Aoife has been a classroom teacher for over 20 years but has recently taken the leap into leadership. She now considers herself an NQDP (Newly Qualified Deputy Principal). Here is her story.
As teachers, we are naturally leaders every day. As we progress in our careers, opportunities for promotion can and will come up. These are a great way to challenge yourself and to contribute to the positive development of your school. Leadership roles are also fantastic for developing your own communication and interpersonal skills, skills which are universally useful. However, leadership roles are not for everyone, and that’s ok too!
My journey
As teachers, we run the risk of getting stuck in a rut, perhaps being in the same school or indeed the same role for a number of years. A change is as good as a rest, as the old saying goes! I’m a great believer in facing down the fear of change.
Feel the fear and do it anyway!
I’d been teaching for twenty years and it was only in the last 5 years that I began applying for AP positions in my school. After 3 unsuccessful interviews, I was successful in becoming an AP1, a position that I greatly enjoy.
I subsequently became Deputy Principal and I absolutely love my job! I love how my work can have a positive impact at a whole school level. However, I still call myself an NQDP (Newly Qualified Deputy Principal). I am learning every day and I do believe that the day that I am no longer learning is the day I will retire.
So, as I write this, if you are thinking of applying for a promotion in your school, I would say, go for it!
Here are some of the practical steps I took to prepare myself for my interviews.
- Get very familiar with documents such as LAOS 2022 (Looking at our Schools) as the interview questions will be based around these frameworks.
- Write down concrete examples of how you have worked as part of a team/shown leadership across all four domains. If you don’t have any concrete examples from your work thus far, look for opportunities for improvement in your school. Volunteer for committees, assist current postholders, do whatever you can to get a feel for what it is like to manage resources, run an event or introduce a new initiative at school.
- Do a mock interview with a friend if you can. Record yourself answering questions and listen back – I love doing this! Tell the interview panel why you are the right person for the job. Tell them how you can add value to the team.
- If you’re successful, well done and buckle up! If you are not successful, that’s ok too. Ask for feedback so you can improve for the next time.
And so, if you are embarking on a new leadership journey, my biggest advice would be to ask for support.
Asking for help is a sign of strength
The quote about asking for help being a sign of strength is a favourite motto of mine. Distributed leadership is also the buzz phrase at the moment, and for good reason. No one can do it for long alone.
Support can be found in many places, both online and face to face. Oide offer training for Principals, Deputy Principals and Assistant Principals. Your local education centre may also offer communities of practice/support groups for aspiring and practicing leaders.
Make every effort to stay connected to others that are in similar roles as they will be an excellent support to you.
The educational landscape is so dynamic and fast paced – never forget the power of the pause. Think of the impact the decisions you make may have on all educational stakeholders and maintain the best interests of the child at the forefront of your mind but remember your own self-care. Remember to set your non-negotiables each day.
Finally.. all I can say is…
If you believe that you have something to offer to a school or for children, go for it!
Leave a Comment