School leaders’ role for creating a trusting and collegial environment that promotes collaboration and teamwork among teachers and other staff is of particular relevance. Championing collaborative practices that leverage the collective skills and experiences of the school community helps schools better meet students' holistic needs. Leaders are also at the forefront of creating partnerships with parents and the wider community. By fostering open communication and collaboration, they ensure that educational strategies are inclusive and responsive to community needs.
Education leadership
Leadership in education is pivotal for raising school quality and creating environments in which teachers and school staff continuously improve their practice to support student learning and well-being.
Key messages
School leaders play a pivotal role in translating system-level policy changes into effective school-based initiatives, from curriculum changes to fostering inclusive environments. Supporting leaders with professional exchange opportunities, feedback mechanisms and resources is vital for meaningful implementation at the school level.
Some countries have complemented traditional school principal roles with a more formalised system of middle leadership roles associated with clear standards and processes for the selection and development of candidates. In Singapore, for example, teachers can enter a separate leadership track that includes a succession of roles ranging from subject and department heads to principal-ship. In addition, the career path extends beyond the principal’s role to provide motivated and highly effective candidates an opportunity to advance to system leadership positions.
Context
Job satisfaction among principals
On average across the OECD, principals’ satisfaction with their current work environment is remarkably high. Around 96% of principals “agree” or “strongly agree” that they “enjoy working at this school”.
Principals’ satisfaction with their profession and current work environment (2018)
School leader responsibilities
On average across the OECD, most school leaders report having significant responsibility of appointing or hiring teachers (73%) and setting school policies such as approving students for admission to the school (78%).
Principals' school responsibilities (2018)
