Still Water Moments: The Art of the Assistant Principal
Hebrew 12: 5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, 6 because the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastens everyone He accepts as his son.”
When I was a student in elementary school, the vice principal wasn’t as visible as the principal. It wasn’t clear to me what his or her job was. Now that I’ve been working in an elementary school for a few years, I have worked with a few vice principals that have cycled through the position during my time there. Through various work tasks I had several direct interactions with each of them. One thing all of the vice principals had in common was being a Jack of all trades as their responsibilities included but weren’t limited to: doing the morning announcements for staff; opening the doors in the mornings and greeting scholars; finding coverage for a classroom if a teacher calls out; handling school bus issues; resolving parent concerns in regards to teachers; attending IEP and 504 review meetings; taking professional development courses; organizing and/or leading assemblies; conducting formal and informal teacher observations; conducting teacher performance evaluations and subsequent conferences; creating daily schedules for each grade, etc. I’d like to give the disclaimer that this is just my own observation as the vice principal role can look different in other schools.
A big responsibility of the vice principal is the discipline of students. Some infractions are cut and dry as there are specific consequences for certain infractions written in the Student Code of Conduct. Other violations require thoughtful reflection for the best course of action. Sometimes a conversation with the student is enough to correct the behavior. Other times removal of privileges or a phone call to a parent may be necessary. No matter the consequence, a meaningful conversation regarding the violation is a golden opportunity to present the student with the opportunity for personal growth. This is done if the vice principal challenges the student to reflect upon his or her mistake(s) and how it contributed to a consequence. Discussing the better choices that could’ve been made instead is also helpful in aiding the student to consider their options and outcomes. This verbal exchange helps the student develop the life skill of taking accountability for their actions. If the student doesn’t look at themselves but tends to blame others for their negative choices, he or she may stay stuck in said cycle.
Our attitude towards our mistakes correlates to how God corrects with us. If we are prideful and not repentant, God’s response will most likely be more intense than it had to be as Proverbs 16:18 warns us that, "pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall". However, we are more likely to experience His grace and mercy if we sincerely come to Him with a contrite heart, confessing our sin. Moreover, we are presented with the opportunity for personal growth when we willingly endure and reflect upon God’s disciplining of us. If we continue to read Hebrews 12, verse 8 tells us everyone experiences discipline, so why not make the most of it? Verses 9-11 go on to tell us the benefits we will reap if we do: authentically living; sharing in His holiness; and a harvest of righteousness and peace. While enduring doesn’t always feel good, we are blessed to have God with us the entire time encouraging and helping us through our struggles and mistakes and celebrating our progress and growth!
Reflection: What is God teaching you through the discipline you are presently enduring?
