I often forget and then am suddenly reminded that, as principal, I am considered intimidating or scary. I don’t think of myself as anything but friendly, open, approachable…but then suddenly there is some shuffling outside my door followed by a pause and then a timid knock. It is a terrified student (or, more likely a group of students–strength and courage in numbers) acting as if what they are about to ask or say is the riskiest thing they have ever done. They hem and haw and it is clear their fear is genuine. These same kids, not 5 minutes ago, could have been smiling and saying hi to me in the halls, sharing a joke with me, but now they are facing The Principal and it is completely different. I now understand their bewilderment and confusion afterwards. You see, I don’t change character, even when I am The Principal. I try to maintain my same demeanor, tone, and level of interest. I don’t joke or try to make light of the situation, but I also don’t shift into disciplinary mode or stern mode or whatever. I close the door if the situation warrants, but for the most part I try to let them see that I’m the same person I was 5 minutes ago, only now I’m being called upon to make a decision, pass judgement, or whatever. I understand that situations require differing sets of skills, but I reject the assumption that principals must play pre-determined, stereotypical roles for given situations. The confusion kids feel is based on the assumptions they make about adults and probably based upon past experiences.
Spring break is right around the corner…
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