The Leadership Shift Every Assistant Principal Must Make This School Year
The start of the school year is one of the most critical times for school leadership. Vision is being cast, expectations are being set, and culture is being established.
For principals, this moment feels familiar. But for assistant principals, what we deem as the “principals that assist”—the beginning of the year often brings uncertainty:
- How do I step into leadership without overstepping?
- What decisions can I make on my own?
- Will teachers and parents take me seriously?
I’ve seen this struggle over and over again. And it’s not because APs don’t have the skills. It’s because they don’t always see themselves as leaders.
The truth is, your influence doesn’t come from your title. It comes from your identity.
Why Identity Comes Before Influence
When you moved from teacher to assistant principal, you didn’t just change jobs;
you changed your leadership identity. That identity determines how others see you and how much impact you have.
