Principal for a Day

October is National Principal’s month!

Business, civic and community leaders are invited to join us to participate in this unique opportunity to participate in Principal for a Day 2025! Limited spaces are available.

This Principal for a Day experience will provide a deeper understanding of the educational system and the daily responsibilities of school leaders as they strive to create optimal conditions for teaching and learning.

Register

Why participate in Principal for a Day?

1. Gain firsthand knowledge of the strengths and challenges local schools face daily.
2. Create a stronger connection between educators and business, civic and community stakeholders.
3. Provides an opportunity to gain a better understanding of how education policy impacts practice.
4. Provides an authentic look at their daily responsibilities leading learning communities.

When: Flexible scheduling that works for the participant and the school building principal between October 1, 2025, and March 27, 2026. 

Where: Principal for a Day participants will be strategically assigned to participating schools based on interest, request and/or availability. Space is limited.

What will my day look like?

Each principal and building setting will look a little different. However, the goal is to better understand the day in the life of a school principal. The following recommendations will help both participants feel comfortable during their experience.

1. Based on feedback from our pilot cohort last year, we would like to offer a full day and half day option. Whatever you select, the experience is expected to be authentic and real. While we will take photos and get feedback of your experience, this is NOT intended to be a "public relations" visit. 
2. Set up a 30-minute virtual meeting between the principal and the participant prior to your visit date to share details and expectations of the day.
3. Talk with the principal about attire for the day. While a business suit may be your everyday attire, you may stick out in a school setting which could make your experience less authentic. 
4. This is a school setting, and adults are expected use sound judgment when interacting with or talking with students about topics that are appropriate for their age. No politics, this is not a platform for sharing politics, this is an authentic experience in our schools.

Feedback Loop: Share your experience with your partner principal on social media! Ingham ISD will send a survey to all participants to get feedback on the day, what went well and how we can improve the program for future years.

More questions? Feel free to contact Rhonda Abood at 517.244.1281, and she can assist you or connect you with the right person to answer your questions.