How can you build a strong professional relationship with your principal?

As a teacher, you know how important it is to have a good rapport with your students, parents, and colleagues. But what about your principal? Your principal is not only your boss, but also your mentor, advocate, and partner in education. Building a strong professional relationship with your principal can help you grow as a teacher, improve your classroom management, and enhance your school culture. Here are some tips on how to do that.

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1 Communicate effectively

Communication is key to any successful relationship, especially in a school setting. You want to keep your principal informed of your goals, challenges, and achievements, as well as seek feedback and guidance. You also want to listen to your principal's expectations, vision, and suggestions, and show respect and appreciation. Communicate with your principal regularly, but not excessively. Use the appropriate channels and modes, such as email, phone, or face-to-face meetings. Be clear, concise, and professional in your messages, and avoid gossip, complaints, or negativity.

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2 Collaborate and cooperate

Your principal is not only your leader, but also your teammate. You share the same mission and vision of providing quality education to your students. You can show your support and commitment by collaborating and cooperating with your principal on various projects, initiatives, and activities. For example, you can volunteer to serve on a committee, lead a professional development session, or organize a school event. You can also cooperate with your principal by following the school policies and procedures, adhering to the curriculum and standards, and meeting the deadlines and requirements.

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3 Show initiative and innovation

Your principal wants to see you grow and thrive as a teacher, and one way to do that is to show initiative and innovation in your teaching practice. You can demonstrate your passion and creativity by trying new strategies, methods, and tools in your classroom, and sharing your results and reflections with your principal. You can also seek new opportunities for learning and improvement, such as attending workshops, courses, or conferences, and applying what you learned to your teaching. Your principal will appreciate your enthusiasm and willingness to learn and improve.

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Dr. Mayank Bohra

Head , Department of Biology Delhi Public School , Jodhpur
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It's really a valid suggestion. If you try to be the best version of yourself every passing day, you want the students to be the same and that's how your principal starts admiring you for your work commitments and ethos.

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4 Be flexible and adaptable

Teaching is a dynamic and unpredictable profession, and you need to be flexible and adaptable to cope with the changes and challenges that may arise. Your principal will value your ability to adjust and respond to different situations, such as changing schedules, unexpected events, or new demands. You can show your flexibility and adaptability by being open-minded, positive, and proactive in dealing with the changes and challenges. You can also seek your principal's input and support when needed, and offer your help and assistance when possible.

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Dr. Mayank Bohra

Head , Department of Biology Delhi Public School , Jodhpur
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Working in the most robust organisation, flexibility is the key. We've to adjust according to the school policies and act as the true ambassadors of propagation of it. We've to be adaptable to the changes that comes our way and be a team with the Principal and the management. In short we're the bridges.

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5 Build trust and respect

Trust and respect are the foundation of any strong professional relationship, and they take time and effort to build. You can build trust and respect with your principal by being honest, reliable, and accountable in your work. You can also show your integrity, professionalism, and competence by delivering high-quality results, maintaining high standards, and addressing any issues or concerns promptly and responsibly. You can also build trust and respect by acknowledging your strengths and weaknesses, accepting feedback and criticism, and learning from your mistakes.

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Dr. Mayank Bohra

Head , Department of Biology Delhi Public School , Jodhpur
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The post of Principal is very challenging. S/he has to deal with a very talented pool of people and so, to make your mark, you need to have an X factor. Now, what's this X factor? It's simply the accountability. If you're accountable for your decisions and actions and are always devoted to the betterment of the organisation, you'll be the apple of the eye of the Principal.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you build a strong professional relationship with your principal?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Communicate effectively

2 Collaborate and cooperate

3 Show initiative and innovation

4 Be flexible and adaptable

5 Build trust and respect

6 Here’s what else to consider

Teaching

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How can you build a strong professional relationship with your principal?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Communicate effectively

2 Collaborate and cooperate

3 Show initiative and innovation

4 Be flexible and adaptable

5 Build trust and respect

6 Here’s what else to consider

Teaching

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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