Principals: Show Up for Yourselves

By now, most of you are back in your buildings after what was hopefully a rejuvenating summer break, full of time to reflect, connect with family and friends, and rest up before the new school year begins. With the excitement of welcoming students and teachers back to school comes the challenge of starting the school year strong—and a big piece of that is student attendance.

While principal attendance is not typically an issue, I’m asking you to show up in a different way. This school year, I’m challenging each of you to show up for yourselves. Here’s why:

• Role modeling. By prioritizing your own health, you’ll set a positive example for staff and students, fostering a culture of well-being throughout the school.
• Improved leadership. Good physical and mental health enhances decision-making, problem-solving, and emotional regulation, leading to more effective leadership.
• Burnout prevention. The demanding nature of the principalship makes self-care crucial for preventing burnout and maintaining longevity in the position.

Your well-being not only benefits you personally, but it also contributes to your school’s stability and success, creating a positive ripple effect for everyone involved.

Doubling Down on Addressing Absenteeism

In the wake of increases in chronic absenteeism nationwide, the new school year brings an opportunity to double down on addressing the issue out of the gate. But we must understand the impact of student attendance before we can address problems with it.

When NAESP surveyed principals and assistant principals about attendance issues in their schools, we identified six key themes:

1. Data lag hinders timely interventions.
2. Logistical challenges exist due to varying school schedules.
3. Family engagement is crucial for addressing chronic absenteeism.
4. Cultural mindsets about truancy and tardiness continue to affect attendance.
5. Personalized interventions such as attendance “buddies” show students they matter.
6. Mental health days provide flexibility.

Don’t Forget the Teachers

Principals are also tasked with curbing teacher absenteeism, which has been on the rise. Research shows that:

• Teacher absence rates have increased 27 percent in the past decade;
• On average, teachers miss 11 days of school per year; and
• Substitute teachers cost U.S. schools $4 billion annually.

This affects all aspects of student learning and presents a complex puzzle that falls on principals to solve. As with any challenge, having a team in place to support you makes solving it easier. NAESP is proud to be a member of that team, and together, we can make great strides in boosting student attendance and achievement this year.

On behalf of the NAESP staff, I want to wish you all a successful school year. As always, we’ll be right there with you, making sure you have the support you need. If there’s anything I can do for you, please reach out to me directly at [email protected].

L. Earl Franks, Ed.D., CAE, is executive director of the National Association of Elementary School Principals.