Principal induction and onboarding
“Induction” is a short-term process focusing on immediate needs and basic orientation, typically lasting a few days.
It includes an introduction to the team, completing paperwork, and training on safety protocols and basic job responsibilities.
“Onboarding” is a longer-term process, usually spanning several months.
By using training and support, it aims to create a smooth transition and long-term success.
After a successful induction and onboarding, a new principal should be fully integrated, engaged, and productive in their new role as an employee and a board member.
Note: Much of the following advice and resources can also be applied to the appointment of an acting or relieving principal.
For a new principal, what are the benefits of induction and onboarding?
Starting any new job can be a little nerve-racking.
But stepping into the role of principal can be truly daunting.
Even if it’s not the first time you’ve been a principal, a new school comes with new people, new problems, a new board, and sometimes a completely different way of doing things.
Imagine then a well-planned and executed induction and onboarding process.
Your new role’s purpose, functions, and tasks are clearly outlined.
The expectations, standards, structure, and culture of your new school or kura are easy to understand and study.
Someone from the board has taken the time to ensure you read, understand, and acknowledge all board policies and procedures.
(Including those on child protection, curriculum delivery, concerns and complaints, personnel, and health and safety.)
You’ve done a meet and greet with school staff and feel settled in, respected, and reassured that you have the knowledge and support needed to perform.
There has also been a smooth leadership transition from the outgoing principal to you.
Note: An effective induction and onboarding will help your school or kura
build on its open and transparent communication culture and protect its reputation by setting standards and expectations at the start of employment.
What are the stages of induction and onboarding?
There are four main stages, and they follow this basic order:
Pre-arrival (induction) – prepare for your new principal’s arrival by following the suggested checklist (linked in reference section below).
Arrival (induction) – welcome your new principal and begin the induction process. Examples of ways to welcome them are a mihi whakatau (a form of welcome like a pōwhiri, but less formal and not held on marae) or a pōwhiri (formal, marae-based welcome ceremony).
They should be given a broad overview of the school or kura, including policies, procedures, and strategic plans.
Facilitate a handover between your outgoing and incoming principals (if possible). This can be done in person or by providing a written document. We recommend in-person if feasible.
The new principal’s roles, tasks, duties, and responsibilities are clearly defined and easy for them to refer to.
Training (onboarding) – identify and agree on any specific training required (or requested) during the first few months.
These may include things like Minimising physical restraintopen_in_new, first aidopen_in_new, and Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L)open_in_new.
There is also a system for the professional learning and development (PLD) of principals.
Learn more about it in our article on the Professional Growth Cycle (PGC) for Principals.
Follow-up (onboarding) – set up regular catch-up meetings.
This demonstrates support, builds positive working relationships and communication, and allows adjustment in areas where things may not be working as intended.
What is a principal induction and onboarding checklist?
This checklist outlines the essential steps to help a principal fully integrate into their new school.
A robust checklist should include health and safety, training requirements, policies and procedures, and any other relevant information your new principal needs to “hit the ground running”.
We have developed a principal induction and onboarding checklistopen_in_new as a starting guide for your board.
Your board should tailor the checklist for a new principal.
Questions your board could ask:
- What are our current induction and onboarding procedures?
- What could we do better?
- Who will be responsible for completing the various actions?
- How much time do we need to allow for each stage?
Templates, resources, and references
Click on the link(s) below to access the templates, resources, and references related to this topic.
These may download or open in a separate browser depending on your device.
Links from us
- Principal induction and onboarding checklistopen_in_new
- Professional Growth Cycle (PGC) for principals
Ministry of Education