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.
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.
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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.
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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
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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
Abigail Smithson, right, helps hold a large cross during a vigil for flood victims at Tivy Antler Stadium on July 9, 2025, in Kerrville, Texas.
Abigail Smithson, right, helps hold a large cross during a vigil for flood victims at Tivy Antler Stadium on July 9, 2025, in Kerrville, Texas. Tivy High School Principal Rick Sralla led efforts to rescue stranded campers during the floods and is now guiding students and staff through the aftermath of the tragedy.
Ashley Landis/AP
School & District Management This Principal Rescued Kids During the Texas Floods. Now, His Work Continues
Principal Rick Sralla is now guiding students and staff through the aftermath of the tragedy.
Olina Banerji, July 24, 2025
7 min read
Confidence and risk taking
Vanessa Solis/Education week via Canva
School & District Management Opinion Principals, Bet on Yourself This Year
My career in education has been shadowed by four words: “You can’t do it.” Here’s how I overcame self-doubt.
S. Kambar Khoshaba, July 22, 2025
4 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
School & District Management Opinion Tricks of the (Principal) Trade: 7 Ways to Support Teachers
Making life better for teachers doesn't have to be costly.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 18, 2025
10 min read
Cellphone wearing a sleep mask. Cellphone policy.
Irina Shatilova/iStock
Ed-Tech Policy How One Principal Got Kids to Pay Attention in Class
Utah principal Shauna Haney brought about one of the first classroom cellphone bans in the state.
Olina Banerji & Vanessa Solis, July 17, 2025
2 min read