Where Have All the Principals Gone?

The shortage of principals is a subject often discussed. As more baby boomer principals plan for retirement and as the job of principals becomes more demanding and complex, the question that keeps being asked is who will replace outgoing principals. Superintendents and principals weigh in on this very important issue in an article in Edutopia magazine.

The article references past studies about the principal shortage, including one commissioned by NAESP and NASSP in 1998, and a more recent one by the Northeast Regional Elementary School Principals' Council, which found that more than 36 percent of principals in nine northeastern states plan to retire within the next five years.

The article also looks at how some school districts are getting creative in their effort to fill principal positions, including mentoring programs for aspiring principals. (Although not mentioned in the article, NAESP offers the PALS (Peer Assisted Leadership Services) program, which trains experienced school leaders to mentor new and aspiring principals.)   

In the Edutopia article, California superintendent Paul Mercier says the bottom line is that principals must be trained, and feel supported and part of a team. “A superintendent must create a culture that is all about solving problems together,” says Mercier. “The single most important thing we can do to bring in and support new principals is make sure that they don't feel they’re out there all by themselves.”

Comments

[Jason]

Spot on. I am a science teacher who is currently debating whether or not to pursue a Ph.D. in leadership vs. science education or instructional technologies. While I truly feel that the leadership track would give me more leverage to influence change in education, I've seen what my friends who became principals go through on a daily basis. I had given myself a year to make this decision, and I'm still without an answer.

[Susan Uzelac]

I am currently studying to be a Principal. It has been an interesting and rewarding road. The article captured it very well. Principals not only handle building issues, but they have so much more on their plate. Parents and students seem to know the law inside and out. I don't know if that is a good thing or not. As I complete my administrative internship, a principal wears many hats. It is so important to keep communication going with other administrators. As we all say in education, "Don't reinvent the wheel." I can see why many people steer away from this profession because they fail to know what it all entails. I am ready and willing to be a leader in our schools! I hope others will give it a chance. Remember...if you do it for the students, how can anyone say you did it wrong?

[Jane Pampena]

Many individuals who have been principals for quite a few years have seen their position change quite a bit. If you reflect on some of the changes in the past twenty years you can see how different the principalship is today. Special education needs, safety and security, NCLB requirements, and technology are just a few of the areas that have changed considerably over the years. Collaborative efforts amongst principals are necessary for support; technology such as this principals' blog is an example of staying connected. Requirements change over the years and one must be willing to be innovative and welcome new ways of doing things. Through this all, balance is the key. No one is irreplaceable,we are only human, and we must learn how to do,delegate, and dump what we need to. The students are our utmost priority on the job that we give 110% to, but we have a life outside of work where people love, need, and depend on us. Life is a balance. In order to truly be our best, we must also remember to take care of ourselves.

[Bridget Mooney]

I too am completing my journey to becoming an Administrator. I agree that a Principal's responsibilities continually increase. As an Administrator your knowledge base must be varied and ever increasing. It is Important to remind ourselves that the challenges exist because our students are faced with more difficulties. It is our responsibility to guide and educate as best as we can.

[Amanda K]

I also am studying to become an administrator. I have begun an internship and the responsibilities of a principal and the vast amount of information they must know and use is overwhelming. More importantly, I fear that by stepping out of the classroom the constant interaction with students that I enjoy so much will go by the wayside to make room for parents, staff, the state and the federal government. Is it really worth it?

[Yvonne R.]

I am currently completing my prinicipal internship. I will be done June 30th. There is so much to learn. I very much enjoy the one on one with students. My big concern is losing that contact. There is so much paperwork and politics involved. It is much safer to remain where I am at.

[Jeffrey H.]

I too an completing an administrative certification program. I think many teachers are not choosing administration because of the large number of hats a principal wears. In years past, principals were basically expected to maintain order within the building and instruction was handled by the teachers. Today, principals need to have a firm handle on discipline while also understanding curriculum. Principals need to led teachers by keeping up to date with the latest research on learning and teaching. They also have to questions instructional methods and try to keep teachers from becoming too stagnant. This task is probably overwhelming to many current teachers which leads to them not going into administration. However, I have confidence in my generation of teachers to fill the void.

[Donna Rose]

I have just entered into an administrative program for Principals. I would agree with many that I do have some reservations as to whether or not this is what I want to do. I currently teach math and very much enjoy it. I do however feel like I would like to provide myself with options. The leadership position of the principal is one that intrigues me. However, developing a balance between the "politics and paperwork" and staying connected with your students and staff is something that I would suspect is difficult. I am anxious to continue my studies and then complete an internship. Maybe then I will have a clearer picture as to whether or not this is something for me to pursue.

[Larry C]

Similar to many of you, I am completing my principal certification program and internship. I believe it will be a rewarding career path, but at the same time, there are alot of challenges that must be considered. I believe that monetary constraints in many districts have led to a shortage of administrators. With fewer administrators, and less "support", today's principals are being asked to do a little bit (or alot) of everything. Unfortunately, there just isn't enough time in the day to handle all of these tasks and responsibilities.

[Jeff Kronenwetter]

I too am ending my coursework to become a principal, and much like many of you am excited about the possibilities of the future. It isn't without a lot of fear and uncertainty about what this job will throw at you. From additional requirements from the state, IEP for both gifted and learning support students are ever changing, and the NCLB craziness that is always at your door, there is a lot to be concerned about. So I'm not surprised that there is a shortage of Principals out there. It is a tough position to WANT to get into, but let's not forget some of the positives; our salaries will probably double.

[Michael Gazzo]

Third time is a charm…Technical problems the first 2 times.

Two things I would like to address:

1. What principals shortage? That must be down South much like the alleged shortage of teachers. Up here in good ol’ PA, I have a couple friends that have interviewed dozens of times against scores of other qualified candidates for a few administrative positions.

2. As for mentoring new candidates, would you expect anything less? I liken a new principal to that of a fledgling teacher fresh from their student teaching experience. You need that “on-the-job” training. If I were a central administrator, I wouldn’t even consider “new meat” for the “number 1” position. You have to cut your teeth under the tutelage of an experienced manager.

Respectfully,
Mike Gazzo (administrative candidate extraordinaire)

[Maureen Frew]

I agree with Mike G. there is no principal shortage in PA. I on the other hand have watched several of my female friends who were highly qualified be passed over for a less qualified male. Many of my friends who would be fantastic principals tell me that they would never placed that stress upon themselves - why - they feel that the higher administration does not support principals as well a they support teachers.

[Trevor Murnock]

Shortage or not, I think we have placed too much on the plate of principals today- especially the new ones. There are considerably more issues to contend with than previous generations had to endure and the monetary benefits are not always sufficient. Even when they are the corresponding stress and- at the very least, perpetual motion are not healthy for the individuals and especially not for their families. I am completeing my Master's in Ed. Leadership at present and will not be continuing to principal cert. for this exact reason. Human beings can only give so much of themselves to so many roles; when one increases the others must decrease. Addressing the myriad functions principals have to assume now would most certainly address the shortages.

[Tom Martellone]

Many of you have noted that you are in the process of completing principal certification courses. I am listing my blog address so that folks can read a piece I wrote about managing or leading. There is clearly a difference between educational leadership and how one would "manage" a building. All come under the guise of the principal. Feel free to comment on either of the pieces there. There will be more to come. http://gcs.infostreamblogs.org/tmartellone