PROVERB’S Principles For Principals

An example principle with a concluding thought for the principal: “He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor then he who has a flattering tongue.” Proverbs 28:23 One of the most important tasks facing the principal is that of staff evaluations. It can be exhilarating to be used to assist teachers in their professional growth. It can also be very draining and demoralizing when growth is not evident. Above all else, the evaluation process must be honest. “Speaking the truth in love” is of the utmost importance. Teachers should be complimented and encouraged in their areas of strength. Everyone likes and needs to be told where he/she is performing well. Of equal importance, however, is the need to point out areas needing improvement. This is a rewarding task with staff that are consciously incompetent (they know not and know that they know not). These folks are often eager to learn and can be taught. However, it is extremely difficult to counsel staff who are unconsciously incompetent (they know not and know not that they know not). These folks rarely succeed in the classroom. Oh, it doesn’t mean that the principal does not try to assist these difficult individuals. 100% effort is given toward improvement. A plan of assistance is mutually developed and worked upon. Rebukes often cause conflicts, but it is far better to address the problem directly than to flatter the person and hope the difficulties will go away or solve themselves (they won’t!) I once had a faculty member who I worked with for several years. He would not acknowledge that there was a problem (unconsciously incompetent) and was angered at my suggestions. When told in March that there would not be a contract for the following year, he became very bitter and it was a rough, final, few months together. Those decisions are hard (that’s why we’re paid the big bucks.) Many years later, this individual came to see me and apologized for his attitude. He now worked in a position away from “kids” and never enjoyed a job so much. He realized he didn’t have a love for students and that I had been correct in my assessment. He thanked me for providing direction through rebukes, even though they weren’t pleasant at the time. Thought: Provide your staff with honest appraisals. In the end, truth is always correct. Other examples of principle and thought include: Principle #1 “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pitchers of silver.” Proverbs 25:11 Thought: Take time to brighten someone’s day by sending a note of thanks or congratulations. It only takes a few minutes of your valuable time now, but scrapbooks and memories last a lifetime. Principle #2 “The way of the slothful man is as a hedge of thorns.” Proverbs 15: 19 Thought: Don’t surround yourself with stacks of paper. Rather than to be “slothful”, develop the Four D system and stick to it. Your office appears neat and professional and you can begin each day with a fresh start. Do it, NOW! Principle #3 “He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life, but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.” Proverbs 13:3 Thought: Don’t have “big ears”. Ignore the many comments made concerning your lineage, poor judgment, etc., etc. A hasty reply on your part will be regretted later. It’s often hard, but ignore it, and relax. Principle #4 “Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop, but a good word maketh it glad.” Proverbs 12:25 Thought: Make the effort to edify or to build someone up TODAY. Take the time to make someone “glad” through your good words.