Tales From a First-Year Principal
We talk to a new principal to discuss how to approach your first year leading a school.

The start of the school year is full of challenges and opportunities, especially for folks leading a school for the first time. First-year Oregon principal Cassiday Hopkins sits down to chat with Adam and Rachel about her first-year experiences, and how they compare. In this episode, we discuss:
- Challenges & successes
- Balancing work and home
- Tips for new leaders
- How to prioritize
Cassiday Hopkins is principal of Sandy Grade School in Sandy, Oregon. You can find her on Twitter at @CassidayHopkins.
Copyright © 2021. National Association of Elementary School Principals. No part of the articles in NAESP magazines, newsletters, or website may be reproduced in any medium without the permission of the National Association of Elementary School Principals. For more information, view NAESP’s reprint policy.