69´«Ă˝

Principals

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

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Left, Principal Michael C. Brown talks on a radio at Winters Mill High School in Westminster, Md., on May 17, 2022. Right, Boone Elementary School principal Manuela Haberer directs students and parents in the pick-up line at the conclusion of the school day on May 19, 2022 in San Antonio, Texas.
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.
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School & District Management Video How This Principal Manages Student Behavior—Without Too Many Rules
Principal Tracie Anderson Swilley brought students on board to make big changes to her school’s culture.
Olina Banerji & Jaclyn Borowski, October 23, 2024
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2:11
Tracie Anderson Swilley, principal of Fairfield Central High School in Winnsboro, SC, is named the 2025 NASSP National Principal of the Year.
Tracie Anderson Swilley, the principal of Fairfield Central High School in Winnsboro, S.C., is named the 2025 NASSP National Principal of the Year.
Courtesy of NASSP
School & District Management Inside the No-Limits Mindset of the New National Principal of the Year
Tracie Anderson Swilley, a high school principal in South Carolina, was awarded the title for the 2024-25 academic year.
Olina Banerji, October 21, 2024
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6 min read
69´«Ă˝ & Literacy Quiz Quiz Yourself: How Much Do You Know About Literacy Leadership?
Answer 7 questions about the role of leadership in reading and literacy practices and curriculum.
October 14, 2024
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69´«Ă˝ & Literacy Video Implementing New 69´«Ă˝ Materials Is Hard. How This Principal Got Buy-In
A NYC principal explains how she implemented the Wit and Wisdom reading curriculum in her school. The first step was teacher buy-in.
Kaylee Domzalski, September 30, 2024
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4:38
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kali9/E+
School & District Management This State Is Bucking Gender and Race Trends in School Leadership
A 12-year study in one state shows a major uptick in the diversity of school leaders.
Olina Banerji, September 30, 2024
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8 min read
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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2 min read
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