How important is visibility on the first day of school?
It's the single most important thing you can do. Be in every classroom — even if it's just for 60 seconds. Don't bring a clipboard. Don't take notes. Just be present and pleasant. Wave, smile, greet teachers and students, and move on.
This accomplishes several things simultaneously. It establishes from day one that you'll be a visible presence in classrooms. It signals to teachers that your visits are friendly, not evaluative. It gives you a baseline impression of every classroom before the year's routines set in. And it removes the psychological barrier of the first visit — once you've been in every room, going back feels natural.
Some leaders have reported visiting every classroom on day one and logging double-digit visits. The feedback conversations come later. The relationship starts now.
More on New Leader Entry
What should a new principal do in their first 100 days?
Gather information before taking action.
How should I conduct one-on-one meetings with staff as a new leader?
Meet with every staff member individually, early in your tenure.
When should a new leader start making changes?
Later than you think.
How should I handle the transition from the previous leader?
Carefully, because you're inheriting a trust balance you didn't create.
Answered by Justin Baeder, PhD, Director of The Principal Center and author of three books on instructional leadership.