With any new project, you need your principal’s support. There is no faster way for your program to crumble than to not have your principal’s support. So what can you do to get principal buy-in on your project?

Be prepared.

When going to your principal with a new idea it is a good idea to come to the meeting prepared. Show them exactly what you want to do and why. The more thought out a plan the more likely your principal will buy-in. 

For example, don’t just say that you want to start a social-emotional program. Go to them with detailed information.

• What you want to do?
• When do you want to start?
• What resources you need?
• How long does it take?
• What time do you want to do this?
• How much does it cost?
• What you need from them?

Principals want to help you and want you to succeed. They also have a lot of moving pieces happening in your school and the more prepared you are the easier it will be for them to make an informed decision.

Explain the benefits.

We all know that there are tons of benefits to having a social-emotional program. Does your principal know this? It is your job to sell the need for the program. If you have data, bring your data to the meeting. Pull up the number of discipline referrals your school has or the attendance rate.

Your principal may not know all of the benefits of a social-emotional program. Show them a list. Here are a few to start.

• Less time for students out of the classroom
• Less referrals to the office
• Increased attendance
• More student engagement
• Better relationships with peers and staff
• Stronger classroom community
• Change in school culture
• Acceptance and understanding of other students
• Respect for school and community
• Increased engagement and learning
• Positive impact on test scores

Show how you will obtain teacher buy-in.

The benefits of a social-emotional learning program speak for themselves. It is great if you get principal buy-in. Every principal knows that for a program to be successful in your school you will need teacher buy-in. Teachers are the linchpin of the operation. When they are sold on a program they can sell your students on a program. Check out this post on obtaining teacher buy-in.

The benefits of social-emotional learning in the classroom are overwhelming. With strategy and planning, you can clearly present the benefits of bringing social-emotional learning to your school.

Utilize our free lessons here.

February 2022 Update

Check out our podcast on Obtaining Principal Buy-in!