8 Strategies for APs to Build Strong Partnerships With Principals

When it comes to leading a school building, a strong partnership between a school principal and assistant principal is not just beneficial; it’s also essential for success. As an assistant principal for the past three years, I quickly learned how important it is for both leaders to align their vision and mission through strong collaboration.

This team approach has allowed me to voice opinions and ideas, be part of setting building-wide goals, assist in supporting new initiatives each year, and so much more. I have become a stronger leader due to this collaborative approach to leadership. This partnership doesn’t just affect the leadership of our building; it also resonates throughout our entire school community, bringing about many positive changes.

A United Vision and Mission in Leadership

Cultivating an aligned vision and mission between the principal and assistant principal provides clear direction and coherent expectations for students, teachers, staff, and families. This collaboration creates a foundation of trust and respect within the school, signaling to everyone—from teachers to parents—that building administrators are on the same page. Building a strong, collaborative relationship enhances the school’s culture and climate, making it a place where people feel valued, heard, supported, and motivated.

Collaboration can have a significant impact on student achievement. When school leaders are united in their approach to educational and operational strategies, they create an environment that boosts student learning and success. This team approach allows leaders to work together by bringing their expertise, passions, and individual knowledge to the table, which ultimately lends itself to improved teaching methods, strengthened interventions, and a thriving, supportive school community.

The Ripple Effect of Collaborative Leadership

There can be a ripple effect throughout the school building when a collaborative leadership approach exists. When teachers and other staff in the building observe their leaders collaborating effectively, it inspires teachers to work together, share innovative practices, and pursue professional growth. This schoolwide teamwork enhances the school culture, making it an environment for continual learning and excellence.

Assistant principals looking to adopt this collaborative approach can start with these strategies:

1. Develop a partnership. Developing a strong relationship with the principal based on trust and open communication is key.
2. Meet regularly. Regular meetings help strengthen understanding and support continuity around shared goals.
3. Take on more decision-making opportunities. Assistant principals should play an active role in important school functions like curriculum development, staff evaluation, data meetings, and building schedules.
4. Keep an open line of communication. Throughout the busy week, a continuous dialogue keeps both leaders involved in the goings on within the building.
5. Establish action plans. Sharing ideas, successes, and struggles faced throughout the week assists in supporting both leaders by providing feedback and creating action plans moving forward.
6. Get vulnerable to build trust. Being open, honest, and transparent in all exchanges helps to build trust and unity.
7. Seek engagement opportunities. This means communicating opinions on specific topics. Making suggestions or expressing feedback creates good teamwork and can offer a different perspective.
8. Show your support. Assistant principals should take on initiatives that support the principal. Serving on committees, heading up discussed initiatives, and providing professional development that aligns with the school’s vision will make a huge impact on the school overall.

By cultivating a team-oriented environment among the staff, leaders can encourage and support a culture where everyone feels empowered to contribute to the school’s success. This includes participating on committees that align with leader initiatives each school year, supporting their grade-level staff, and taking professional development or training courses that support the goals of the building.

Effective collaboration between a principal and an assistant principal is imperative for creating a united vision that drives significant improvements within the school community. This partnership not only impacts students positively, but it also cultivates a professional environment where teachers and staff can thrive and excel.

By embracing shared decision-making and teamwork, assistant principals can help their schools reach their full potential and make a strong impact on their students’ lives. Ultimately, the partnership between a school principal and an assistant principal is responsible for positive change and improvement. When these two leaders function as a team through collaboration and implement a school-wide vision and mission, the effect is felt by everyone.

Lynn Coyle is associate principal at John Quincy Adams Primary School in Deer Park, New York.