Schools play a critical role in society, nourishing the development of knowledge, character, and skills to equip young people for life. In Australia, children spend the majority of their week at school, under the guidance of faculty, and most importantly, the principal.
A survey from the Department for Education in South Australia reveals that over 50% of the respondents who were parents and carers believe schools help children and young people have a bright future.
From the same survey, data revealed that an overwhelming majority of school staff hope their students develop a love for lifelong learning. Schools are designed to be an environment where passion is fostered and foundational skills required for life are learnt.
Behind every school, ensuring its success as an environment for learning, is the school principal. If you’re considering a career as a principal, this article is for you. It covers the role and responsibilities of the profession and any qualification requirements, such as a Master of Education.
Roles and responsibilities of school principals
The role of a school principal is multifaceted. They lead and manage the planning, delivery, evaluation and improvement of education for all students within a community, utilising resources provided by the school community and the Department of Education.
School principals also act as the executive officer of the school council. As part of their responsibilities, they have to ensure that adequate and appropriate advice is provided to the council, ensure adequate resources are provided for council meetings, and decisions made by the council are implemented.
Every teacher, staff member, and student falls under the responsibility of the principal. They are also accountable for the overall leadership, management and development of the school. A few of their other responsibilities also include:
- Providing an environment that is safe for students in accordance with child safety standards.
- Establishing and managing financial systems in accordance with the school council requirements and their respective state’s Department of Education.
- Contributing to system-wide (school) activities, such as policy development and strategic planning.
- Effectively manage and integrate the resources that are available to the school through the community and the Department of Education.
- Ensure the delivery of a high-quality education program to all students.
- While principals typically take on administrative roles, they may also teach classes or stand in as a relief teacher when required.
Principals also need to make sure that the school complies with all the related regulatory and legislative requirements. This includes any policies and procedures as laid out by the Department of Education.
The road to becoming a principal
In Australia, becoming a school principal involves several steps and is a process that may take years. Along with studying and obtaining formal teaching qualifications, practical teaching experience and leadership skills play a huge part.
Depending on the type of school you want to work in, they’ll require different degrees or specialisations. Although the exact title of the course will depend on the state and university, they are:
- Bachelor of Education (Primary)
- Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
If you’ve already done a non-teaching undergraduate qualification of at least three years’ (full-time) duration and you want to move into teaching, this is possible too. There are postgraduate teaching qualifications available.
After studying a Bachelor of Education or equivalent, if you aim to become a principal, it’ll usually require further study. Advancing your education through a program, such as a Master of Education, will help increase your chances of being considered for a principal position.
Having a Master of Education (or similar) under your belt will give you a competitive edge over teachers who only have undergraduate degrees. Similarly, you’ll also need a wealth of experience working as a teacher to become a principal.
After completing a recognised teaching qualification that meets the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers requirements, you’ll need to register as a teacher. The regulatory body will depend on the state/territory. The process consists of:
- Meeting English language proficiency requirements
- Undergoing a national criminal history check
- Completing a Working with Children Check (WWCC)
There are also ongoing requirements to ensure your teaching registration stays valid, which include fees.
While there is no concrete number of years a person aiming to become a school principal should teach for, data from the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) sheds some insight.
According to the AITSL, the average length of teaching experience of principals is 26 years. It’s important to note that there have been principals hired with fewer years. It will depend on the individual’s accomplishments and school size, and requirements.
What skills do principals have?
Being a principal requires a unique skillset. The profession requires a genuine love and passion for learning, the skills of a teacher, and also the qualities of a leader. Becoming a principal requires:
- Strong interpersonal skills: Principals need to be able to build strong professional relationships and have effective communication as part of their job. They communicate with stakeholders at every level, from the council, teachers, students, and parents.
- Effective budgeting skills: As part of the role, principals are also in charge of the budgeting and finances of all the departments. They must have strong financial skills to do this.
- Critical thinking: School environments and society are constantly evolving, and no two days are the same. Principals need to have strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills to improve their school, solve disputes (e.g., between students), and foster a positive learning environment.
- Leadership: Last but not least—leadership. What sets principals apart from a regular teacher is their leadership skills. They need to have the ability to supervise an entire school and be a figure of authority.
Schools and childhood development
Statistics show that a child’s learning and development in their early years are integral to their well-being. It also has an impact on their success later in life, including for their job prospects, participation in and connection with their wider community.
Schools play a direct role in facilitating a child’s learning and development. Children spend the majority of their childhood and teenage years in schools under the guidance of school faculty, including the principal.
Studies have shown that even the first year of elementary school impacts sticks with a student, impacting their later academic outcomes and educational opportunity. Schools are critical to students for learning not only practical skills, but also soft skills like compassion and empathy.
Research has also found that secondary school has similar importance. It’s a critical time where students build their social skills and relationships, and experience personal growth. All of which is made possible by the management and skill of a principal.
It’s fair to say that principals are just as important as the schools they run. They play an equally critical role in facilitating the learning and personal growth of children in their developmental years. It’s a noble profession to aspire to.
Author Bio
Cam Hao Ren is a published freelance writer and journalist from Adelaide. They graduated from the University of South Australia with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Professional Writing. Cam has a strong passion for writing articles in the healthcare field, as they previously worked in the sector for many years before pursuing professional writing.
