Principal Preparation

Shadowing a principal—walking alongside a school leader through their day-to-day work—offers a clear, authentic view of school leadership. Discover what to expect and how to make the most of this powerful learning experience.

For an aspiring leader, back-to-school time is a great opportunity to step up, build trust, and influence your school’s culture—long before you officially hold the principal title. Here’s how to lead with intention.

How did today’s principals get their start? We look at five less-talked-about career paths that can lead to the principalship, and why schools need leaders with a variety of professional backgrounds.

School leadership starts in the classroom. We’ve put together four key reasons why teachers are uniquely positioned to lead—and what it takes to help them step confidently into the principalship.

Summer is a great time for reflection—both about your school community and your own leadership needs. Here are some questions—and accountability strategies—to get you ready for next year.

Wondering whether the principalship is in your future? Explore your principal readiness through these 10 self-reflection questions.

Thinking about moving into school leadership? Or know someone who is? Here are ten essential mindsets and professional learning insights—along with ten popular blog posts—to support your path forward.

School leadership does not have to be lonely. Here’s how one New Leaders alum and principal relies on her New Leaders cohort for support and guidance—and how you can too.

Our nation’s schools need well-prepared leaders. Leaders at every level in the K12 education ecosystem have a role to play in supporting the next generation of principals. Here’s how.

Unpredictable and rewarding are often how school principals describe their days. Here’s a snapshot of what one of those days could entail—and why effective school leadership makes a difference.

Six New Leaders alumni share their leadership journey and offer insights, advice, and strategies for education leaders to transform our schools and districts for the better.

Training to become a principal is a big step in your leadership journey. Here are the most important components to look for in principal preparation programs.