School Leaders and Administration Whole School
Being a principal is one of the most challenging and rewarding jobs in education. Great principals balance leadership, empathy, and vision while managing countless responsibilities, from supporting teachers to ensuring every student thrives. Here are five things the most successful principals do consistently.
A principal’s success begins with the people they hire. Great principals surround themselves with outstanding teachers. They hire educators who are skilled, passionate, and committed to the success of every student.
Strong teachers make everything else in the school run more smoothly: they manage classrooms effectively, build relationships with families, and deliver high-quality instruction. Successful principals recognize that investing time and effort in hiring, developing, and retaining exceptional teachers is one of the most important and impactful things they can do to support their schools.
A school takes its cues from its leader. Principals who lead with integrity, positivity, and consistency inspire the same in others.
The best principals are visible and engaged. They greet students at the door, collaborate with teachers, and model professionalism in every interaction. They demonstrate a genuine passion for their work, and this positive attitude sets the tone for the entire school community.
Successful principals know that strong relationships are the foundation of a thriving school. They work collaboratively with teachers, staff, families, and community members, listening carefully, valuing input, and making everyone feel heard.
They also understand that communication is key: clear expectations, consistent feedback, and open dialogue foster trust and shared ownership of the school’s vision. Whether it’s a quick check-in or a staff-wide initiative, effective principals make people feel supported and included.
Great principals are problem-solvers and innovators. They don’t settle for “the way things have always been done.” Instead, they encourage experimentation, collaboration, and fresh thinking.
When challenges arise—whether it’s a budget shortfall, a discipline trend, or a new instructional need—they look for long-term, sustainable solutions. They invite ideas from others, think two steps ahead, and develop systems that strengthen their schools over time.
Above all, the most successful principals never lose sight of why they do this work. They make every decision with students’ well-being, safety, and growth in mind. They nurture a school culture where every child feels seen, supported, and capable of success, not just academically, but also socially and behaviorally.
Keeping students as the first priority ensures that the school’s energy, purpose, and success remain aligned around what truly matters: helping young people learn, grow, and thrive.
Successful principals are more than administrators. They are visionaries, coaches, and community builders. They hire exceptional teachers, model the best of leadership, foster strong relationships, think creatively, and keep students at the heart of everything they do. That combination of strategy and compassion is what transforms a good school into a great one.
Continue building your leadership practices with these Responsive Classroom resources: