How to Become Indispensable to School Administrators
The chapter provides new school social workers with practical information about how they can make themselves indispensable to school administrators. Social workers must collaborate with administrators and fully understand their roles within the district because these leaders directly impact the social worker’s tasks and duties. Social workers are advised to learn about the organizational structure of the district and the roles of the school board, the superintendent, and principals. They should observe the leadership styles displayed by administrators and learn what their goals are and what data they need from the social worker. The chapter details a practical plan for developing and nurturing working relationships with administrators, along with strategies for linking the social worker’s goals with those of administrators.