Ways to Create a Positive Principal/Counselor Relationship

The principal/counselor relationship is one of the most important relationships when it comes to effectively producing change within the school environment. This relationship, if strong, can contribute to student achievement and overall success. There are many things counselors and principals can do to build a great working relationship.

We are going to talk about why this is important and who can benefit. As well as, talk about five effective things you can start doing to build a strong relationship.

Why is a good working relationship important?

First of all, having a strong working relationship can help you thoroughly enjoy your job. If you know you have someone you can talk to and sort through issues with, it makes issues so much easier to handle. Also if you have a principal that is willing to plan with you and take on school-wide projects, together you can make a bigger impact!

For example, sitting down and looking at specific data in your building and making a plan for change. By having a few meetings like this, you’re able to quickly navigate something that would be hard to do alone. Making plans based on school data can increase achievement and success for all students.

Who will benefit from having a good principal/counselor relationship?

EVERYONE!

This is an obvious one… because there are so many pros that everyone in your building and even community will start seeing results and benefiting from these changes. Here’s a breakdown…

You benefit because you have a teammate and a partner who understands what you’re wanting to accomplish.

The principal benefits because they have you as a partner, operating what they’re wanting to get accomplished.

Students are benefiting because their overall achievements and successes are increasing.

Teachers are benefiting because they see progress being made with their students. Also, school climate is positive because of more communication being shared.

You see…. it’s vital to have a good counselor/principal working relationship.

What are some things I can do now?

Here are 5 effective things you can start doing now, as a school counselor, to promote a positive working relationship with your principal.

1: Start with an Annual Principal/Counselor Agreement

You can find the ASCA template here, from their website, schoolcounselor.org.

2: Share Data with Each Other

You can share your program and results data with your principals to show how you are making a difference. They can share district/building data they find that would be useful in initiating change. Read more about collecting and sharing data here, Beginners Guide to School Counseling Data.

3: Run Small-Groups for Building-Wide Issues and Get Principals Input

What building-wide things does your principal want to focus on for the year? Run a small-group for those issues and show that you can help break down barriers by targeting small-groups.

4: Advocate and Show Off Your Program

Send your principal updates… monthly, quarterly, etc. This shows the progress and work that your students have been putting in. They want to see what’s been happening. Talk about classroom lessons, and small-groups. Share the number of students you see for individual counseling and show some data of the progress. Take time to share your ideas for later in the year. Then, principals can share this positive information with stakeholders like superintendents and the school board. You can read more about creating and sending newsletters here, 4 Tips for a Kick-Butt School Counseling Newsletter.

5: Above All Else… Build Rapport, Show Empathy, and Try To Connect

Sometimes, it can be hard to connect with your principals. I have received so many questions asking how to handle relationships. Honestly, I have been so fortunate to have amazing principals that value the counseling program and the work that’s being done. I think it has a lot to do with communication and starting a basic professional friendship. This doesn’t mean you have to hang out. It just means that you see the other persons worth, see yourself in their shoes and do the best you can to work together to help students.

I hope this helps break down some of the reasons you should try to have a good working principal/counselor relationship.

Also, take these tips and make them your own, each building is different and people are different. Adjust these to your current situation.

If it’s hard… do what you can to make things right and know that you are doing what you can to promote a healthy working relationship.