Principals

Education news, analysis, and opinion that focuses on principals and their roles in K-12 schools

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Hour by Busy Hour: What a Principal's Day Actually Looks Like
From the time they wake up until they set the alarm at night, school leaders juggle the routine, the unexpected, and the downright bizarre.
Edenton, N.C. - September 5th, 2025: Sonya Rinehart, principal at John A. Holmes High School, walks downtown Edenton.
Sonya Rinehart, the principal at John A. Holmes High School, walks downtown in Edenton, N.C., on Sept. 5, 2025. In small towns, principals balance school management with ambassadorial acts, forging ties that support students and local growth.
Cornell Watson for Education Week
School & District Management In Small Towns, Principals Wear Many Hats—Including 'Ambassador'
Small-town principals juggle daily duties with serving as ambassadors to their communities.
Elizabeth Heubeck, September 9, 2025
5 min read
Principal and teacher walking through a school hallway.
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School & District Management How Principals Can Help Teachers in a New School Year
Teachers say more classroom autonomy is key to boosting morale and job satisfaction.
Jennifer Vilcarino & Edér Del Prado, September 2, 2025
1 min read
A team of people, employees carrying giant pencil, study time. Get to work. Growing knowledge. Contemporary art collage.
iStock/Getty Images
School & District Management Opinion Public Education Is in Trouble. Here's Who Can Help
Here’s how K-12 leaders can work together more effectively.
Jennifer Perry Cheatham, Sophia Roy & Leah Rubin, August 29, 2025
5 min read
Hans and Michael at Hans's leadership bbq in Washington state. 8/25
Hans and Michael at Hans's leadership bbq in Washington state. 8/25
Michael Nelson
School & District Management Opinion What I Learned About School Leadership at My Italian Nonna's Table
This principal's annual barbecue became a blueprint for building culture, community, and collective learning.
Michael Nelson, August 28, 2025
3 min read
Students from Food and Finance high school serve foods during a summer block party outside the Barclays Center, Thursday, July. 11, 2024, in New York.
Students from Food and Finance High School serve foods during a summer block party outside the Barclays Center, July 11, 2024, in New York. Career-connected learning not only prepares students for future job prospects but also makes their K-12 experience relevant.
Jeenah Moon/AP
Professional Development Q&A Why Principals Are Essential in Connecting Classrooms to Careers
The NASSP launched a course that helps principals integrate relevant skills and career exposure into their existing curriculum.
Lauraine Langreo, August 21, 2025
4 min read
A special education teacher helps a student with their work.
E+
Special Education 4 Ways Principals Can Better Support Special Education Teachers
Special education teachers need support from their principals to avoid burnout, says a researcher. Here's how to offer it.
Jennifer Vilcarino, August 21, 2025
3 min read
Amber Powell, a first grade teacher, and Dr. Vera Triplett, CEO/Founder, of Noble Minds Institute for Whole Child Learning.
Vera Triplett, the CEO and founder of Noble Minds Institute for Whole Child Learning, right, walks with Amber Powell, a 1st grade teacher, on Aug. 6, 2025. The school, located in the East Carrollton neighborhood of New Orleans, will convert to a private, independent school this school year.
L. Kasimu Harris for Education Week
School & District Management Q&A This School Leader Still Sees the Effects of Hurricane Katrina, 20 Years Later
Vera Triplett is concerned about the number of schools that have shut down in her city in the years since Katrina.
Caitlynn Peetz Stephens, August 19, 2025
6 min read
Kim S. Burke, the principal at J.C. Nalle Elementary School in the District of Columbia, shows enthusiasm during an open house to explain blended learning software to teachers and leaders from other schools, as Kevin Wenzel, blended learning specialist for the school system, watches.
Kim S. Burke, the principal at J.C. Nalle Elementary School in the District of Columbia, shows enthusiasm during an open house to explain blended learning software to teachers and leaders from other schools, as Kevin Wenzel, blended learning specialist for the school system, watches.
Photo by Eric Kruszewski for Education Week
School & District Management Professional Learning Guide Your Guide to School & District Management
Navigate today's school and district management landscape with this professional learning guide.
August 12, 2025
Image of special needs student working with tablet computer.
iStock
Special Education Principals Don't Always Understand Special Education. That's a Problem
Principals want more special education training. Here's how one state is offering it.
5 min read
Calendars, clocks, scheduling and logistical challenges.
Vanessa Solis/Education Week via Canva
School & District Management Opinion How I Design a Master Schedule No One Hates
Here are the three priorities that guide my school’s planning process.
Ian Knox, August 5, 2025
5 min read
Photo illustration of hand dangling cash.
iStock
School & District Management What's Fair Pay for School and District Leaders? (And What Do They Actually Make?)
Superintendents and principals want about a 20% raise, a new survey finds.
Evie Blad, August 1, 2025
4 min read
Woman hiker relaxing in hammock with smartphone in forest
iStock/Getty
Teaching Profession Do Teachers Check Work Email During Summer Break? Should They?
Do teachers totally unplug during summer break—and do their principals expect them to? Here's what we found out.
Elizabeth Heubeck, July 29, 2025
5 min read
An elementary school damaged by the Eaton Fire is seen in Altadena, Calif., on Jan. 19, 2025.
An elementary school damaged by the Eaton Fire is seen in Altadena, Calif., on Jan. 19, 2025.
Ringo Chiu via AP
School & District Management Opinion Schools Are Vulnerable to Climate Disasters. Principals Aren’t Ready
When an emergency forces schools to close, school leaders need more than just moral courage.
Casey Cirullo Upson, July 25, 2025
4 min read
Capital Preparatory Magnet School Principal Kitsia Hughey Ferguson welcomes a student to school.
Capital Preparatory Magnet School Principal Kitsia Hughey Ferguson welcomes a student to school.
Patrick Raycraft/Hartford Courant via TNS
School & District Management Professional Learning Guide Your Guide to the Role of the Principal
This professional learning guide delivers insights into the role of the principal and shares actionable practices to help them thrive.
July 25, 2025