The assistant principal occupies a unique position at his or her school . The old stereotype of assistant principals as the enforcers of discipline is challenged by the much more varied and nuanced roles they occupy in today ’ s schools .

As administrators , instructional leaders and family partners , they not only provide critical support to the principal , but play an essential part in making a school successful . As part of a Principal magazine roundtable , the National Association of Elementary School Principals asked assistant principals to share some of their best practices on the job . Here ’ s what they had to say :

• On the ideal working relationship with their school principal : “ We set out to define our leadership style as a collaborative team approach . We accomplish this by communicating consistently throughout the day , sharing responsibility for specific tasks , and asking for guidance and feedback from each other and our staff .” – Amanda Yates , associate principal of Frances C . Richmond Middle School in Hanover , New Hampshire .

• On balancing administrative work with instructional leadership : “ I personally enjoy attending pedagogical conferences and workshops with teachers , which provides opportunities to connect on a more informal level and learn together . By leading the way in professional development , learning together has shown to be a successful motivator on both sides of the desk .” – Jennifer Klipp , elementary AP at Bob Jones Academy in Greenville , South Carolina .

• On the biggest challenge for APs : “ The biggest challenge is finding your own leadership voice and style that both allows for a united front with your school principal , as well as gives you the ability to share your own vision and passion within the school organization .” – Sheilah Jefferson-Isaac , AP of Northern Parkway School in Uniondale , New York .

“ You must work with the drive of an entrepreneur starting a new business to efficiently lead a school to success . Balance takes planning and a mission , and then prioritizing each day around school duties , this mission and personal goals .” – Stanley

McMichael , assistant principal of Western Elementary School in Newnan , Georgia .

• On strengthening the leadership team between principals and assistant principals : “ Finding a way to communicate regularly with your principal is key . However , the nature of our position often leaves little time for face-to-face conversations throughout the day . Using an app called Voxer has been the greatest asset in enhancing communication with my principal , in that I can leave messages to plant the seed for honest conversations . We use Voxer for topics ranging from the mundane to those that spark courageous conversations around equity , diversity and cultural responsible pedagogy .” – Sheilah Jefferson-Isaac .

As the assistant principalship evolves , ACSA Educational Services has designed and implemented the most relevant professional develop . A Day in the Life of a Co-Administrator is a workshop that exposes co-administrators to proactive measures for discipline , records , attendance , safety and more . Attendees are provided sample policies , procedures and unique strategies during the day-long workshop , and leave armed with tools and techniques allowing them the opportunity to become more effective instructional leaders , rather than “ firefighters .”

Upcoming dates and locations for A Day in the Life of a Co-Administrator include Oct . 5 at the ACSA Sacramento office , Dec . 13 at the ACSA Ontario office , and Jan 16 in Saddleback USD .

Another timely offering for APs , principals and others is Power Dynamics and School Culture . This full-day experience is geared toward helping school leaders identify how power struggles are manifested in a school and lead the learning to eliminate them through effective professional learning for school staff and deliberate growth activities with students .

Power Dynamics and School Culture is scheduled for Oct . 17 at ACSA Sacramento and Oct . 19 at ACSA Ontario .

Find a complete list of ACSA trainings and registration online at www . acsa . org / trainings . For more info , contact ACSA ’ s Rhonda Morgan at rmorgan @ acsa . org .

If you work in the field of human resources , you are invited to the 2017 ACSA Personnel Institute , Oct . 4-6 in Long Beach . This year , the institute ’ s theme is “ Illuminating Best Practices .” The Personnel Institute is a three-day event designed to serve all areas of human resources . The event has something for veterans , those new to their position and those who are aspiring to move into the field . A preconference session will focus on nuts and bolts for those new to and interested in the profession . Institute presenters include a well-respected mix of practitioners , consultants and attorneys who will offer current trends , research and best practices , as well as provide insight into the issues and laws that confront HR departments . Professional learning opportunities include interactive workshop sessions providing information on a variety of current issues confronting human resources administrators , as well as legislative updates . David Robertson , director of Human Resources and Labor Relations for Twin Rivers USD , knows this well . Robertson is also president of ACSA ’ s Human Resources Council . “ This is a premier professional development event that will enable practitioners to interact directly with educational attorney experts from across the state ,” Robertson said . “ There are also some dynamic and practical workshops presented by practitioners planned as well . “ Attendees look forward to returning each year to connect with their human resource colleagues throughout California , share successes and challenges and collaborate on how they are meeting the needs of their districts and students alike .” Robertson said that every year the planning committee does a wonderful job focusing on providing an event that addresses current and relevant topics and meets the current needs of members . “ You ’ ll see some exciting new titles added to the sessions , as our presenters have taken the personal challenge to bring their ‘ A game ’ to support your professional learning ,” he said . One of the association ’ s oldest and most respected professional learning events , the Personnel Institute aims to empower participants and enhance the knowledge of veterans and those new to the field . Attendees will discover new ideas , stay up-todate on the latest research and legal issues , and learn new concepts and ideas for future implementation in their districts . Robertson knows that HR work is challenging , and ACSA members need to know the association is there to support them through collaboration , and professional learning . Packed full of sessions , workshops and keynote speakers that will bring you all the latest information in the world of human resources , the ACSA Personnel Institute is the place to be to enrich your professional knowledge . Registration and information is available at www . acsa . org / personnelinstitute . Ray Curry Award Each year , the ACSA Human Resources Council Personnel Institute Committee award to an outstanding human resources or personnel administrator , the Ray Curry Award . This year , the award will be presented to the chosen human resources / personnel administrators Oct . 4 , during the Personnel Institute . Nomination forms can be accessed at the Personnel Institute site listed above and are due July 30 . The award recognizes human resource / personnel administrators ; specifically , the human resource or personnel administrators who most reflects the ideals , character , commitment , and dedication to the field of human resources or personnel administrators , as exemplified by Ray Curry and all he stood for in the field of human resources .

Nominee must :

• Be a member of ACSA .

• Have contributed or displayed accomplishments in the role of human resources / personnel administrator at the district , region or state levels .

• Possess outstanding professional qualities and traits .

• Have been a contributor to the success of professional development activities and functions sponsored by the ACSA Human Resources Council .

• Exhibit other significant contributions in the field of human resources / personnel administration .

If selected , the award recipient is expected to be in attendance at the Personnel Institute - Oct . 4-6 , specifically at the Award Ceremony on Wednesday , Oct . 4 .