I have recently finished my second year as a principal.  Each year I have done an anonymous online survey.  All of the teachers are requested to complete the survey.  I have created the survey using google docs as it stores it and makes it easily sortable, etc…

The results of the survey are used by me for my professional growth.  I try to be reflective as I study the results of the survey.  I will tell you up front - it is very tough to open yourself up for an anonymous survey.  You must go into knowing that the results will help you get better!  I am a very reflective person and I have to keep this in mind.  One of the things I try to do is create a synopsis of the results to share with the teachers and the leadership team.  If something keeps coming up, good or bad, there is probably a big need to look into it.  I try to see what “the middle” is saying and make these my top priorities.

This survey has become a tool that I value greatly.  It guides my professional growth and hopefully keeps me attuned to the needs/desires of my staff.  It will also be interesting to look back at each year once I have 10 years in!