Career Spotlight- Assistant Principal
Brandon Singleton ASSISTANT pRINCIPAL
Brandon M. Singleton from Opelousas, Louisiana. Brandon is Assistant Principal at Green T. Lindon Elementary in the Lafayette Parish School System.
Get to know more about Brandon and the Assistant Principal Career in his answers to our survey!
“I couldn’t decide whether I wanted to be a teacher, a lawyer, a police officer, a politician, a healer, a counselor, an arbitrator, a manager, a dispute mediator, a comedian, a researcher, a coach, a security guard, a detective, or a lion tamer. I solved the problem by becoming Vice-Principal.”- Unknown.
This quote sums up the day to day work that administrators in schools tackle each day. In addition to the many roles they assume, they are part of the team that bridges the gap between the faculty and students and the school board. You have to be a people person, because well, the career involves interacting with people all day! These people include the students, parents, other educators, the principal, the school board, etc. It’s one of the professions where you daily touch the lives of people from vast range of ages, backgrounds, personalities, religions, etc. You have to be aware, you have to be understanding, and you have to be approachable.
Highlighted This Week:
This week, Cultured Creole is highlighting Brandon M. Singleton from Opelousas, Louisiana. Brandon is Assistant Principal at Green T. Lindon Elementary in the Lafayette Parish School System. His duties include assisting the school principal in the leadership, coordination, supervision and management of the school program and operation. He also serves as the primary disciplinarian on campus. Get to know more about Brandon and the Assistant Principal Career in his answers to our survey!
Where did you attend school and what was your major and/or minor course of study?
I attended Louisiana State University @ Baton Rouge where I attained a B.S. Degree in Elementary Grades Education (Grades 1-8). I later attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette for a M. Ed in Educational Leadership.
How long was your program?
The undergraduate program was 4 years. The graduate program was 2 years.
Were there any professional exam requirements post- graduation to work in your field?
Yes, there were professional exams required for certification. In order to be granted a certificate, one must pass the Praxis Series Exam for their certification area.
How long did it take you to find a job after completion of school/ professional exams?
I was fortunate to find a job in my area within a year of graduation.
How long have you been working in your current position?
4 years
How does this position relate to your schooling/what stand out most from your schooling that you apply in your daily work?
My work is directly related to my schooling. In graduate school, we focused on combining practice/real world experiences and research for immediate results. We collaborated with local school districts to ensure that our work was directly related to the operations of local schools. I feel the program adequately prepared me for my current and future positions within a school district.
What would you say it takes to be successful in this profession?
To be a successful school administrator, one has to be passionate, organized, flexible, and possess leadership qualities. The job is multifaceted and a great school leader is able to adequately manage all the areas of the job.
What are some things that you do to set yourself apart or grow or be successful in this profession?
I focus on fostering positive relationships with all of the stakeholders: students, parents, staff, and the community. I believe that a positive relationship is essential for success. Positive relationships foster personal growth, collaboration, and builds momentum to reach the goals that have been set.
What are the common misconceptions about this profession?
I’ve heard several misconceptions about school administrators throughout my life. Some believe school administrators are overpaid compared to teachers, we’ve forgotten what it’s like to be in the classroom, and we’re control freaks who sit at our desks all day. Those misconceptions are very far from my personal experiences in the profession. As an educational leader, I spend a vast amount of time in the classrooms. I am charged with assisting teachers to improve classroom instruction and practices. This time in the classroom allows me an opportunity to provide targeted feedback to teachers. I actually don’t have much control in my position. We implement federal, state, and district mandates that we have no control over. I believe in a team model, where all voices are heard.
What advice would you give someone wanting to go into this profession?
The best advice I can give to someone wanting to become a school administrator is to make sure you are prepared. Master the art of teaching before you decide to become an instructional leader. Make sure your heart is in the right place and that you truly want to leave a positive impact on those you interact with. When you enter this position, you instantly become a public figure. Carrying that weight sometimes gets heavy, so make sure you are prepared.
What would you say to encourage someone to go into this profession?
Education is one of the most rewarding professions one could experience. Working with children is an absolute joy. The power of having a relationship with a student is amazing. The students, parents, and staff of my school are my teachers. They help me become better each day. When I’m down or frustrated, the students brighten my day. Whether it be in the form of a smile, high-five handshake, hug, or watching them experience success, my problems instantly disappear. Every child deserves a champion, someone who will never give up on them.
What cautions would you share with someone about this profession?
Don’t allow your work to consume you. Enjoy and maintain the things you love to do. This work is stressful, so ensure that handle it adequately. Find methods to release your stressors!!!
How is the work/life balance in this profession? What are some things you do in your spare time?
I used to bring work home each day and also worked numerous hours on the weekends. I was experiencing burnout due to this practice. There are times I have to work at home, but I make a strong effort to respect my home life. I try to stay involved in things outside of work. I serve as Lector at Holy Ghost Catholic Church. I am also a Spring ‘16 initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. I also enjoy working out and shopping.
For questions Brandon can be reached at bsinglsu@gmail.com or Brandon Singleton on Facebook.
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