School administrators need critical skills to provide the school community with proper leadership. You must be savvy, whether you are an assistant principal, head principal, or in any other leadership position.
There are many educational leadership skills for aspiring school administrators to develop. Let’s discuss some top core competencies, areas of expertise, strengths, or characteristics that will increase your success as a school principal.
Five Common Educational Leadership Skills
1. Coordinate with all Types of People
More than likely, your particular school is a multicultural melting pot, concerning students and staff alike. Treat all individuals equally, regardless of gender, race, age, creed, socio-economic level, etc. Put your prejudices behind you and strive to make this a highly inclusive and welcoming learning environment.
Also, you will have to learn to work with many different personalities—some will be very easy to get along with, while others may be difficult and frustrating. Take the time to get to know your staff individually, learn what personality type each falls into, and coordinate with them accordingly.
2. Foster Strong Written and Verbal Communication Skills
Whether speaking at an assembly, addressing the school board, or writing grant proposals, you must communicate your thoughts clearly and concisely.
If you struggle with writing or public speaking, taking night classes or distance learning courses may be a good idea to improve these related skills. How one represents themselves verbally is a good indication of how they are as a leader. Demonstrate you are a strong, knowledgeable, and confident administrator, both in person and on paper.
3. Be an Organized Education Leader
With all the responsibilities an administrator or educational leader has, it can be easy to become disorganized. Do not let this happen. If you are already overwhelmed by requests, paperwork, meetings, and other items, take a step back to prioritize and de-clutter your mess.
Developing a filing system to keep your paperwork in order and using a schedule to ensure you do not miss any meetings or events is an excellent idea.
By keeping your professional life neat, you will find greater happiness at work and at home. They do go “hand in hand.” Furthermore, by warding off the chaos that disorganization brings, you will look more appealing as a candidate for future promotion.
4. Mentor and Motivate Teachers and Staff in the Building
If you were selected to fill the school administrator position, you would have something valuable to offer the school community. Reach out to as many colleagues as you can for advice and support. Be the “go-to” person that everyone can rely on for reliable information and assistance.
On the other hand, if you are still hoping to attain the principal’s position, you need to demonstrate leading, guiding, and coaching skills. Be a helping hand for fellow teachers – this will surely get you noticed and give you the edge over others applying for the same administrative position.
5. Convey Your Passion for Educating and Leading
Nothing motivates students and staff better than a school administrator showing a genuine desire to help them progress and succeed. Play an active role in educating students.
For instance, lead an after-school program or teach a class during regular school hours. If instructors see that you still have a passion for teaching, you will also help renew that aspiration in them.
Furthermore, parents will love that you can balance administrative and instructional duties and demonstrate an honest concern for helping their children. This initiative is also an incredible way to stay connected with your teaching staff and understand their struggles.
