Effective leadership helps teachers feel heard, supported, and capable of weathering the challenges of their profession.

Students’ academic learning in schools is primarily determined by what classroom teachers do. However, there is good evidence that the professional environment in the school can also affect students’ learning, in a range of ways. The responsibility for creating and maintaining the most conducive professional environment lies with school leaders.

Principal Sherelle Barnes says teachers at Edgewood Elementary School respond best to a variety of methods, including emails and group texts. In Illinois, Marcus Belin, principal of Huntley High School, advises relaying messages in short videos or newscasts on social media to reduce information overload.

When these two school professionals commit to working together as a team to ensure wellness, develop student trust, and build community, everyone wins.

Studies show that all generations wish their leadership took more notice of them and their accomplishments — which often means leaders need to get good at recognizing the hidden talent on their team. Retention often boils down to a few key leadership strength.

Following simple guidelines can make the transition into leadership easier for new administrators.

Principal Mary Fulp asks students and staffers to participate in self-reflection at the beginning of the year to help foster a positive school climate. Principal Amy Schott also practices reflecting on positive elements of each day and mentors new principals as part of a focus on strengthening school communities.

It’s essential for school leaders to find ways to include and strengthen teacher voice in instructional decision-making processes.

Rektorer vill gärna ta allt ansvar när en kris drabbar skolan, visar forskning. "En dålig strategi", säger forskaren Frida Linehagen.