Definition of an Effective School Principal

Decision-Making | Communication | Management

Leadership skills within a public school setting are defined as having effective decision-making, communication, conflict management skills, and staff development and management skills. Each of these skills is described below:

Decision-Making Skills Include:

• Establishing the policies and procedures for acceptable conduct
  
  
• Determining and coordinating appropriate professional development for faculty and staff
  
  
• Developing a school improvement plan to address areas of academic weakness
  

Communication Skills Include:

• Demonstrating effective public speaking and listening skills
  
  
• Establishing and maintaining a positive relationship with parents, teachers, and students as well as district staff
  
  
• Demonstrating flexibility and support of staff and faculty
  

• Resolving unpredictable challenges within the public school environment (e.g., parent concerns, budget constraints, staff shortages)
  
  
• Proactively responding to the needs of parents, teachers, and students

Management Skills Include:

• Supervising both first, second, and third year teachers as well as experienced teachers
  
  
• Conducting evaluations of first, second, and third year teachers as well as experienced teachers
  
  
• Monitoring first, second, and third year teachers to assist them in their professional development
  
  
• Creating a safe and comfortable work environment
  
  
• Assuming autonomy and accountability for decisions, while promoting teamwork within a school setting.
  
  
• Motivating and retaining qualified teachers
  
  
• Meeting academic goals defined by both the state and U.S. Department of Education.
  
  
• Coordinating professional development for faculty and staff
  
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