In this blog post, I simply want to celebrate the unsung (but incredibly resilient) heroes who are the glue that holds our schools together during National Principals Month.
Ah, principals—those brave souls who willingly walk into a school building every morning, knowing full well what awaits… not really knowing what awaits. Whether it’s the mystery of who pulled the fire alarm, the surprise budget cuts that just arrived in your inbox, or the endless maze of scheduling conflicts, you do it all. You are educators, counselors, building managers, amateur therapists, and—let’s face it—sometimes the school parent. I know - I have spent the better part of my career trying to juggle as one.
October is National Principals Month, and it's time to celebrate the unsung (but incredibly resilient) heroes who are the glue that holds our schools together.
The Life of a Principal: Juggling Plates…While Riding a Unicycle
Let’s be honest—being a principal is like juggling 10 plates while riding a unicycle, with the occasional dodgeball coming your way from an unexpected direction. You’re not just managing the operations of the school or leading instruction; you’re building relationships with students, parents, staff, and the community. You’re also expected to be a visionary, a change agent, and a master of every acronym under the sun (MTSS, SEL, PBIS... the list never ends).
And yet, despite the constant whirlwind, principals always seem to find time for a smile, a word of encouragement, or a quick check-in with a struggling student or a stressed-out educator. That ability to juggle it all with grace (or at least a sense of humor!) is what sets you apart.
Leadership in Action: It’s More Than a Title
Here’s the thing—effective leadership isn’t about having “Principal” on your office door. It's about inspiring, guiding, and elevating others. Great principals don’t just lead schools—they lead learning communities. And the best leaders know they’re only as good as their teams.
In my work as a principal and coaching school leaders, I’ve seen firsthand how successful principals create a culture of collaboration. They bring teachers into the decision-making process, foster cooperative learning environments, and trust their staff to take risks. They focus on the development of their teams, helping teachers grow professionally, knowing that when educators thrive, students thrive too.
One of the biggest challenges is finding time to invest in yourself while running a school. It’s easy to get so caught up in day-to-day operations that personal development falls by the wayside. But, here’s the secret: the most successful principals are those who carve out time for their own growth, whether it’s through coaching, peer networking, or just giving themselves permission to take a breath (or maybe even a coffee that isn’t reheated for the third time).
A Little Bit of Humor Goes a Long Way
Let’s not forget, a sense of humor might just be a principal's most underrated leadership tool. Whether you’re navigating lunchroom chaos or helping a teacher figure out why the smartboard suddenly decided to stop being so smart, sometimes you just have to laugh. And those moments of levity? They’re what keep everyone—from students to staff—grounded.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Principals Everywhere
So, to every principal out there juggling all the things, wearing all the hats, and leading with heart —thank you. Your impact reaches far beyond the walls of your school. You inspire educators, empower students, and shape entire communities.
Take a moment to celebrate yourself this month. Because while it may not always be obvious, the work you do matters more than words can express (and you deserve more than just a shout-out in October).
Here’s to you, principals—you’re truly one of a kind!
This post is a lighthearted nod to the work principals do day in and day out. I know you appreciate how the demands of the job change daily, but through it all, you're creating schools where teachers and students can thrive.
Ready to invest in yourself as a leader by having a thought partner? I’d love to be the one to empower you as your coach. Schedule a FREE Discovery Call with me today!