DO you think that the principal is the key to a succesful school?

Answer 1

Yes, the principal sets the tone for the school.
I could give examples of schools where principals try to micro-manage and the teachers are miserable and it trickles down to the students. Another school had a principal that inspired and made even veteran teachers remember why they wanted to teach. A principal makes all the difference.

Answer 2

Yes and No.

The only thing that can really determine how good or bad a school is is the students and how well the grow from the expectations set before them. Even in the worst schools, kids make it to college. It's an individual choice to learn.

In some ways, yes. The principal creates the rules and sets the tone of the school. So, if rules are created that keep the children safer, the students are more likely to learn. If there aren't rules that are enforced, then the school will be a lot worse off because students will not be focusing on their education.

It really depends on how you look at it. I know that at my High School, our current principal has gotten it turned around, but she spends so much time "ensuring our safety" that she kind of neglects the fact that we are there to learn. In spite of that though, there are still students who are going to college. Even before the change in principal students were going to college, so I see education as a personal choice, but the roles of administrators also plays a key role in the success of the school.

Answer 3

I've been teaching for nearly 30 years, and there is no straight-cut answer to your question. They can be the key to a successful school if they are present and involved. Their positive presence and involvement helps both teachers and students know who operates the school. They have to be more than a voice over the intercom.

The teachers are the real key to a successful school. We are the ones who work directly with the kids and it is because of us that they do well. We are the ones the kids come to for help on any level: academic, personal, professional.

A school can operate without its principal in place, but it cannot operate without its teachers. Great teachers make a great school, and so the school is successful in large part to its teachers.

Answer 4

Heck NO! In fact, if our success depended solely on the leadership of a principal, our district would be in deep trouble. Many of our principals have earned their jobs simply by going to Harvard and making the right connections. They weren't teachers for long, if ever, and have no ability to interact with children. Sad, really....

These people have no experience in dealing with distraught children, children with Special Needs, or even in working with parents. They bring an ability to read and pass tests to our building. But is that helpful??

While a great principal can lead teachers to try new things and encourage collegiality, a bad principal can be overcome by great teaching and determined, hardworking people. I would hope to work for someone who can support all teachers, but without any practical experience, how can this be done? Our administrators often give us articles to read, suggesting strategies for discipline and similar issues. Our new teachers don't need this crap! They need someone to show them how to build a community. Mentor teachers and people with experience are invaluable to helping the new ones. Supportive colleagues and parents are also helpful.

While I believe a principal CAN be a fantastic asset, it isn't the only way to be successful.

Answer 5

Yes

Answer 6

No b/c they have to follow rules set by the school board. The school board is who REALLY determines whether or not a school will be successful.