By Mary Ann Wolf, Photo: Liz Bell/Education NC, EdNC, May 16, 2022
I have had the opportunity to work with hundreds and hundreds of principals over the years, and I am often reminded about the very unique — and often lonely position — that principals have as school leaders. They are the only one in their building with their role, and they are the one who students, teachers, parents, and community members turn to when they’re concerned about what’s going on within a school. Principals are often unsung heroes in our schools — and this is especially true during the pandemic.
Principals are the second most important school-related factor that impacts student outcomes — second only to teachers. Having a high-quality and well-prepared principal matters — for students, for teachers, and for communities. You can quickly see the impact of the principals’ leadership when you walk into the building, and when you walk around with a principal who clearly knows every student by name and even from connections around activities or what is happening in their lives — it changes the school.
Because of their unique perspective, principals have an understanding of the wants and needs of almost all stakeholders in their schools. From speaking with today’s guests, it’s clear that what is needed and wanted most in schools right now is support.
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