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School leaders are not just administrators—they are advocates, mentors, and problem solvers who take on daily challenges to create safe, supportive, and inspiring environments for students and staff alike. Being a principal means balancing academic goals, student well-being, and the everyday complexities of school management.
As part of our celebration of National Principals Month, we asked over 100 principals from schools across the country to share their thoughts on what they wish parents knew or understood better about being a principal.
These responses shed light on the nuances of the principal’s role and offer a window into the heart of school leadership. From the pressures of managing school wide policies to the daily emotional investment in each child’s success, principals are constantly navigating a path that balances individual and community needs.
In this second part of our series, we dive into the top themes that emerged from principals’ responses. These insights highlight principals' commitment to student growth, the complex responsibilities they manage, and their desire for a collaborative relationship with parents. By understanding the challenges and values that guide principals’ work, we can better appreciate the impact these leaders have on school communities and support them in their mission to foster a positive environment for every student.
Principals view parents as essential teammates in supporting students' growth and well-being. They know that when families and schools work together, students are more likely to thrive in all aspects of their development. Corey Hansen, Principal at El Tejon School, emphasizes this collaborative approach: “We need parent help to partner in the development of their child's ethical, academic, emotional, career and college readiness, character, and physical growth.” For Hansen, this partnership extends beyond academics, encompassing the many facets that contribute to a child’s overall success.
Selina Hall, Principal at YES Prep Brays Oaks, further highlights the importance of family involvement, saying, “I wish parents understood that the partnership between family and school is foundational to a student's educational success. We encourage any opportunity for our families to be involved at school.” This partnership is a core element of student achievement, helping create a strong foundation that supports both school initiatives and individual student needs.
Building these connections can be challenging, and principals often work to bridge gaps when participation is low. LaKesha Morgan, Principal at Hempstead High School, shares her commitment to fostering family engagement: “I also wish parents knew how much we value their partnership and involvement. Encouraging parental engagement is important, but it can be challenging when there’s a lack of participation. I’m always striving to build bridges between the school and families because you understand that student success is a shared responsibility.” For principals like Morgan, the ideal is a team approach where everyone is working toward the same goal.
This sentiment is shared by Joel Brigel, Principal at Northwest Middle School, who puts it simply: “We are on a team. We are honored to work with their children and want all parents to know that we are partners in those efforts to see their students grow.” Spencer Hannah, Principal at Spring Valley Academy, adds, “We are on the same team, and we want to work closely with our families to advance the education of their child(ren). It is not an adversarial relationship.”
Principals want parents to know that they are allies, not adversaries. By collaborating and communicating openly, schools and families can build a supportive environment that empowers students to reach their full potential. This shared commitment fosters an educational journey where everyone works together for the benefit of each child.
Principals see themselves not only as school leaders but as advocates and mentors for students. They want parents to know they’re invested in supporting each child’s journey, even when difficult or misunderstood decisions need to be made.
Principals are, above all, the biggest advocates for their students, dedicated to helping them unlock their full potential. They’re not just there to enforce rules or hand down discipline— they’re there to cheer on each student’s progress, often putting in countless hours to create environments where students feel encouraged, supported, and safe. Marvin Pitts, Principal of New Beginnings High School, illustrates this commitment, saying, “We are champions and cheerleaders for students even when it doesn’t seem that way. We push them hard because we believe in their potential.”
Every decision principals make is rooted in the desire to see students grow, whether academically, socially, or emotionally. They see the strengths, possibilities, and promise in each student and are continuously rooting for their success. Ryan Palmer, Principal of Sandusky Jr./Sr. High School, captures this dedication: “I wish parents could see the amount of care and dedication we put into every decision. Every choice is made to help students succeed and grow, both academically and as people.”
Kelly Forehand, Principal at University Academy, highlights the holistic support they offer: “Parents need to know that I really do have their child’s best interest at heart. I want them to know that we work hard to create a supportive environment that allows every student to thrive.”
Monique Griffin, Principal of Huntsville College Preparatory School, explains, “As a principal, I love and care for each student as my own. I hold myself personally accountable for their academic success, and I do not take for granted that they allow me to be a part of their child's academic journey.”
Principals often find themselves seen as the “bad guy,” handling discipline, setting boundaries, and making tough decisions. However, principals are dedicated partners in the journey of student success, working closely with parents to support each child’s growth. Bethany Whitt, Principal at Western Elementary School, reflects this sentiment, saying, “I want parents to know we care about your children. We hear your concerns as well and want to work together to help your child be successful. We don’t want to be seen as the enemy but as a partner where we both hold the students accountable.”
Principals are not just enforcers of rules; they’re advocates for students, working to create an environment where each child can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. By viewing principals as partners, parents and school leaders can foster a supportive, accountable community focused on what truly matters: helping every student succeed
Each student brings unique needs, backgrounds, and strengths, making schools vibrant but complex communities. Principals are tasked with balancing these individual needs with the well-being of the school as a whole, a challenge they navigate thoughtfully each day. Amanda Tidwell, Principal at Hugo Middle School, explains, “Cookie cutter approaches to learning are not effective and neither are unilateral disciplinary consequences. We must evaluate every situation independently and consider the needs of the whole child before making any decision that will affect someone's life, whether positively or negatively.”
Ryan Palmer, Principal of Sandusky Jr./Sr. High School, emphasizes the care behind these decisions: “I wish parents could see the amount of care and dedication we put into every decision. Every choice is made to help students succeed and grow, both academically and as people.” This dedication is echoed by Taji Gibson, Principal of Tri-North Middle School, who shares, “That there are so many moving parts that happen in schools. It is not easy to make change, but know that when we make decisions, we consider ALL students. Public school means all, and we make decisions for the better good..”
Every decision a principal makes involves a careful balance between the needs of individual students and the broader school community. Angela Rose-Bounds, Principal of Ann A. Mullen School, expresses this challenge, saying, “I wish parents understood the balance I strive to maintain between the needs of their individual child and the needs of the entire school community.” Principals must consider multiple perspectives and craft solutions that benefit as many students as possible, often making difficult choices with limited visibility into their thought process.
This balancing act is often complicated by the need to respect confidentiality, which can prevent principals from sharing specific details that might otherwise clarify their decisions. Rose-Bounds explains, “Often, this means I can’t share certain details due to confidentiality, which can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or mistrust.” While this lack of transparency may create challenges, it stems from a place of respect for each student’s privacy and the complex dynamics of school life.
Despite these challenges, principals are deeply committed to fostering a positive, inclusive environment where every child can thrive. Rose-Bounds emphasizes, “I want parents to know that every decision I make is with the best interests of all children at heart.” By partnering with parents, principals aim to build a foundation of trust and shared purpose, so families feel reassured that each choice is made with care and a long-term vision for the entire community. As Rose-Bounds says, “If they could see my commitment and the care I put into every choice, I believe they would feel reassured that I am always working to create a safe, supportive, and positive environment for every student.”
These insights reflect the dedication principals bring to their roles, striving each day to balance individual and collective needs with empathy and integrity. Principals, like Rose-Bounds, hope that through open communication and mutual trust, parents can feel confident that every decision is driven by a commitment to helping all students succeed.
Principals are not only administrators; they’re deeply involved in fostering both academic and personal growth for every student, supporting staff, and building strong relationships with families and the community. Their role extends far beyond discipline, shaping a positive school environment that nurtures learning, development, and inclusivity. Justin Bond, Principal at Mansfield High School, highlights the complexity of this role: “Being a principal involves juggling numerous responsibilities, including leadership, administration, and support for both students and staff. It's not just about discipline or managing the school day. I wish parents also better understood that principals often face difficult choices that can affect many stakeholders.”
Echoing Bond’s perspective, Tara Hengesbach, Principal at Laingsburg Middle School, emphasizes that a principal’s duties encompass much more than enforcing rules: “I wish parents knew that the principal's role is not just about discipline or managing academics, but also involves creating a positive school climate, supporting teachers, advocating for students' needs, navigating complex administrative tasks, and often acting as a mediator between various stakeholders, all while balancing the needs of the entire school community, not just their individual child.”
Through these diverse responsibilities, principals are ultimately dedicated to creating a thriving school culture that benefits everyone. They play the roles of leader, counselor, advocate, and community builder, supporting teachers in their mission to educate, addressing student needs holistically, and ensuring the school operates smoothly for all. Their impact reaches far beyond the classroom, fostering a space where students feel encouraged to grow, succeed, and contribute positively to their community.
The dedication and empathy principals bring to their work each day reflect their commitment to students, parents, and the broader school community. They’re not just managing a school; they’re building an environment where students can grow academically, socially, and emotionally. By understanding these insights, parents can better appreciate the thoughtful, often challenging work principals undertake to ensure each child’s success. Working together, principals and parents can create supportive, inspiring environments for every student.
