In the past, the role of school principal was mainly that of a manager. Principals were responsible for running the day-to-day operations of the school, ensuring student's safety, taking care of the facilities and ensuring that regulations were followed.
However, in today's educational landscape, the role of principal has undergone a significant transformation. No longer just a manager, principals now serve as instructional leaders for their schools. Instructional leadership requires principals to lead and foster a collaborative culture that encourages teachers to grow professionally by providing positive feedback and utilizing research-backed strategies.
Principals are tasked with setting the vision and mission of their schools and playing an active role in making sure every student is successful. This can include developing a curriculum that meets the needs of all learners, creating a data-driven culture of assessment and evaluation, and leading the implementation of innovative teaching strategies. Additionally, instructional leaders need to communicate the school's achievement goals, objectives, and expectations to all stakeholders.
The shift from manager to primarily instructional leader is essential to the success of all schools. Principals who focus on being instructional leaders are key to creating high-performing, dynamic learning environments for students. By focusing on instruction and creating cultures of collaboration and innovation, principals can ensure all students have access to an effective education that prepares them for the future.
The big shift will require a change in mindset and be difficult. However, the evolution can be easier and more fluid with the mentoring of a good school leadership coach.
- Dr. Chris Galloway
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