A recent Metlife survey (PDF) found that 75 percent of principals feel that the role has become too complex and a third are looking to move out of the role within the next five years. The role of principal has changed dramatically in the last decade and has, to many, become overwhelming. So what is the role of a principal? Or rather, what are the roles of a successful and effective principal?
It seems that each year another term describing the role of the effective principal gets introduced (visionary, instructional leader, change maker, CEO, CFO), but are these roles all compatible? Are they synthesizing, or is each an additional role and skill-set that each principal needs to master? And what of the role of building administrator—is that now obsolete?
We asked ASCD leaders, "What is a principal (in 2013)?"
"A principal is the primary leader in a school who establishes a culture of high expectations and belongingness for every child, staff member, and parent. A 21st century principal must be able to juxtapose visionary, instructional, and managerial leadership to support change and stability simultaneously. A 21st century principal strategically uses fiscal and human resources to tackle some of the world's toughest problems through the lens of the children who walk through our doors every day."
—Jessica Bohn, principal, Gibsonville Elementary School, Gibsonville, N.C., and ASCD Emerging Leader
"A principal is a FEARLESS individual who is always at the heart of the matter. She creates a vision and
