Principals

Education news, analysis, and opinion that focuses on principals and their roles in K-12 schools

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Hour by Busy Hour: What a Principal's Day Actually Looks Like
From the time they wake up until they set the alarm at night, school leaders juggle the routine, the unexpected, and the downright bizarre.
Principals from the Principals Recovery Network address lawmakers on the long-term effects of gun violence on Sept. 23, 2024, in Washington, D.C.
Principals address Democratic members of Congress on the long-term effects of gun violence on Sept. 23, 2024, in Washington, D.C.
Courtesy of Oversight Committee Democrats Press Office
Education Funding Gun Violence Takes a Toll. We Need More Support, Principals Tell Congress
At a congressional roundtable, school leaders made an emotional appeal for more funds to help schools recover from gun violence.
Olina Banerji, September 24, 2024
5 min read
Conceptual image of a crowd gathered outside the White House watching what the president will do. Giant sky compass represents the decisions the President of the United States must make.
Vanessa Solis/Education Week via Canva
School & District Management Opinion 5 Lessons Principals Can Learn From U.S. Presidents About Leadership
What does it take to lead a school in this polarized political climate? Let history be your guide.
Ronald S. Thomas, September 24, 2024
5 min read
Illustration of a diverse woman on a teeter board with a clock in one hand and a compass in the other.
iStock/Getty
School & District Management Video How This Principal Protects Her Teachers’ Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance is possible for teachers. School and district leaders play a big role in making it happen.
Lauren Santucci, September 11, 2024
4:12
A diverse group of people tug of war on the balance bar balanced on the planet earth. Negotiations, balancing conversations.
Vanessa Solis/Education Week + iStock/Getty
School & District Management 3 Ways Principals Can Respond to Polarization and Division
The role of a school leader is inherently difficult and conflict-ridden. Here's what they can do to manage tense situations.
Olina Banerji, September 10, 2024
6 min read
From left, Andrew Rebello, former principal, Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School, Fall River, Mass.; Tracie Anderson Swilley, principal, Fairfield Central High School, Winnsboro, S.C.; Job Wilcox, principal, Petoskey Middle School, Petoskey, Mich.
From left, Andrew Rebello, former principal, Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School, Fall River, Mass.; Tracie Anderson Swilley, principal, Fairfield Central High School, Winnsboro, S.C.; Job Wilcox, principal, Petoskey Middle School, Petoskey, Mich.
Courtesy of NASSP
School & District Management Meet the 3 Finalists for National Principal of the Year
All three finalists spoke about the need to lift up their peers.
Olina Banerji, September 6, 2024
5 min read
A plate balancing four bright red apples in front of a collage of blue school images.
Vanessa Solis/Education Week via Canva
School & District Management Opinion What Principals Get Wrong About Teacher Wellness
“Wellness” needs to offer educators more than just a chance to press pause on their work.
Kevin Wood, August 27, 2024
3 min read
Happiness in work or love of work. businesswoman working with a computer on a smiling face
Yutthana Gaetgeaw/iStock
School & District Management Principals: Try These 3 Things to Boost Teachers' Morale This Year
Anticipate when burnout is likely and act to keep it in check, a veteran principal advises.
Lesli A. Maxwell, August 27, 2024
2 min read
A scholar look up at a wave that is about to overtake them
Eva Vázquez for Education Week
School & District Management Reported Essay How Principals Can Ride the Storm of Divisive Politics
School leaders must do their best to find a way for everyone to work together and move forward.
Olina Banerji, August 26, 2024
9 min read
Conceptual image of books stacked.
Canva
School & District Management The Books Principals Can't Put Down
School leaders' top recommendation was a book focused on smartphones and youth mental health.
Madeline Will, August 16, 2024
2 min read
Human crowd surrounding a giant protective umbrella on blue background.
Vanessa Solis/Education Week via Canva
School & District Management Opinion When Teachers Burn Out, We Burn Out: A Principal’s Strategy for Staff Morale
By anticipating dips in teacher morale, we can plan timely interventions that keep positivity alive throughout the whole school year.
S. Kambar Khoshaba, August 13, 2024
2 min read
Image of a teacher in a classroom working quietly at desk.
manonallard/iStock/Getty
Teaching Profession Teachers' Morale Is Still Low. They Say Principals Can Help Improve It
Supportive working conditions, spearheaded by principals, can improve teacher satisfaction, according to a study.
Brooke Schultz, August 12, 2024
5 min read
In this March 8, 2017 photo, Logan Cole walks down a hallway decorated with signs supporting him and his school at West Liberty-Salem High School, in West Liberty, Ohio. Logan, who was shot twice by a fellow student at the high school on Jan. 20, was adjusting to his first full week back at school after spending 15 days in Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus fighting for his life and then eventually returning to school part-time.
In this March 8, 2017 photo, Logan Cole walks down a hallway decorated with signs supporting him and his school at West Liberty-Salem High School, in West Liberty, Ohio. Logan, who was shot twice by a fellow student at the high school on Jan. 20, was adjusting to his first full week back at school after spending 15 days in Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus fighting for his life and then eventually returning to school part-time.
Jonathan Quilter/The Columbus Dispatch via AP
School Climate & Safety In Their Own Words How a Principal Who Stopped a School Shooting Learned to Be Vulnerable
Principal Greg Johnson talks about how his life changed after a school shooting.
Olina Banerji, August 8, 2024
6 min read
Photo of two women working at computer.
E+
Professional Development Video 3 Things Principals Can Do to Make Teacher PD Better
School leaders need to include teacher voice to create the most engaging professional development.
Olina Banerji, August 7, 2024
5 min read
Photo of principal greeting student at school bus.
E+
Student Well-Being What Principals Can Do to Make Sure Students Feel Welcome at School
Student anxiety and absenteeism are top of mind for principals as schools reopen.
Olina Banerji, August 5, 2024
7 min read