Strong principals honor teachers and tap respectfully into their expertise, advises ASCD, a support organization for educational leaders. In a recent article for the publication "Educational Leadership," principals are reminded that the collective wisdom of the staff is invaluable. Effective school managers enlist the teaching staff to work in examination of all practices, programs and procedures to see that they fit within the primary purpose of the school -- to ensure that all students learn at high levels. Teachers’ participation in decision-making, in addition to their subject matter knowledge, are the two top critical areas for school administrators to prioritize as vital for school success, according to research conducted by the Wallace Foundation, an independent organization dedicate to educational excellence.
Nothing substitutes for building and nurturing relationships, advises "Educational Leadership." Effective principals value and connect with everyone who interacts with students: classroom teachers, parents, custodians, secretaries and support personnel. Making allies with people entrusted with the education of children is an important priority for principals who know that all they bring specific expertise and contributions to a successful school environment. Principals who learn the culture of the school by spending time with the families, staff and students make connections that build successful educational communities and discourage the formation of hostile opponents.
Leadership is second only to teaching in its impact on student learning in schools, finds researchers from the Universities of Michigan and Toronto. In a report titled "How Leadership Influences Student Learning" and commissioned by the Wallace Foundation, effective instructional leaders set directions and encourage staff and students to have a common understanding about a shared sense of purpose. The primary work of the principal is to build a school that meets the needs of students, states an article published for new principals in "Educational Leadership." Effective principals are important because they lead a community of educators dedicated to the purpose of meeting all student learning needs.
Effective school leaders establish two-way communication with parents and facilitate partnerships in the school community, says "Connected Principals," a school leadership online publication. Principals who take time to understand the culture of the school and make time to listen to parental concerns will develop strong relationships with families, which will in turn support student learning. Ongoing input and feedback conducted through multiple avenues of communication will help principals make critical decisions that impact students and their families throughout the year.