Principal for a Day

What is it?

Join us for an exciting opportunity to step into the shoes of a school principal or administrator for a day! The Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber Board of Directors, and the Bulloch County Board of Education are excited to welcome business owners and community leaders onto its campuses to serve as Principal for a Day.

Discover what it truly takes to lead a public school and make a lasting impact in the lives of students, teachers, and the wider community. Principal for a Day offers you a unique, first-hand experience of the inner workings of today’s schools and the dedicated individuals who lead them.

Get ready to witness the rewards, face the challenges, and embrace the satisfaction that comes with being the instructional and managerial leader of a modern public school. You’ll have the chance to observe education up-close and personal, gaining insights into what makes our community’s educational landscape thrive.

The day isn’t just about observation; it’s about collaboration and innovation. It’s a hands-on learning experience! You’ll have the opportunity to share your ideas and expertise, contributing to the strengthening of existing partnerships or building new, long-term connections.

Come join us for Principal for a Day and embark on a journey of discovery, inspiration, and community engagement!

When does the event occur?

Sometime in the Fall – Targeting mid-October

Who is this event for?

Principal for a Day is designed for business and civic leaders who wish to learn more about the inner workings of our local schools, and share their knowledge with school staff while experiencing a normal school day in a Bulloch County school. Participants must be current Chamber members and can include:

  • Business leaders
  • Local Politicians / Legislators
  • Community partners
  • Non-profit association leaders
  • Service club members
  • Members of the faith community
  • Military

What do I/my business get out of it?

Principal for a Day is a collaboration between the Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber of Commerce and the Bulloch County School District aimed at bringing community leaders into schools across the district. The program is designed to:

  • Increase awareness and understanding of the strengths and challenges of Bulloch County schools
  • Demonstrate the business community’s commitment to ensuring a quality public education for all students
  • Form ongoing partnerships between individuals/businesses and educational entities

Guest principals engage in various activities throughout the day, including learning about district operations, exploring academic programs and support services, and connecting with students. You may also have one-on-one time with teachers and staff or serve as a role model to students while encouraging them to pursue their educational aspirations.

Principal for a Day goes beyond a single event; it creates lasting connections between businesses, organizations, and schools. By participating, partners gain valuable insights into the education system while providing students with real-world perspectives and inspiration for their future endeavors. Additionally, partners develop a greater respect and appreciation for local schools, teachers, and administrators.

Furthermore, participating in the Principal for a Day program showcases an organization’s commitment to community engagement and social responsibility. We need people to help spread the good word about our schools, influence education legislation, or help bring more and better resources to our district. Help us develop the next generation of workforce by offering insights into your career field and opportunities that exist within your industry. By supporting education, partners actively shape the future of society and empower the next generation.

What do the schools get out of it?

We’re bridging the gap between educators and executives as we invite you to join us for an exciting opportunity to connect in-person! During Principal for a Day, community leaders will be introduced to the intricacies of school leadership by connecting directly with students, teachers, and administrators. It’s a chance to share valuable insights and knowledge, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas.

Moreover, you’ll provide your students with invaluable exposure to new industries and career paths, fueling their passion for learning and exploration. Our ultimate goal is to foster robust school-business partnerships that benefit all involved. Through participating in Principal for a Day, you’ll not only showcase your school’s offerings but also lay the groundwork for enduring relationships that will shape the future. Let’s collaborate and innovate together for a brighter tomorrow!

How do I get involved?

Principals for a Day are carefully matched with schools based on their interests, expertise, and the specific needs of each school. The Chamber will host a Meet Your Match mixer prior to the event date. During this meet and greet, participants should discuss their interests, expectations, and the agenda with the school principal to ensure a mutually beneficial experience.

During the visit, the guest principal engages with the school community, including the principal, faculty, and students, to gain insights into day-to-day operations. Activities may include teaching a class, meeting with student groups, attending performances, reading to students, or participating in other selected activities.

At the conclusion of the day, guest principals meet with the superintendent of schools to reflect on their experiences and discuss potential commitments and future involvement with the host school. This ensures a meaningful exchange and lays the groundwork for ongoing partnerships and collaboration.

Give me a rundown of the day:

While simply shadowing the principal’s activities is perfectly acceptable, below is a sample schedule of how you can get more intimately involved during your Principal for a Day experience.

Sample Itinerary:

7:45 a.m. – Arrive at your assigned school to meet up with your host

8:00 a.m. – Welcome and orientation

8:30 a.m. – Read the morning announcements and lead the Pledge of Allegiance

9:00 a.m. – Classroom visits (observe a lesson, read to the class, or give a guest lecture about your career field)

10:30 a.m. – Break and informal interactions (observe traffic flow, interact with students in the hall, etc.)

11:00 a.m. – Attend special activity (join in on a PE, art or music class; supervise kids on the playground)

12:00 p.m. – Lunch with students and staff

1:15 p.m. – Meet with the Student Council

2:00 p.m. – Review school’s technology labs, parent resource room, counselor’s office, etc.

3:00 p.m. – Wrap up the day at the school and thank the teachers

3:30 p.m. – Meet with the superintendent for a debrief and feedback session

Program contact:

Jeremy Wilburn – Business Development Director
jeremy@statesborochamber.com | 217-341-2543