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Principals have a challenging leadership position;

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not only do they oversee the work of

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all teachers in a school, they also have a 

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critical responsibility to students, parents,

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community members, and government policymakers.

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Elementary, middle, and high school principals

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manage all school operations,

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including daily school activities,

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building maintenance, and food service.

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It’s their duty to provide a

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safe and productive learning environment

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and see that their school meets

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performance standards.

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Principals set academic goals and

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ensure that teachers have

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the equipment and resources to meet them.

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The duties of principals vary;

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in small schools or districts,

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principals take on all leadership roles,

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while in larger settings,

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they have help from other staff coordinating

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teacher assignments and schedules, hiring,

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and professional development for teaching staff.

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Many schools have assistant principals,

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who may handle aspects of school leadership

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such as student safety, academic counseling,

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or enforcing disciplinary and attendance rules.

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They may also coordinate buses or

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supervise building and grounds maintenance.

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Principals work in public and private

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elementary, middle, and high schools.

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Most principals work full time,

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year round, and may work

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evenings and weekends at school functions

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or meetings with parents

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and community members.

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For most positions,

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principals need a master’s degree in

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education administration or leadership

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and several years of teaching experience.