Supervisors Setting the Tone for Principal Success in September
As TEPSA members, we often focus on the instructional leadership of principals. However, the “S” in TEPSA reminds us that supervisors play a critical role in creating the conditions for principals to thrive. TEPSA serves both principals and supervisors, recognizing that effective leadership is strengthened through partnership and support.
September is a pivotal month in the school year. The excitement of opening day has begun to settle, yet principals are still navigating enrollment challenges, staffing adjustments, parent concerns, compliance requirements, and the relentless pace of daily operations. During this crucial period, supervisors can make a significant difference by shifting from a mindset of monitoring to one of coaching, supporting, and developing campus leaders.
Start with Listening
The beginning of the school year can be overwhelming for even the most experienced principal. Supervisors should intentionally schedule campus visits focused not on evaluation, but on listening. We can ask principals:
- What is going well?
- What challenges are developing?
- What support do you need right now?
- What obstacles can I help remove?
When supervisors create space for honest conversations, principals are more likely to seek support before challenges become crises. Listening also provides valuable insight into campus needs and allows supervisors to tailor their support accordingly.
Be Present on Campuses
September is the perfect time for supervisors to increase their visibility on campuses. A brief walk-through, participation in a faculty meeting, or attendance at a student event communicates an important message: You are not alone. Visible support demonstrates that the central office is a partner in the work rather than an oversight entity. Supervisor presence can help reinforce a sense of teamwork and a partnership between us and them.
Focus on Priorities, Not Perfection
One of the greatest gifts supervisors can provide in September is helping principals maintain focus. New initiatives, compliance deadlines, instructional expectations, and operational demands can quickly compete for attention.
Effective supervisors help principals identify the few priorities that will have the greatest impact on students and staff. By helping principals prioritize, supervisors reduce unnecessary stress and increase leadership effectiveness.
Protect Principal Time
The school year begins with numerous meetings, requests, reports, and competing responsibilities. Supervisors can support principals by carefully evaluating what truly requires their attention.
Consider:
- Streamlining communication.
- Minimizing meetings when possible.
- Reducing duplicative reporting requirements.
- Creating a partnership with central office teams to increase efficiency.
Every hour returned to a principal’s schedule can be reinvested in instructional leadership, coaching teachers, and supporting students.
Celebrate Early Wins
Whether it is improved attendance, a positive school culture initiative, strong instructional practices, or an innovative family engagement event, recognition matters. Celebrating early wins builds confidence and reinforces desired leadership behaviors that we want from our principals.
A quick email, handwritten note, or public acknowledgment during a principal meeting can have a lasting impact. One thing I favor is sending weekly inspiriting messages that share words of encouragement and affirmation.
Coach for Growth
Support and accountability are critical from the beginning. September is an ideal time to establish a coaching relationship grounded in growth.
Rather than focusing solely on compliance, supervisors can:
- Ask reflective questions.
- Provide actionable feedback.
- Encourage problem-solving.
- Connect principals with resources and mentors.
The most effective supervisors see themselves as leadership developers and never forget what it’s like to be in their shoes. Their success is measured not only by campus outcomes but also by the growth of the principals they serve.
Monitor Well-Being
The demands of school leadership can quickly lead to exhaustion. Supervisors should model and encourage practices that support personal well-being.
Check in regularly. Encourage principals to establish boundaries, utilize support networks, and maintain balance whenever possible. Healthy principals are more resilient, more effective, and better equipped to serve their school communities. One of the simplest forms I use is to remind them to take time to recharge and reboot by choosing a day or time to disconnect from school and connect with their family and friends.
As supervisors begin a new school year, consider one simple question:
“What can I do this month that helps principals focus more on students, teachers, and learning?”
The answer may be listening, removing barriers, celebrating successes, or providing timely coaching. Whatever the approach, September is an opportunity to demonstrate the power of the “S” in TEPSA.
When supervisors intentionally support principals, they strengthen not only individual campuses but entire school systems. The most successful schools are led by principals who know they have a trusted partner beside them—one who believes in their leadership and is committed to their success.
After all, while principals lead schools, supervisors can help create the conditions in which principals can lead at their very best.
Jennifer Trejo is the Assistant Superintendent of Elementary & PK-8 Schools in Socorro ISD. She currently serves as President of TEPSA Region 19.
