Episode Details

Alice Peck, principal at Oakdale, is moving to a Title I school where she knows almost no one. Her principal entry plan is to listen first, change nothing early, and overcome fear by telling people what she does not know and asking for their support.

Peck admits what worries her: managing a federal Title I budget and leading more people and students. She also describes how she will earn trust fast, starting with a staff meeting the next morning, then staying visible by picking up trash, mopping a spill or covering a class.

What you'll learn

• Spend your first year listening, and ask the staff what has worked before you change anything.
• Tell people what you are afraid of and ask experienced colleagues to sit down with you until you understand it, as Peck plans to do with the Title I budget.
• Tell staff at your first meeting that everyone has an important role, and that your door is open even when you disagree.
• Ask staff every morning what they need from you, and show it by picking up the trash, mopping the spill or covering a class.
• Be visible in classrooms and hallways instead of sitting behind your desk, as Peck plans to do at her new school.

Chapters

• 0:00 Priorities for her new Title I school
• 4:01 What is different about a Title I school
• 9:13 What scares her about the new job
• 11:28 Overcoming fear by asking for help
• 13:59 Building trust with a staff that doesn't know you
• 16:14 Staying visible and doing what you ask of staff
• 18:37 Advice to become a transformative principal
• 19:48 The flower picture that keeps her focused

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Questions this episode answers

How do you overcome fear when you start at a new school?
Peck says the best way is to tell everyone you are afraid and ask for support. She plans to lean on other Title I principals and district staff for the budget, and she says if you are not nervous you probably should not be doing the job.

How can a new principal build trust with staff quickly?
Peck says there is no quick way, only honesty, time and honest feedback. She will tell staff everyone matters, keep an open door, and show she asks nothing of them she would not do herself, such as picking up trash, mopping or teaching a class.

What should a principal focus on first at a new Title I school?
Peck plans to change nothing at first. She will listen to the staff and learn what has worked, keep high expectations and a balance with the arts, and learn how to work with community support for homeless students through the shelter liaison.

About Alice Peck

Principal at Oakdale, moving to lead a Title I school in her district.

Links and resources

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• Transformative Principal website
• Transformative Principal on Stitcher
• Refer a principal form

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