School principals wear many hats. Between managing day-to-day operations, supporting staff, and ensuring students receive the best education possible, principals are a driving force behind the success of their schools. They balance leadership, mentorship, and administration to create an environment where everyone can thrive.

Despite the constant juggling act, the majority of principals agree—the job is full of rewards that make the hard work worth it. But what exactly makes it so fulfilling?

As part of our celebration of National Principals Month, we asked over 100 principals from schools across the country to share what they find most rewarding about their role. The responses were not only thoughtful and inspiring, but they offered a glimpse into the heart of school leadership.

In this first part of our series, we dive into the top themes principals shared about what keeps them motivated, featuring direct quotes from the principals themselves. From their impact on students to creating positive school cultures, principals reflect on the most meaningful aspects of their job. 

Let’s take a closer look.

1. Impacting Students: The Heart of the Job

At the core of every principal’s mission is the desire to make a difference in the lives of their students. Time and time again, the principals we spoke to emphasized that their interactions with students are the most fulfilling part of their role. Whether it’s helping a student through a tough time or watching them achieve something they didn’t think was possible, the ability to positively influence young lives is what drives many school leaders.

Ken Berardis, Principal at Jordan Road School, summed it up perfectly: “THE KIDS! ALWAYS THE KIDS!!!” His enthusiasm reflects what many principals feel—students are at the heart of everything they do.

Lauren King, Principal at Sedalia Elementary, expanded on this idea, explaining that the relationships she builds with students are her biggest source of joy: “The connections with the students! Seeing the growth and development over time is what makes this job so fulfilling. You get to watch them evolve from shy children to confident young adults. That’s a privilege.”

For Mark Muller, Principal at Jefferson Central School, the impact goes beyond academics: “Helping people! That’s what it’s all about. Whether it’s guiding a student through challenges or celebrating their successes, knowing you’ve made a difference in their life is the best part of the job.” This highlights a key aspect of being a principal: it’s not just about learning; it’s about shaping lives.

Principals are often involved in students' lives for several years, allowing them to witness personal growth up close. John Burns, Principal at Founders Academy, said: “Getting to know students and their families over time creates strong relationships that last. It’s those personal connections that make the job more than just a career—it’s about building trust and making an impact.”

Clearly, the ability to influence and inspire students remains the most powerful motivator for principals across the country.

2. Building a Positive School Culture: A Place of Belonging

Beyond individual relationships with students, principals are responsible for shaping the overall environment of their school and its surrounding community. Many principals find tremendous satisfaction in creating a culture where students and staff alike feel valued, supported, and excited to be part of the community. A strong school culture can be transformative — it affects everything from academic outcomes to student well-being and teacher retention.

Fostering a positive school culture is about more than just fostering academic success. It’s about making sure students feel seen, heard, and respected. 

Tara Hengesbach, Principal at Laingsburg Middle School said, ”The most rewarding part about being a principal is the ability to lead my staff in building a positive school culture that promotes learning in all students. It also allows for the opportunity of the ‘give and take’ with students and parents in order to foster positive outcomes for all.”

Building a school culture takes time and effort, but for principals, it’s one of the most fulfilling aspects of the job.

Justin Bond, Principal at Mansfield High School shared, “I take pride in creating a positive school culture, supporting teachers, and building strong relationships with families and the community. Witnessing student successes, whether academic achievements, personal development, or extracurricular participation, is incredibly fulfilling.”

One of Brittany DerCola’s favorite aspects of being Principal at Camden Middle School is “building a positive school culture. Shaping the school culture to be one where students feel safe, supported, and motivated is deeply rewarding. I love finding ways to reward staff, celebrate staff and just have fun with the staff. As a principal, every day brings new challenges, and successfully addressing issues, whether academic, behavioral, or logistical, is a rewarding part of the role. As the principal I play a key role in setting the direction and goals of the school. Knowing that decisions made today can have a long-term positive effect on the school's success and students' futures is incredibly rewarding.”

3. Witnessing Growth and Development: Nurturing Potential

Principals have a front-row seat to the growth and development of both students and staff, which is one of the most satisfying parts of their role. They guide students through crucial stages of life and help teachers and staff grow into their full potential. Watching this progress unfold is a significant source of fulfillment for many school leaders.

Adam DeWitt, a Principal in the Oconto Unified School District shared: “The most rewarding part of being a principal often includes witnessing the growth and success of students. When you see students thrive academically and socially, it’s incredibly fulfilling. Building strong relationships with teachers and staff to create a positive school culture is also rewarding. Additionally, having the opportunity to inspire and support future generations can make a lasting impact on the community. Beyond that, I love when students come back to visit after they have started their careers and family. It's like an extended family.”

Robyn Morrow, Principal at New Concord Elementary agreed, “Working with my young students and dedicated staff and watching their growth throughout the year. It is hard to be in a bad mood at work when you are surrounded by so many awesome students that never fail to give you a reason to smile.”

For middle school principals like Taji Gibson at Tri-North Middle School it is especially rewarding to watch middle schoolers advance and mature. Principal Gibson shared, “It is the growth that we see in middle school with our students. Middle school is a transition in so many ways, body wise, mind wise, decision making---I love seeing that growth in our students and being a part of that change!”

4. Connecting with the Community: A Broader Impact

Principals are not just leaders within the school walls; they are also key figures in the broader community. Building strong relationships with families, local organizations, and other community stakeholders is another deeply rewarding part of the job. A principal's influence often extends beyond the schoolyard, helping to create lasting connections that support student success.

For LaKesha Morgan, Principal at Hempstead High School, the most rewarding part about being a principal is “having the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students, staff, and the community every single day. You get to shape the school’s culture, support teachers in their growth, and witness students achieve their potential, both academically and personally. Watching students succeed, fostering a positive learning environment, and seeing the collective efforts come together is incredibly fulfilling. There's also a deep satisfaction in knowing that the decisions you make can positively influence the future of so many lives.”

Marvin Pitts, Principal of New Beginnings High School, takes pride in the collaborative spirit of his school community: “Seeing staff and students get excited about accomplishments and successes in the school is what makes it all worth it. We’re building something special together, and when everyone’s working toward the same goal, it’s incredibly rewarding.”

Angela Rose-Bounds Principal at Ann A. Mullen School loves that she is an “agent of change for a greater number of students than I could reach in a classroom setting. I have the privilege of supporting both teachers and students in their journeys to become the best versions of themselves, helping to identify areas for improvement and inspire positive change. Over the past twenty years, I’ve been deeply fulfilled by playing a role in the success stories of so many individuals. There is no greater reward than seeing a former student or teacher achieve their goals and hearing them credit a part of their success to my influence in their lives. Being able to contribute to such impactful growth and transformation is a gift that keeps me passionate about this role every day.

Troy Holding, Principal at Memorial Elementary expressed the purpose and fulfillment of helping students. “Undoubtedly the profound impact I can have on students’ lives. Every day brings opportunities to witness their growth, both academically and personally. For instance, there’s nothing quite like the moment when a student who has struggled with reading finally picks up a book and reads aloud with confidence. It’s a triumph not just for them but for their teachers and the entire school community.”

Finally, many principals spoke about how the role of school leadership brings them personal fulfillment. While it’s a demanding job, it also provides a deep sense of purpose. Knowing they are making a difference in the lives of students, staff, and the community gives principals the motivation they need to push through the challenges.

5. Helping Teachers Succeed: School Leadership and Empowerment

While principals spend much of their time focusing on student success, another deeply rewarding part of the job is empowering teachers and staff to thrive in their roles. Principals play a crucial role in developing the leadership capabilities of their teachers, creating an environment where educators feel supported and motivated to grow professionally. This focus on staff development leads to a more dynamic and innovative school environment, benefiting both teachers and students alike.

Suzan Harris, Principal at Henderson Middle School, shared the importance and joy of setting teachers up for success. “Literally, it is seeing teachers proud when their students are successful. As a principal, my job is to create, manage, and nurture a climate and culture that supports student achievement. However, it warms my heart to see when a teacher has experienced true success through their students. This is important to me because a teacher who has tasted success with students is going to want to continue this experience, which means that my students will be successful in the end.”

For Kevin O'Rourke Principal at Sharon Middle School, “Walking the classrooms and seeing our teachers engage kids in high-level classroom experiences is the best part of serving as a school principal.”

Kathryn Lutton Principal at Holston Middle School agreed, “I love seeing students' engagement in their teachers' lessons. When I enter classrooms and see that students are talking with one another, asking questions, and showing curiosity for the subject matter, I am thrilled that they are growing socially and intellectually. I am often jealous of their teachers when these magic moments in the classroom happen because I miss having them when I taught, but to see this occurrence happen in so many classrooms is an indication that my leadership is present throughout the school.”

By fostering leadership in teachers, principals are not only supporting their staff’s professional growth but also building a foundation for continuous improvement within the school. This approach ensures that the school remains adaptable and innovative, with teachers leading the way in driving change and improving outcomes for students.

Conclusion: Why Principals Love What They Do

From their ability to impact students' lives to the satisfaction of building a strong school culture and connecting with the community, principals find immense reward in their work. Their role is one of leadership, mentorship, and vision, with rewards that go far beyond the day-to-day operations. For these dedicated individuals, the chance to shape the future and make a meaningful difference is what keeps them motivated.

As we celebrate National Principal Month, it’s clear that school principals are driven by a deep sense of purpose and passion for education. Their impact extends far beyond the classroom, touching the lives of students, staff, and entire communities. Stay tuned for Part 2 of our series, where we continue to explore the role of school principals and hear about their experiences.

Thank you, principals, for all that you do!

‍