Behind the Smiles: What Every New Assistant Principal Needs to Know About School Politics

Beginning your journey as a new assistant principal at an elementary school is an exciting opportunity. Still, it can also lead you into a complex landscape of politics that you might not have learned about in your leadership prep program. Although you were hired to promote student success and support instructional improvement, you must also know how to navigate the interpersonal dynamics among the staff. What happens behind the scenes? Politics at play comes from various directions: students, staff, parents, and community partners. If you're not aware, before you know it, you’ve slipped into being reactive instead of responsive to the power plays at hand. 

School politics often arise from power struggles, traditional practices, different priorities, and informal groups. A 2021 report by the National Association of Elementary School Principals found that 68% of new leaders felt unprepared to handle school conflicts and political issues. These political dynamics can show up in various ways. For example, some people may quietly resist change and oppose new initiatives. Additionally, staff members may form cliques, which can make collaboration difficult. When the decision-making process is unclear, it can confuse roles and responsibilities. An informal "pecking order" may develop, influencing interactions and decisions, overshadowing the official roles within the organization.

Pain Points to Watch For

• Decision-Making Confusion: When directives are made behind closed doors or only shared with “certain” staff members.
  
• Gatekeeping: Veteran staff may withhold resources or information, subtly reinforcing their influence.
  
• Favoritism & Bias: Staff noticing unequal treatment or support, leading to morale issues.
  
• Communication Silos: Not everyone gets the same information, which leads to misalignment and mistrust.
  
  

How to Recognize You’re in the Middle of Politics

You might be in the thick of school politics if:

• You sense tension in meetings, but no one names it.
  
• Staff come to you with “concerns” but say, “Don’t tell anyone I said this.”
  
• You feel like your decisions are being quietly undermined.
  
• There’s a divide between what’s said in leadership meetings and what’s practiced.
  
  

Actions for Better Outcomes

1. Build Trust Early.
   Schedule 1:1s with all staff to hear their perspectives. People will support what they help build—start by listening. 

2. Observe Before You Overhaul.
   Resist the urge to “fix” everything. First, map out the informal networks, decision-making patterns, and key influencers. 

3. Clarify Your Role.
   Be explicit about how you support the principal, staff, and students. Consistent communication builds credibility and reduces assumptions. 

4. Keep Your Integrity.
   Avoid gossip. Stay neutral, even when others pull you into drama. Keep your responses professional and mission-focused. 

5. Create Structures for Transparency.
   Use agendas, feedback forms, and follow-ups. When decisions are made, explain the why and the how to build collective understanding. 

6. Find a Thought Partner.
   Get a mentor or coach outside your school. You need a safe space to process the politics and plan your moves strategically. (see Edutopia article) 

 Final Thought:
Politics in schools aren't inherently negative; they represent individuals navigating power and purpose. As a new assistant principal, your role isn't to eradicate politics but to lead through them with clarity, empathy, and strategy. Doing so will transform the culture from reactive to responsive, one conversation at a time.

Want more information about Executive Coaching with Levels and Mindset? Email [email protected] or directly contact Dr. La-Trice Johnson: [email protected] 

References:

Bush, T. (2023). Distributed leadership and micropolitics. Educational Management Administration & Leadership, 51(4), 561–575. https://doi.org/10.1177/17411432231156397

National Association of Elementary School Principals. (2021). The principal’s guide to building resilient schools. https://www.naesp.org/resource/the-principals-guide-to-building-resilient-schools/

Young, P. G. (2022, September 9). Should a principal use a mentor or a coach? Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/should-principal-use-mentor-or-coach/