WHAT DOES AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL DO?

Updated: Jun 02, 2025 - The Elementary School Principal leads and develops faculty to ensure excellence in teaching and adherence to school expectations. This position establishes clear communication channels with parents, faculty, and administration to foster collaboration and growth. The principal oversees policy implementation and curriculum integration to maintain high educational and spiritual standards.

A Review of Professional Skills and Functions for Elementary School Principal

1. Elementary School Principal Job Summary

  • Leadership: Provide leadership and direction to achieve the elementary instructional program within the framework of district policy and regulations.
  • Staff Management: Select, supervise, and evaluate professional and support staff, working with appropriate supervisors.
  • Instructional Guidance: Engage in classroom observations and discussions of instructional practices with staff to assist in improving and refining instructional skills.
  • Assessment and Planning: Assist in interpreting test results and planning appropriate actions.
  • Student Placement: Coordinate the placement of students in appropriate grade levels, classes, and/or programs.
  • Conflict Resolution: Resolve conflicts among parents, teachers, and students on school-related issues.
  • Community Engagement: Establish a “visible presence” in the school for the benefit of staff, students, parents, and the community.
  • Staff Development: Assist in the development of a continuous in-service program for all staff.
  • Community Relations: Develop and nurture supportive ties between home, school, and community.
  • Public Relations: Manage effective public relations for the school and contribute to the public relations of the district as a whole.
  • Budget Management: Prepare, organize, and administer the school budget.

2. Elementary School Principal Accountabilities

  • Vision Facilitation: Facilitate the articulation and realization of a shared vision of continuous improvement.
  • Goal Setting and Monitoring: Assist with the process of setting, monitoring, and achieving specific and challenging goals that reflect high expectations for all students and staff.
  • Change Management: Assist with the change process for continuous improvement.
  • Educational Monitoring: Anticipate, monitor, and respond to educational developments that affect school issues and the environment.
  • Curriculum Alignment: Ensure that the instructional content taught is aligned with the Ohio Learning Standards and curriculum priorities in the school and district.
  • Instructional Effectiveness: Ensure instructional practices are effective and meet the needs of all students.
  • Student Advocacy: Advocate for high levels of learning for all students, including those identified as gifted, students with disabilities, and at-risk students.
  • Research Sharing: Know, understand, and share relevant research.
  • Data Utilization: Understand, encourage, and facilitate the effective use of data by staff.
  • Professional Development: Support staff in planning and implementing research-based professional development.

3. Elementary School Principal Functions

  • Performance Evaluation: Guide, monitor, and evaluate the performance of all school personnel to ensure high levels of effective practice.
  • Safety Management: Establish and maintain a safe school environment.
  • Learning Environment: Create a nurturing learning environment that addresses the physical and mental health needs of all.
  • Resource Allocation: Allocate resources, including technology, to support student and staff learning.
  • Supportive Practices: Institute procedures and practices to support staff and students and establish an environment that is conducive to learning.
  • Professional Ethics: Understand, uphold, and model professional ethics, policies, and legal codes of professional conduct.
  • Staff Management: Assist in the selection, placement, and performance of staff, including making contract recommendations when appropriate.
  • Emergency Procedures: Handle authorized emergency and safety procedures.
  • Administrative Oversight: Oversee other administrative issues in the school.
  • Special Education Compliance: Work with the Case Manager to ensure that teachers are implementing special education services following the law.
  • Community Engagement: Guide family and community engagement activities and organizations.

4. Elementary School Principal Job Description

  • Leadership and Support: Provide exemplary leadership and support to all staff to achieve outstanding performance in the school’s mission of preparing students for and through college.
  • Curriculum Leadership: Lead teachers in understanding and implementing the school’s curriculum.
  • Instructional Development: Develop the instructional practice and expertise of teachers and future school leaders through frequent observation and feedback and weekly professional development.
  • Data-Driven Improvement: Work with teachers to interpret data and create action plans for school improvement.
  • Instructional Coherency: Lead teachers in creating coherency in instructional practice/routines within the school.
  • Student Advocacy: Act with a sense of purpose grounded in the strong belief that all students can learn to high levels and thrive when given the opportunity.
  • Diversity Respect: Respect and value the diversity of the entire district community - students, families, educators, and staff.
  • Supportive Environment: Foster positive, supportive, and equitable learning and working environments for all students and staff.
  • Professional Growth: Participate in and seek out professional growth opportunities and engage with colleagues to continuously improve work practices and culture.
  • Integrity and Empathy: Set a positive example by acting with honesty, empathy, and integrity.
  • Meeting Participation: Attend and participate in all required meetings and professional development activities.

5. Elementary School Principal Overview

  • Faculty Recruitment: Recruit, hire, and retain faculty with experience and strengths that allow them to be excellent in their assigned roles.
  • Leadership: Provide strong, consistent leadership for faculty and other staff personnel.
  • Faculty Development: Challenge, inspire, and grow faculty to fulfill LCS expectations.
  • Faculty Evaluation: Evaluate faculty regularly to manage professional efficiency and consistency.
  • Worship and Service Opportunities: Create opportunities for faculty to worship God and to serve others.
  • Communication: Communicate regularly and effectively with parents, faculty, and administration.
  • Parent Feedback: Seek appropriate feedback from parents to ensure the quality of education.
  • Relationship Building: Build strong relationships with all constituents.
  • Policy and Procedure Management: Ensure the accurate development and implementation of policies and procedures.
  • Biblical Integration: Ensure that biblical integration takes place throughout the curriculum.