These "14 Principal's Principles" were shared on Twitter on August 6, 2010 and are many of those basic to my educational philosophy. Those dated 9/1968 (1-5) I shared with my staff at "Independence Elementary School" on my first day as a new principal 42 years ago.

I was principal of "Independence Elementary School" for 16 years and much of what I've written in my book, Teaching as an Act of Love: Thoughts and Recollections of a Former Teacher, Principal and Kid, stems from my years there. (A Free E-Copy of the book is available via this website at http://bit.ly/9izOeu.)

                               The 14 Principles

1)  A Principal's Principles: "The most important aspect of a school is the quality of the human relationships within that school." RL (9/1968)

2)  A Principal's Principles: "We must accept and value the child for what s/he is and has become as well as for what s/he can and will become." RL (9/1968)

3)  A Principal's Principles: "Trust, caring, concern and respect are all qualities which we should foster within our school." RL (9/1968)

4)  A Principal's Principles: "Schools should be vital places in which children live, learn and grow." RL (9/1968)

5)  A Principal's Principles: "We should emphasize learning rather than teaching, and living, which is experiencing." RL (9/1968)

6)  A Principal's Principles: "Respect & caring for each child, teacher and parent are paramount—the foundation of everything else that transpires in a school."

7)  A Principal's Principles: "Teaching, like parenting, is first and foremost an act of love."

8)  A Principal's Principles: "Teaching must be based in the heart, not in piles of data!"

9)  A Principal's Principles: "A supportive, cooperative school culture where children thrive can be lovingly created given time and trust."

10) A Principal's Principles: "The 21st century school is a Caring Learning Community."

11) A Principal's Principles: "Parents are public education's greatest untapped supporters. Welcome & engage them as partners in their children's schools."

12) A Principal's Principles: "Positive and supportive attitudes of teachers and staff towards kids & learning make schools great!"

13) A Principal's Principles: "Be a generous listener."

14) A Principal's Principles: "Focus on ENCOURAGEMENT and EMPOWERMENT and you can help shape a loving future."

Richard Lakin
August 7, 2010
Jerusalem, Israel