The first year as an assistant principal can be even more trying than a teacher's first year. Becoming an administrator is a personal and professional transition that requires a new perspective on schools and a new definition of one's role as an educator. The first year as an assistant principal also is important in setting attitudes and standards for the future. Socialization to a new work environment is a major step in making the transition into a new position as an administrator. Teachers who become administrators must also deal with moving from the isolated environment of the classroom to the more open and interactive atmosphere of the administrative office. Administrators must deal with the tension between teaching and administration. First-year administrators must also learn the school organization, define their role in the organization, and resolve conflict. Assistant principals also have to learn how to be in a secondary leadership position. Many new assistant principals feel overwhelmed and frustrated by the new role they must serve. New assistant principals must understand the transition to an administrative position, talk with other administrators, urge more realistic expectations for new principals, and engage in new administrator programs. (Contains 76 references.) (JPT)