Effective High School Principal Attributes?

Hey there! I'm part of a student committee involved in providing feedback for our new principal's selection process. From your experience, what are the most important attributes an effective high school principal should have?

Hello! Kudos to you and your committee for taking on this responsibility. A high school principal plays a major role in shaping the school environment and culture, and selecting the right person is crucial. Based on years of guidance in educational settings, there are a few key attributes that I've seen set effective principals apart.

Communication: A principal should be an exceptional communicator. This includes being able to clearly articulate the vision and goals of the school to staff, students, and families.

Leadership: A principal needs to offer confident and effective leadership, capable of making tough decisions when necessary, while also fostering a positive and inclusive environment.

Emotional Intelligence: A principal must understand and manage their own emotions, and be able to empathize with others. This allows them to build strong relationships with students, staff, and parents.

Collaboration: They should be able to build strong teams, encouraging collaboration among teachers and staff to collectively work toward school goals.

Adaptability: School environments are constantly evolving and the principal should be flexible and adaptive to manage these changes smoothly.

Guide to Learning: The principal should not just be an administrative head, but an educational leader too, with a clear understanding of how students learn and a focus on improving instruction.

Accessibility: A principal must be approachable. Students, teachers, and parents should feel comfortable bringing concerns or problems to them.

Remember, while desirable attributes are important, the principal should also be a good fit for the specific needs and characteristics of your community and school.