Skip to main content

Mentors Support Novice Principals on the Job

Episode 4: ​​​School and district leaders from Gwinnett County, Georgia, discuss the components of their principal-mentoring program.
February 28, 2018
Leadership Academy Working Group
Host & Guests

Host: Lucas Held, Director of Communications for The Wallace Foundation

Interviewees: 

  • Glenn Pethel, Assistant Superintendent of Leadership Development, Gwinnet County Public Schools
  • Tamara Perkins, Principal, Parsons Elementary School
  • Vivian Stranahan, Leader Mentor, Gwinnett County Public Schools

The principalship can be a lonely job. A recent study found that providing mentors to novice principals often brings immediate benefits. Hear educators from Gwinnett County in Georgia explain how the district matches mentors and new principals, how mentors support the novice leaders and the tremendous difference this makes for principals.

Quote

Even with all of our efforts, and all of the strategies to prepare principals for that role, like most of us, once we're on the job, the value and the benefit of having someone who can support us, provide us with additional emotional support, it’s really, really important.

— Glenn Pethel

About this series

The Principal Pipeline Podcast features principals, district and state leaders, and university officials who have developed strong principal pipelines and are eager to share their lessons learned with the broader field.

Share This

GET THE LATEST UPDATES

Sign up to receive our monthly email newsletter and news from Wallace.
SignUp