Scaling the mountain to principalship: The barriers and the enablers of a female first time principal’s journey - chapter 15 advice from Janet

Chapter Fifteen: Advice from Janet

I end with Janet’s voice as it is her story and her three pieces of advice for women who are considering becoming principals:

·         I have to be honest, I would say to anybody, yourself included, if you are thinking about it, a principal’s position is not a job, it’s a life, you actually live it 24/7.

She adds

a lot of people wouldn’t agree but it has huge implications on your time with your family so wait until they (the children) are older. At least when they are already in high school to be able to cope and do both [be a mother and be a principal].

·         Find yourself a good mentor when you are a DP (deputy principal).

·         Don’t ever be ashamed to say you don’t know. There is no such thing as a dumb question.  I ask them all the time because I don’t know how you can find out if you don’t ask.