Leithwood et al. (2004), Marzano, Waters, and McNulty (2005), Portin et al. (2009), Louis and Leithwood et al. (2010), and Knapp et al. (2010) stated that the relationship between teachers and the school principal are extremely important in high-performing schools. Likewise, low-performing schools lack strong, positive relationships between teachers and their school principal. As the center of reflective practice between teachers and the principal, the school itself will be a critical key to improving our nation's future student achievement.
For this study, 310 practicing campus principals from a large Gulf Coast metropolitan area were interviewed. This study looked at the responses of school principals when asked the following questions: 1) Why is the relationship between the principal and the teacher important for the school? 2) What is the most critical feature for a successful working relationship between the teacher and the principal? 3) What does a principal do to create good relations with their teachers? And, 4) How does the principal look out for the personal welfare of their teachers?
Data coding was utilized to determine the emergent themes from the principals' responses regarding their beliefs about the importance of developing relationships between the school principal and teachers. Descriptive statistics were utilized to determine percentages and frequencies of principals' responses.
Results of the study showed that principals identified three dominant factors in positive relationships between principals and teachers that impact student achievement. Leadership and support, communication, and inter-personal (trust and respect) skills were found to be the most important factors in developing positive relationships between principals and teachers to impact student achievement.
The results of this study will expand the knowledge base regarding the complex role and expectations of the principal and provide useful information that can be used to inform graduate level educational leadership courses and the preparation of scool leaders, in addition to providing for better professional development and evaluation during teaching and principal careers.
FAQs
When school leaders establish a culture of trusting relationships, it can build and reinforce the conditions in which teachers are able to hone their practice, which will in turn support students' academic and social-emotional development.
Why is it important for principals to build relationships with teachers? ›
A positive working relationship between principals and teachers is crucial for many reasons. First and foremost, it sets the tone for the school or organization's culture, influencing how teachers and students are taught to interact, communicate, and collaborate.
Why is it important for principals to communicate with teachers? ›
A school principal is the chief administrator, responsible for the overall management of the school community that includes staff, students and families. Communication is essential to the job because it ensures that everyone understands the school's mission and their role in it.
Can a teacher and a principal have a relationship? ›
Even if the relationship is consensual, affairs with subordinates are considered an abuse of power. Your district also could report the principal to the state ethics commission, which could investigate and decide to impose sanctions. They might even take away his license.
Why relationships in the flourishing of school principals are important? ›
Building trust and fostering autonomy are key components of a successful educational environment. Principals who master the art of relationship-building create a culture of collaboration, innovation, and growth that benefits both teachers and students.
How do principals build trust with teachers? ›
Principals can build strong relationships with their staff by being respectful, supportive, and by trusting teachers as professionals, he said.
What is the importance of relationships in education leadership and life? ›
Positive social interactions are essential for students' academic success and overall well-being in school. In difficult situations, like family divorce or conflict, relationships with others can prove to be an important source of coping for young people.
What importance is effective communication to the school administration? ›
Building Strong Connections. Effective communication is the backbone of successful leadership and is pivotal in education. It empowers students, engages parents, and fosters a sense of trust and support within the school community.
Why is communication important for school leaders? ›
It fosters collaboration between teachers, parents, and administrators, ensuring transparency and promoting a cohesive learning environment. Clear communication channels facilitate the exchange of information, address concerns promptly, and build trust among all stakeholders.
What is the role of effective communication for principal? ›
effective communication is an essential skill for school leaders. It helps to establish trust, improve student outcomes, resolve conflicts, and build a sense of community within the school.
If staff do not understand why certain changes are taking place, they will question those decisions and talk among their peers. Giving negative staff members positive reinforcement. At times principals try to reduce negativity by giving difficult staff members additional attention or opportunities.
How do you have a good relationship with your principal? ›
How can you build a strong professional relationship with your principal?
- Communicate effectively. Be the first to add your personal experience.
- Collaborate and cooperate. ...
- Show initiative and innovation.
- Be flexible and adaptable.
- Build trust and respect.
- Here's what else to consider.
A principal appoints an agent to act on their behalf and in their best interest. Examples include an investor picking a fund manager or someone hiring an attorney for legal work. There should be no conflict of interest between the two, if there is, this creates a principal-agent problem.
What to do if your principal doesn't like you? ›
Respond to Your Principal With Kindness.
If your interactions with this impossible leader bring you to tears, try to break their aggressive personality with a smile and kind words. Ask them about their family. Bring cookies or donuts to school and share them with your colleagues and your principal.
Why is it important to establish partnerships in schools? ›
Building Strong Schools
These collaborations provide myriad benefits, including improved student performance, enhanced school resources and community development. Schools can create effective and lasting community partnerships by identifying potential partners, setting clear goals and fostering communication.
Why student teacher relationships are important for wellbeing in schools? ›
This relationship has a central role in the development of learners as it conveys to learners a sense of safety and attachment to their educator and provides learners with the sense of educator's appreciation and support and ultimately, they are motivated to achieve positive cognitive, emotional, and behavioral ...
Is it illegal for a teacher and student to be in a relationship? ›
Child Molestation and Student Teacher Relationship Laws
In the state of California, any sexual contact with a student under the age of 18 is explicitly prohibited by law.
What happens if a student has a relationship with a teacher? ›
The school itself will usually have a policy about this, which means the teacher or staff member will probably be fired for having this kind of relationship.
Can you date a parent as a teacher? ›
A teacher may date the parent of a student, but I would advise against it. It could lead to some very awkward situations and a blurring of boundaries.
Can a teacher and a student be in a romantic relationship? ›
No. Even if you are adults the same age and it's not illegal, it violates the ethics of the teaching profession for very good reasons: Your position of power as a teacher muddies any romantic relationship. It is hard to extricate romantic feelings from favoritism in the classroom, grades or no grades.
