What are the four duties of a principal?

Principals oversee all higher-level operations in a school. They create a safe learning environment and set performance goals both for students and teachers, and oversee the process so that those goals are attained.

What does a principal do?

Principals supervise teachers and education staff and keep track of student performance.

They ensure that school facilities remain safe for students and faculty and plan regular maintenance of school grounds and equipment. Principals also research and acquire new materials and resources to improve the experience of both students and teachers.

Overall, principal responsibilities include:

• Setting performance objectives for students and teachers
• Implementing and monitoring school policies and safety protocols
• Overviewing administrative tasks (e.g. updating employee records) 

When building your own school principal job description, be sure to tailor these responsibilities to your specific needs.

Job brief

We are looking for a new principal to join our team and foster a healthy learning environment for our students. Your primary responsibilities will be to supervise our education staff and oversee day-to-day school operations. 

To succeed in this role, you should be able to make quick decisions under pressure and have a comprehensive understanding of the national education system and its regulations. Excellent communication and organizational abilities are also important skills you should demonstrate as a principal. 

If you meet these requirements and you’re passionate about a leadership role in education, we’d like to meet you.

Effective school principals care deeply about student success and recognize that test scores are not the only measure of a quality education. By immersing themselves in all aspects of the school system, principals monitor daily activities, as well as emerging issues. No day is the same because of the varied responsibilities of the job. If you are a visionary leader with effective communication skills and a desire to provide diverse students with an exceptional education, you may have what it takes to confidently serve in the role of a school principal.

Job Description

Functions of a principal at an elementary, middle or high school are similar, whether the setting is public or private. The role of a principal is to provide strategic direction in the school system. Principals develop standardized curricula, assess teaching methods, monitor student achievement, encourage parent involvement, revise policies and procedures, administer the budget, hire and evaluate staff and oversee facilities. Other important duties entail developing safety protocols and emergency response procedures.

Work often includes attending school functions after hours, such as basketball games, concerts, plays, parent conferences and school board meetings. Having a visible presence shows interest and dedication to students. Often problems arise which need immediate attention, such as a student disciplinary issue or a call from a worried parent whose child is struggling in the classroom.

Legislative emphasis on measurable student outcomes requires principals to collaborate with teachers to set and achieve high-performance goals. Principals must always be ready to answer questions from the public about how the school is rectifying any achievement gaps between diverse groups of students and performance overall.

Education Requirements

If you already have classroom teaching experience, you will have a jump-start on this career. Prior teaching experience, along with a Master of Science degree, is typically preferred or needed for hire. First, you must obtain a bachelor’s degree, preferably in education. Many aspiring principals spend a few years teaching to better understand student needs and teacher concerns. Although state licensing requirements vary, you will need a master’s degree in education administration for a school administrator license.

While working toward your master’s, you will study learning theories, multiculturalism, curriculum design, ethics, laws and regulations, state and federal standards, management techniques, teacher evaluation, budgeting and facilities management. Other requirements may include an internship and maintaining a portfolio of accomplishments in the program. Most states also expect principal candidates to pass a background check.

Industry

Principals work in elementary, middle or high schools in the private or public sector. Most principal jobs are in the public schools. They typically work long hours and attend many events and meetings outside the normal school day. Principals find it rewarding to work with children and families, but the job can also be stressful. Principals are under intense pressure to meet achievement standards, solve budget shortfalls, prevent bullying, continually update technology and hire qualified teachers.

Years of Experience

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for a principal in 2016 with a master’s degree and at least five years of experience is $92,510 per year. That means half of all principals earned more than that amount, and the other half earned less. Principals in Connecticut earned the highest median salary of $127,110. After working in the field for a while, some principals get more education, such as a doctorate, and become a school superintendent, overseeing the operations of an entire school district.

Job Growth Trend

Demand for principals is expected to increase by 8 percent between 2016 and 2026. That is about the same percentage increase as all other jobs. Several factors influence the number of expected principal openings, such as projected enrollment, available funding for new schools and the retirement of principals in the baby boomer demographic.

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