How APs Can Forge Stronger Principal-AP Partnerships

Most school leaders would agree that positive relationships are an essential component of any successful school. As educators, our first instinct is to build relationships with our students. As assistant principals (APs), we quickly learn that relationships with colleagues are just as important for a school to operate smoothly.

Among these, the principal–AP partnership is one of the most crucial. Leaders who show a united front and model collaboration shape the culture of the school. APs can take the lead in establishing a strong foundation alongside their principals to benefit the entire school.

A Shared Vision

The principal often drives the vision and mission of the school. It’s said that school leadership is second only to teaching in its impact on student learning.

“How Principals Affect Students and Schools: A Systematic Synthesis of Two Decades of Research,” commissioned by The Wallace Foundation, notes that:

• Effective principals build leadership capacity in others, especially APs;
• Collaborative leadership teams foster better school climates and instructional quality; and
• The distribution of leadership responsibilities is a hallmark of high-performing schools.

APs can support the principal’s vision by helping to set building goals and priorities. Set aside intentional time for conversations with your principal to clarify these goals and discuss plans for achieving them. Revisit these conversations regularly to ensure you remain aligned and can adjust as needed.

When you understand your school’s focus areas, you can more effectively reinforce that shared vision with students, staff, and families.

Communication

Communication is key between the principal and AP. Your principal will likely set clear expectations for your role, but don’t hesitate to ask clarifying questions to avoid miscommunication.

Use tools such as shared documents and electronic calendars to coordinate schedules and information. Establish consistent check-ins to share updates and problem-solve together. Be sure to offer solutions and not just recount issues. Naturally, you won’t always agree on the best course of action, so it’s important to seek honest feedback and remain open to your principal’s mentorship.

By communicating effectively with one another, principals and APs provide consistent messaging. This united front builds trust with staff and demonstrates mutual respect. These are qualities that develop over time through meaningful, ongoing communication.

Division of Responsibilities

Collaborate with your principal to identify each of your strengths and outline responsibilities accordingly. Avoid miscommunication by clearly defining who will lead areas such as curriculum and instruction, teacher support, parent communication, building operations, personnel management, meetings, and student discipline.

A report commissioned by The Wallace Foundation, “The Role of the Assistant Principal: Evidence and Insights for Advancing School Leadership,” further supports the importance of clearly outlining roles and divvying up responsibilities. It highlights that:

• APs are critical to school leadership, yet their role is often underdefined and underutilized;
• Strong principal–AP relationships are essential for school improvement, especially when roles are clearly defined and aligned with school goals; and
• APs who are given leadership opportunities and mentorship are more likely to succeed as future principals.

These leadership opportunities are key. As new initiatives arise, you can also volunteer to take the lead where you can grow your leadership skills. Revisit and adjust your roles throughout the year based on the evolving needs of the school.

Supporting the Relationship

APs strengthen the partnership by being proactive, reflective, and supportive. Show initiative rather than waiting for direction. Ask which projects you might take ownership of to allow your principal to focus on other priorities. Celebrate successes achieved through your collaboration, and recognize the collective effort it takes to move the school forward.

Keep in mind, there is an emotional side to leadership. Just with any relationship, a reciprocal safe, non-judgmental space to speak freely can go a long way in building trust and camaraderie. This also provides the opportunity to reflect, offer a different perspective, and problem solve together.

Beyond the Building

Look for opportunities to connect with your principal outside of the school building. Attend district meetings or community events together to demonstrate unity and partnership. This united visibility can foster a sense of well-being and commitment and strengthen community ties.

When looking for ways to connect, even informal moments such as sharing coffee, lunch, or a walk on campus can provide valuable time to reflect, recharge, and strengthen your working relationship.

Growing Together

Principals and APs benefit from regularly assessing what’s working in their partnership and what could be refined to better support one another and the school. A “divide and conquer” approach might work for daily tasks but shared professional development experiences help both leaders grow together. Frequent reflection nurtures a reciprocal relationship grounded in a growth mindset.

Often, part of the principal’s role is to help prepare APs for the next step in leadership. Embrace this mentorship. Ask questions, take initiative when possible, and learn from your principal’s experience. Observe the systems and qualities that contribute to running a successful school as you prepare for your own future leadership opportunities.

Trust, communication, and shared goals form the foundation of a strong partnership. This does not happen automatically. It takes time, effort, and intentionality to build. But the benefits are boundless. When leaders function as a cohesive team, the entire school community, including students, staff, and families, thrives. APs who take the initiative to foster this partnership not only strengthen their schools but also prepare themselves for their own next steps in leadership.

Melissa Van Ruiten is an assistant principal at Red Pump Elementary in Bel Air, Maryland.