relationships I was trying to build. While systems and expectations are important, people need to know you are invested in their success before they fully embrace your feedback.

Perhaps the most important lesson of all is that leadership is a journey, not a destination. There is no moment when you suddenly feel like you’ve figured it all out. Growth comes through reflection, humility, and a willingness to learn from both successes and mistakes.

As I prepare for my second year as an assistant principal, I am carrying these lessons with me. My goal is not to be a perfect leader. My goal is to continue growing into the leader my teachers, students, and school community need me to be.

Year one stretched me. Year two will refine me.