Marcus Belin, high school principal in Illinois, shares insights on managing parent complaints, dealing with teenage social media, and the challenges of being an emergency substitute teacher. He discusses the importance of building authentic relationships with students and recognizing them as individuals. The chapter also explores the impact of social media on high school experience and the need for better digital citizenship education. Additionally, educational terms like IEP and 504 are explained, and advice for a better high school experience is shared.
Being a high school principal requires flexibility, as duties range from substitute teaching to managing parent complaints.
Building genuine connections with students and making them feel valued is crucial for shaping their future paths and career choices.
Deep dives
The Unpredictable Life of a High School Principal
Being a high school principal is a dynamic role filled with unexpected challenges and diverse responsibilities. The principal, Marcus Beelin, shares his experiences of being a substitute teacher when needed and the importance of being flexible in a role where you never know what each day will bring. He emphasizes the value of being present in classrooms and building relationships with students, how his unconventional approach creates a different dynamic with students, and the significance of making students feel seen, heard, and valued. Marcus also discusses the various duties that fall under the "other duties as assigned" category of being a principal and the emotional toll and constant scrutiny that comes with the job. He also highlights the impact of social media on high school experiences, both positive and negative, and the challenges of digital citizenship for students.
Building Legacy and Making a Difference
Marcus Beelin shares the influence and inspiration he received from his grandmother, who was a special education teacher. He discusses the importance of leaving a legacy and making a difference in the lives of students. Marcus emphasizes the significance of genuine connections and interactions with students, recounting a powerful college essay written by a student about the impact he had on her life. He also reflects on the role of teachers and administrators in students' lives and how these relationships can shape their future paths and career choices.
Navigating Challenges and Engaging with Parents
Marcus Beelin delves into the challenges of dealing with parents and the increased involvement of parents in education today. He appreciates positive feedback from parents and the need for validation, as well as the importance of frank and direct communication when issues arise. Marcus also shares stories of impactful interactions with students who have faced difficult circumstances, highlighting the role of schools in providing stability and support for students. He reflects on his own experiences as a high school student and draws comparisons to the high school experience today, emphasizing the profound influence of social media on students and sharing concerns about its negative impact on education.
Managing complaints from parents, handling the horrors of teenage social media, and serving as an emergency substitute teacher with Marcus Belin, a high school principal in Illinois. How does it feel for everyone in town to know him as The Principal? And what exactly is a “sandwich email”?
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