Assistant principals are education administrators who focus on the administrative work involved in operating a school. They work under the direction of the principal and assist in the planning, coordination, and directing of activities and programs related to the administration of one or more schools. Here are some of the duties and responsibilities of assistant principals:
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School Management: Assistant principals deal with the issues of school management, including overseeing teaching, curriculum instruction, and student activities and services. They coordinate with principals and board members to assist in defining and enforcing school policies and guidelines for students, staff, and faculty.
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Leadership: Assistant principals provide leadership to the professional staff in determining objectives and identifying school needs as the basis for developing long and short-range plans for the school. They conceptualize the goals of their school and identify objectives for instruction and extracurricular programs.
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Student Discipline: Assistant principals are responsible for the supervision of student enrollment, records, attendance, and health requirements. They also enforce student discipline, including attendance and counseling.
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Instructional Leadership: Assistant principals undertake a mix of instructional leadership, such as observing teachers, and professional development activities. They assist in the planning, development, organization, coordination, and supervision of instructional programs and activities.
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Community Relations: Assistant principals communicate and carry out established policies, delegate and accept responsibility for completion of tasks, and communicate program goals, objectives, and policies to the community. They also use community resources to supplement the school program.
Assistant principals can work at elementary, middle, or high schools. In larger school districts, there may be multiple assistant principals per school, each specializing in a specific subject area, such as history or math.
