Support for new school administrators is a key component in ensuring school vitality. Beginning this school year, the Diocese of Raleigh Office of Education implemented new intentional support structures for new principals and early childhood center directors. Under the leadership of Assistant Superintendent Mrs. Marcia Edge Navarro, this research-based program equips new Catholic school administrators to serve their school communities successfully.
Navarro’s role as Assistant Superintendent of Leadership is one component of the superintendent’s vision to restructure the Office of Education to provide comprehensive support to Catholic school communities. Superintendent of Schools Ms. Lytia Reese said, “In order to recruit, develop, and retain quality Catholic school leaders, it is crucial to provide consistent and ongoing support. The Office of Education is in the position to partner with pastors in the formation of our new administrators.”
Navarro said, “My experience shows that where new principals have support, they are more likely to stay. Professional development becomes long-term learning when there is follow-up through goal-setting, coaching and networking.” In the 2022-23 school year, the Diocese of Raleigh has welcomed three principals and one early childhood director to this program. Principals and directors receive support and encouragement through a four-faceted approach to leadership development. Reese said, “The principal’s success as a visionary Catholic leader directly impacts faculty, staff and student formation. The intentional support structures for new administrators in the Diocese of Raleigh will continue to develop the outstanding potential of our leaders and ensure the sustainability of our schools.”
First, each administrator has a yearly goals meeting with their pastor, Reese, and Navarro. This meeting includes a discussion regarding growth opportunities for the school leader, as well as strategies to achieve their leadership goals.
In this program, each principal and director is also partnered with a mentor who has served as an administrator in Catholic schools. Mr. Mike Watson, who recently retired from his career as principal at The Franciscan School, serves as a mentor this year. Watson said, “Mentoring is one of the keys to success for any person in a new role, especially one with all the responsibilities of a principal. The benefit of having an experienced person act as a sounding board, offer a learned vantage point, and provide insight into pitfalls and challenges in dealing with all the stakeholders in any school environment is a way for the new principal to gain confidence and perspective. The mentor is not there to provide answers or a checklist; they are there to lower stress by assuring the new principal they are on the right path and are keeping their focus on the important things."
A third level of support is offered through weekly personal coaching sessions with Navarro. These sessions offer administrators the opportunity to ask questions regarding their role as a leader. Sessions are offered both in-person and virtually, with the content tailored to the needs of the individual. Mrs. Dawn Smith, principal at The Franciscan School, said, “I appreciate the monthly visits and weekly coaching sessions from Marcia along with her availability any time I have a question. In addition to having a mentor at the Office of Education I also have a peer principal mentor who I can call upon at any time. The Triangle area principals also have an ongoing text chain in which we utilize to get quick answers to any pressing issue or planning question. This program has embraced me and provided me with the support that is necessary to aid in my success.”
Bi-weekly “New Administrator Network” meetings complete the fourth element of new administrator wraparound support. These meetings include discussion of case studies and the opportunity to read, discuss and reflect on education articles. Meetings often include conversations about instructional leadership and trust. A group book study is also included in the meetings, focused on the book “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” by Patrick Lencioni. Navarro stated, “It’s generating a lot of discussion about teams and culture, and how our leadership impacts school and community culture.”
Mr. Patrick Kurz, Interim Principal at Immaculata Catholic School said, “As an interim principal this year at Immaculata Catholic School, I have found the support of my diocesan mentors and coaches to be invaluable. Coaching sessions and small-group networking PLCs with other new and veteran principals have been especially helpful as I am able to seek guidance on key issues from other diocesan leaders who have successfully navigated similar challenges in their professional experience. I have also found that my training through the University of Notre Dame Mary Ann Remick Leadership Program closely parallels the supports provided to new principals in the Diocese of Raleigh this year, and I am grateful for the structure and support put in place for me as an administrator.”
As the Diocese of Raleigh Office of Education continues to improve the support for new principals, Navarro has benefited from the experience of long-time administrators and research-based best practices. Mrs. Lynn Magoon, who will retire from the principalship this year after 33 years of service in our diocese, said, “Administration can be a very lonely job, especially when you are a new principal without a broad network to call on. Many of our diocesan schools are not near each other, and it is a great help and comfort to have Office of Education staff and programs ready to answer questions and give ideas when needed to assist administrators with the many decisions and challenges they face in their daily jobs.”
This level of support has been crucial for the success of new principals and directors, and has resulted in a powerful network of connected leaders in our diocese. Sarah Macey, director of St. Raphael Preschool, said, "One of God's greatest teachings is to ‘Love one another as I have loved you.’ As a new Director in this diocese, I have seen this first hand through the multiple avenues of support I have received through a mentoring program and continual in person gatherings with co-workers and professional leadership staff. Most importantly I feel as if I am part of a culture that has the necessary resources to enable me to fulfill my passion for Catholic education."
The Diocese of Raleigh currently has multiple opportunities for new leaders for the 2023-24 school year. To view and apply for positions, please visit https://dioceseofraleigh.org/employment or contact Assistant Superintendent Marcia Edge Navarro at marcia.navarro@raldioc.org.
Intentional support structures
Number of principals and directors participating – Three principals and one director
4-facted approach –
*Each principal/director has a yearly goals meeting with pastor, Lytia, Marcia for yearly growth
Growth opportunities are discussed
*Assigned a principal mentor either current or retired for a minimum of monthly meetings
Strengths and opportunities paired
Mike Watson - michael.watson4799@gmail.com
*Coaching sessions with OOE/Marcia twice/week 45 minutes in person and/or virtual
*New Administrator network meetings 1x month. Evolved over time, initially
Articles read discuss reflect
Refer to admin handbook for considerations
Instructional leadership – as we think about what are roles are, it helps to consider what may get overlooked
Trust
Books study (Redeeming Administration as a resource/reference and The Five Dysfunctions of a Team author is Catholic, verify this) – each participant is leading a discussion on 5 dys topics “It’s generating a lot of discussion about teams and culture, and how our leadership impacts school and community culture.”
Research-based/best practice in education
Equation for trust – components
Why do principals, especially new Catholic school principals need this support/ how do they benefit?
The network structure allows new administrators the framework to discuss dilemmas and successes
All principals benefit from the PLCS and Meetings (highlight our work with current/experienced principals)
Best principals in your program to interview (I was assuming Patrick and Dawn) Add Sarah as the perspective of a preschool director
I will probably get a quote from one of the retiring principals and refer to all three of their service (if their retirements are public at the time)
Recruiting – how does this help attract new talent to our Diocese
My experience shows that where new principals have support, they are more likely to stay. Professional development becomes longterm learning when there is follow-up. Having coaching and the network experience helps to reinforce the lessons learned.
Dawn Smith: From the moment I began this journey I felt that I had the support of both the Diocese and the Triangle area Principals.
The Triangle area Principals also have an ongoing text chain in which we utilize to get quick answers to any pressing issue or planning question.
This program has embraced me and provided me with the support that is necessary to aid in my success.