3 Characteristics of the Quintessential AP

A search for the quintessential assistant principal (AP) tells us that this individual is an educator that principals long to bring into schools to work with students, lead staff, and positively impact the culture. They model certain qualities and high levels of expertise, and through these characteristics, they positively impact every aspect of our building and profession. The quintessential AP models everything we could possibly desire, from leadership and heart to experience and personality. And they are for all kids, staff members, and aspects of our profession.

Categorizing Characteristics

These quintessential characteristics can be synthesized into a few broad, impactful categories. These are categories that many of our outstanding assistant principals have modeled and lived out. They are characteristics that shine through in their work, relationships, and influence.

1. High Character: Perhaps the most vital characteristics that APs can model is having a character and moral code. They demonstrate a strong, unwavering, and rock-solid code with consistency and authenticity. This high character can be witnessed in a variety of professional and personal situations—dealing with student discipline, listening to parents, communicating with staff, and processing through the hiring processes with integrity, honesty, and authenticity. Their actions, words, and beliefs align; their character does not waver in challenging situations or in differing conversations. Strong character is a building block of their leadership and character that manifests itself in their daily walk and leadership.
2. Relational Capacity: One of the many valued components of leadership in the quintessential APs is the ability to authentically connect, support, and build relationships. From students who have very little to those who have everything, those who never have disciplinary issues to those who often do, and those who have a similar background to those whose background is significantly different, they have the unique and valued ability to develop and foster strong, impactful relationships. There is an intentional dedication to know student interests, inquire about staff and their families, and authentically pour out love and concern. It’s special because each one is authentic and meaningful and brings out the best in other people. These types of leaders have valued impact and the ability to establish and enhance relationships, regardless of background, position, or status.
3. Authentic Leadership: True leadership revolves around the ability to build trust, develop culture, create vision, and deliver sound instructional feedback. To the highest levels of competency, the quintessential AP demonstrates these leadership qualities, along with others, within our schools and communities. Staff trust them, they intentionally focus on building culture, full heartedly support an established and evolving vision of success, and work diligently to see the multiple perspectives in different situations.

Characteristics Manifest Differently

That said, it’s important for us to recognize, when considering these characteristics, that they manifest themselves differently with each person, educator, leader, and situation. These qualities flourish and impact at the highest level when the school they serve is exactly the right place and fit.

Not every skill set can be maximized unless it is allowed to grow and impact in the right conditions. This is why our assistant principals must be valued and appreciated for who they are and for the impact that they have on our buildings. Our work, the work of our profession, is stronger and more influential when we can serve alongside our outstanding assistant principals. It is with the highest level of gratitude that we should value and appreciate them for the leaders, educators, and individuals that they are.

Doug Ammeraal is principal of Mona Shores Middle School in Muskegon, Michigan.