I have known Dr. Sheila Sapp for over two decades. During the time we worked together, Dr. Sapp guided educators through her work as a principal and curriculum director. She was a hands-on administrator, always looking for creative and impactful ways to approach the difficult obstacles often embedded in educational scenarios.

Effective schools research studies have highlighted the importance of school administrators being instructional leaders and change agents in their buildings. Focus on academic achievement and improving instructional effectiveness are two critical aspects of a school leader’s instructional leadership role. In addition to improving classroom instructional practices and implementing curricular...

I am grateful to the students, teachers, and parents who helped me grow personally and professionally during my career. Special gratitude is extended to Dr. Darlene Bruce and Dr. Deborah Milstead, who provided insights and support for this venture. Additionally, I am eternally appreciative of my daughter, Dr. Nicholyn Hutchinson, an editor, critic, and sounding board for my endeavors. Finally, I...

You have pursued and successfully obtained one of the most respected positions in a school system—a principalship. As it turns out, it is also one of the most demanding.

School leaders face the challenge of continuously improving schools and guaranteeing academic growth for all students. Effective leaders know how to manage schools, serve as instructional leaders, and implement viable changes. We know the significant role school administrators play in improving teachers’ classroom instructional performance and utilization of effective instructional...

We have all heard the saying “If life hands you lemons, make lemonade.” School leaders daily face situations that are lemons. Handling lemons provides school administrators with valuable lessons and sometimes unique resolutions. These experiences and lessons are not found in college textbooks or online. Administrators gain and expand their “How to” or...

One of the biggest challenges all school administrators face is managing and supervising staff. Getting everyone to work as a team focused on their school’s goals or initiatives is not an easy feat. Buildings are comprised of a variety of people with different personalities, skills, talents, and levels of effectiveness. School leaders must become proficient at balancing time, energy, and...

School leaders often spend years performing their job without taking time to look back on what they’ve accomplished. They don’t think about which decisions or strategies worked or didn’t work. School leaders don’t seek pats on the back, positive comments, trophies, or high accolades. Why not? Wouldn’t taking time to sit, think, and reflect help school administrators...

This has been a delightful and rewarding journey. Being a school leader has been a very fascinating and interesting position as an educator. School leaders who balance their personal and professional lives operate effective schools that produce lifelong learners and successful citizens. Administrators must nurture themselves and approach each day with patience and a positive attitude. There are no...

Sheila E. Sapp has devoted forty-four years to education, learning, children, and families. She has served as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, curriculum director, and principal during her career as an educator. Sheila recently retired from the Camden County Schools System as principal of Crooked River Elementary School, located in St. Marys, Georgia. Her school was recognized as a...