“‘What is real?’ asked the Rabbit one day. ‘Real isn’t how you are made,’ said the Skin Horse. ‘It’s a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become REAL.’ - Velveteen Rabbit. 

Thanks for making me REAL!  Love, Jenny Woo”

I was handed that note, along with a hand-drawn sketch of the Velveteen Rabbit, on promotion day in June of 2009 by a young lady with significant learning disabilities. On that special day, Jenny (not her real name) was promoting from 8th grade to high school. 

Amidst the pride and joy of that day for Jenny and her family, there were tears in her eyes as she handed me that precious piece. I could see and feel her sense of loss as she considered the reality of not having me in her daily life – greeting her in the carline each day as she left the safety of her mom’s car, checking on her at breaks and lunch time to make sure her day was going okay, or frequently dropping into her classroom so she could show me her latest writing or science project. It was clear that I had made a lasting imprint on Jenny’s life, but I have since come to realize that Jenny profoundly impacted my life as well.

As I left the principalship to take on a leadership role at the district office in 2014, I often thought back to the relationships I was privileged to form with students like Jenny. Looking back over my career, I will never forget the day, out on the blacktop at my first middle school where I taught math, when a simple challenge from my principal changed my life forever. I had been tossing footballs with some of the kids during lunch when Principal Warschaw said to me, “Have you ever thought of going into school leadership?” In truth, I had quietly been working on a masters and taking administrative credential classes at a state university, but I hadn’t really decided what I wanted to do with the rest of my life just yet. Mr. Warschaw’s prompt to “just think about it” would soon prove to be the catalyst for the rest of my career as I began to move into leadership – ultimately landing as Superintendent of two California school districts. 

I tell you my story because I want some of you to imagine yourself in a role where your influence might extend far beyond the classroom – a position where you have the access and resources to positively shape the educational journey of every student and where you can support and empower every teacher in your school. This is the reality of what is possible as a school principal—a role that might just be your next great calling. 

As a teacher, some of you are already laying the groundwork with skills that define effective principals: building relationships, supporting and guiding other teachers, and managing resources adeptly. But imagine leveraging these skills on a broader scale, transforming not just your classroom, but an entire school community. As we navigate the complexities of modern education, your transition from teacher to principal could be the catalyst for change our schools deeply need.

The Critical Impact of Principals

A landmark study in 2021, backed by the Wallace Foundation, revealed the extraordinary effect principals have on schools. Synthesizing data from two decades, it showed how principals play a key role in school improvement. Findings showed that “if a school district could invest in improving the performance of just one adult in a school building, investing in the principal is likely the most efficient way to affect student achievement.” Principal leadership was shown to correlate with better student performance, improved attendance, reduced disciplinary issues, lower teacher turnover, and increased teacher satisfaction. In an era where teacher shortages are a growing concern, particularly in high-need areas, effective principal leadership has never been more crucial.

What Makes an Effective Principal?

As a teacher, you already possess many of the qualities of an effective principal. Principals need excellent people skills for building relationships and trust, just like you do in your classroom. They require instructional skills to support teachers – something you understand intimately. Organizational skills are key, too – think of how you manage your classroom resources and data. But being a principal also means engaging deeply with teachers, fostering a positive school environment, encouraging collaborative learning, and managing resources strategically, all through an equity-focused lens.

The Challenges and Rewards

Becoming a principal isn't without its challenges. The role has evolved, especially in the face of political polarization and the stress of navigating post-pandemic education. Yet, the need for strong, insightful leadership in our schools is more pronounced than ever. And there's good news: the growing recognition of principal roles has led to the development of state standards for school leaders and comprehensive principal development programs.

The Leap From Teacher to Principal

As a teacher, you have a unique vantage point to understand what defines an effective school environment. Stepping into a principal role allows you to extend your influence, advocating for comprehensive development programs and prioritizing the well-being and growth of both teachers and students.

As I reflect back on over three decades in education, I have come to realize that I was never happier or more fulfilled than when I was at the helm of a school – serving the students, teachers, and parents of a true community. I was allowed to be the captain of my own ship while maintaining strong relationships with students – even broadening my impact with thousands of students over 13 years.

Sure, the challenges were great and the expectations were high as I had to manage the competing pressures of progress and change from the district office and the lack of inertia and downright resistance to change from some faculty members. But what made it all worthwhile was the profoundly positive impact I was able to have on campus culture and the kids I loved to serve.

The role of a principal is more than administrative – it's about being a catalyst for change, shaping the educational experience for both teachers and students. As our educational landscape evolves, the need for passionate, effective principal leadership is ever-growing. Consider this your invitation to step up and make a significant impact in the world of education. The future of our schools, and indeed our nation, may just depend on it.