Jobs, Careers and Occupations

School Principals

School Principals Work Conditions

School principals generally work in an office or classroom in primary or secondary schools. They work long hours that may include evenings and weekends.

School Principals Personal Requirements

• able to work as part of a team
• able to work under pressure and remain calm in stressful situations
• attention to detail
• good analytical skills
• good interpersonal and communication skills
• very good leadership skills

School Principals Employment Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in education
• A master's degree in education may be required
• A teacher's certificate
• Several years of experience as a senior teacher

School Principals Duties and Tasks

A school principal may perform the following tasks:

• develop approaches to management and policy within broad governmental guidelines in conjunction with the school council
• enforce discipline within the school
• identify student and staff needs now and in the future, and develop ways of addressing those needs
• implement systems and procedures to check school performance and student enrolments, the receipt of fees and the collection and storage of information required for reporting purposes
• liaise with other schools, parents and the wider community
• manage and coordinate the educational, administrative and financial affairs of a school
• manage arrangements for internal examinations
• manage staff recruitment and training
• organize and implement methods of raising additional funds in conjunction with parent groups
• perform teaching tasks
• promote the school through publicity, the development of promotional material, and contact with other organizations including school councils
• represent the school at community and administrative meetings
• supervise the maintenance of school facilities to provide a safe working environment for staff and students

School Principals Example Titles

• Chief Superintendent - Schools
• District School Superintendent
• Headmaster, Private School
• Secondary School Principal
• Superintendent of Elementary Education
• Superintendent of Secondary Schools
• Vice-Principal, School

School Principals Related Occupations

• Child Care Coordinator
• Education Manager
• Education Officer
• Teacher - English as a Second Language
• Teacher - Physical Education

Education Related Industries

• Graphic Arts
• Human Resources