The principal of a school is like the center of a wheel. The principal keeps everything in line and in good working order. The principal is in charge of keeping the school working so that teachers, students and support staff can function and complete their respective jobs. A principal needs to be a strong leader to staff, a fair hiring agent for new teachers and aides, an advocate to students and a disciplinarian when necessary. A principal also serves as an intermediary between the county board of education and the school system in which they are employed.
FIND SCHOOLS Sponsored ContentBecoming a principal is a highly important job that can affect the lives of many people throughout an administrator's career.
A school principal has to be organized to create master schedules, keep records organized and manage all the people and problems that can occur. A principal is able to handle all concerns for teachers, parents, staff and students in a professional manner. A principal must be organized and tireless as they are expected to arrive early and leave late each day, attend nearly every extracurricular activity and monitor teachers each day.
A principal must wear many hats. He or she must be a moderator, disciplinarian, boss, leader, organizer, cheerleader and teacher. If it occurs in a school, a principal must be willing to do the job or, in the least, be involved. A principal has the opportunity to make huge changes for a school overall and for individuals within that school and community.
A principal is a school employee, just as a teacher, however the hours and work dates are much different. A principal does and should plan to work much of the summer and long hours during the school year. The job is difficult, but the rewards are priceless.
A principal can expect to work in a school setting, typically in an office that is central to the school. The school can be elementary, middle or high school and can be a public, private, charter or alternative school. School principals should be present within their schools so others have a leader to look up to and appreciate.
Principals across the United States are chosen because of their leadership ability. They are proactive, multidimensional collaborative leaders in education.
A principal's management, communication and direction creates and sustains school and system cultures that improve student learning and personal development.
While jobs do vary, below are listed the most common traits of principalship in both elementary and secondary schools.
Similar to their high school counterpart, elementary school principals have a multifaceted role in caring for and guiding the school. Elementary principals:
Similar to their elementary school counterparts, secondary school principals have a multifaceted role in caring for and guiding the school. High school principals:
Elementary and high school principals can take advantage of a number of employment avenues. Read on to learn more.
A day in the life of a school principal
With such wide ranging responsibilities that involve so many different people, no two days in the life of a school principal are likely to be the same. Indeed, this is a career path for those who seek great variety in their life and are capable of juggling multiple roles and communicating with a huge number of individuals with diverging perspectives and interests. However, those who become school principals are drawn to this fast-paced lifestyle, enjoying the many different responsibilities of their job and the numerous professionals with whom they come into contact.
So What Do Principals Do All Day?Though each day will come with its own tasks, one constant is that each day will always involve shifting between school principal duties.
An average day may start with reviewing correspondences and upcoming appointments, which may lead to check-ins with teachers before students even arrive on campus. Once class time begins, principals will perform a variety of tasks, including classroom visits to monitor teacher performance, meetings with school stakeholders including board members and district supervisors. They will also meet with other administrators about matters including scheduling, budgeting, and other important decisions.
After the school day has ended, principals often have additional responsibilities, including parent conferences, faculty meetings, and school events including performances, sporting events, and other campus activities. It is important for principals to participate in these events, as they are part of campus culture and building school spirit.
As this list makes clear, the average day for a principal involves a tremendous number of duties and responsibilities that can be overwhelming. However, the fulfillment of running an institution that is educating and empowering young students is a terrific and highly meaningful reward, one that keeps dedicated school principals returning to their busy but exciting jobs year after year.
For more information on the ins and outs of life as a school principal, take a look at the following blog posts:
A licensed principal can work in any school and at any level in which they have certification. Depending on the choice of school, the principal can expect different things.
This can include public schools, which offer a free education for all students at all levels. In public schools, the curriculum is organized the district. Public schools usually have very diverse student populations. A public school is likely to be much more diverse in social economic areas as well as ability levels.
Private schools on the other hand, are not free to attend. There is a set tuition that needs to be paid for each student to attend. However, the curriculum is chosen by the school. Private schools tend to bring a more affluent clientele but could require religious or group affiliations.
Charter schools are another option. Charter schools are usually free and linked to the public school system, but have the option to accept or reject students based on the school's set of criteria. However, a charter school may be held to much higher standards in the public eye because of the sources of funding.
NASSP - National Association of Secondary School Principals: Nationwide organization for principals that seeks to transform education through school leadership, recognizing that the fulfillment of each student's potential relies on great leaders in every school committed to the success of each student.
NAESP - National Association of Elementary School Principals: The NAESP is a professional organization serving elementary and middle school principals and other education leaders throughout the U.S, Canada and overseas.
ICP - International Confederation of Principals: Global association for school principals organizations to discuss the challenges facing school leaders in every community.
