4 min read

As the calendar flips to January, it’s natural to start thinking about what’s next. Maybe it’s time to get serious about that running habit (or just commit to walking to the mailbox without grumbling).

Or perhaps you’re toying with a bigger idea—like becoming a vice-principal or principal.

If you’ve been following this series, you’ve already reflected on whether you’re administration material, learned what the job really entails, and thought about the steps you need to take to get there.

Now, as we wrap up, it’s time to look at what you can do right now—whether or not you’re ready to apply tomorrow.

Spoiler alert: this isn’t about schmoozing your principal into liking you; it’s about building credibility, trust, and a professional reputation that will set you up for success.

This is our last post in our “Breaking into Administration” series. If you want to check out our first three posts, you can catch up on our website! Check them out here:

Learning to Lead Without the Title

One of the first steps toward becoming an effective administrator is behaving like one—even before you land the role. That doesn’t mean marching into the staff room and declaring yourself the boss of all grade-level meetings. I

nstead, it’s about cultivating a mindset of leadership by being collaborative, solution-oriented, and reliable.

Start small. Volunteer to take on a project or lead an initiative that aligns with your goals. If you can demonstrate that you’re capable of rallying a group of colleagues and seeing an idea through to fruition, you’re already proving you have what it takes to manage larger responsibilities.

But don’t fall into the trap of thinking that leadership means being everyone’s favorite person. Administration is not a popularity contest.

It’s about respect, fairness, and consistency. If you’re angling for the principal’s chair, you’ll need to show you can prioritize the greater good over short-term praise.

Walking the Tightrope Between Teacher and Admin

If you’re serious about becoming a principal or vice-principal, you’ve probably started to think about how your relationship with the current administrators fits into the picture. Here’s the deal: your admin team isn’t your rival. In fact, they’re your best resource.

This doesn’t mean you need to suck up or agree with every decision they make (they’re human, after all, and sometimes they’re going to call a snow day late or institute a dress code no one asked for). But you do need to approach your interactions with them professionally and respectfully.

Ask thoughtful questions about their work. Find out what challenges they face and how they make decisions. This isn’t just to get on their good side—it’s to learn.

You might be surprised at how much insight you can gain by seeing things from their perspective. And when the time comes to apply for that leadership role, having an admin team that respects you as a peer-in-the-making is invaluable.

Building Bridges, Not Burning Them

Lastly, let’s talk about your relationships with your fellow teachers. Transitioning from teacher to administrator can sometimes feel like stepping into a completely different world—one where your colleagues might start to see you less as a teammate and more as “one of them.”

It’s a delicate balance. While you want to maintain camaraderie, you also need to show you’re capable of stepping into a leadership role. This means sometimes making tough calls or taking unpopular stands for the good of the school.

The key is to communicate clearly and consistently. If your colleagues see that you’re fair, honest, and acting in the best interests of students and staff, they’re more likely to respect your transition.

And yes, some relationships may shift, especially if you move into administration within the same school. That’s normal. Your goal is not to be everyone’s friend but to be a leader they trust.

New Year, New Resolve

As you map out your resolutions this year, think about the steps you can take toward your goal of becoming an administrator. Whether it’s starting a leadership project, seeking mentorship from your current principal, or simply observing how decisions are made at the school level, every small step gets you closer to the role you envision for yourself.

And remember, you don’t have to wait until you’re wearing a suit and holding a clipboard to make an impact. Leadership begins long before the title does.

So here’s to a new year of growth, ambition, and maybe even a few tough conversations over coffee with your principal. After all, 2025 could be the year you stop wondering if you’re administration material and start becoming the leader your school needs.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

We would LOVE to hear from you!

Reply to this email, or send us a message on Instagram (link below)! We’re here to walk with you in these crazy times!

Part of what makes The PEN Weekly community so special is the fact that our readers are teachers from around the world! We’re not going to lie, we think that’s pretty darn cool!