Challenges Faced by School Principals

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Challenges faced by school principals

Having been an administrator in private, public and charter schools, I am greatly aware of the various daily problems faced by principals. In fact, it seems to be a never-ending list.
However, the positive manner in which principals approach and combat such problems are traits of strong instructional leaders.

In this article, we will only focus on three occurring and reoccurring issues. The predominant concerns that are frequently heard from principals include overcrowding of classes, lack of funding, and persistent bullying issues.


Overcrowding of Classes:-

challenges of being a principal

Depending on the state or area in which you live, overcrowded classrooms due to sudden influx of area population, budget cut backs, and/or lack of certified teachers seem to be near the top of the list.

Research has proven that when a teacher is faced with a class larger than 20-25, there can be adverse effects on learning. Students tend to become more easily frustrated and an increase in discipline issues occurs. Teachers feel that they cannot take individual time with students who need help or work in small groups. The relationship that needs to be built between students and teachers is lacking. Some students even feel threatened by large groups of their peers. Students who may need to ask for explanations or additional help shy away from raising their hand due to threats of ridicule.

Although it is unlikely that principals can hire additional staff, it is possible to obtain assistance in other ways. One solution is to ask community members, retired teachers and district administration to “adopt” a classroom. In this manner, the “mentors” can schedule a time, weekly, bi-weekly, or even once a month to come, visit and help out in the class. The mentors are often given a free lunch each month where they can eat with one “chosen” classmate, as well. The bonding that occurs strengthens the entire education community.

One method that is strongly beneficial to the school climate is for principals to regularly be seen in classes, not for evaluation purposes, but to be the aide for teachers. Many principals also take the time to tutor individual struggling students in their offices. For principals to be known as servant leaders is a plus for any school.

A strong Parent Teacher Organization or Association can also volunteer to help the class. It is suggested that these volunteers not focus on students who are struggling, but be there to help those who may finish work early or read books, and assist teachers with tasks not directly related to the grading system of the school. This way, teachers can work with smaller groups or one-on-one with struggling students while volunteering to monitor the rest of the class. It is highly recommended that volunteers not be parents of students in the class. The reasoning behind this suggestion is based on parental favoritism without intent. Also, there may be some children whose parents cannot volunteer due to work or other situations. One would not want them to feel bad when or if their parents could not do the same.

Most schools do have teacher assistants hired by the district through specific funding. An effective use of time on task while following the guidelines of the funding usage may allow for principals to schedule these assistants to rotate through several classes throughout the day. This practice would be beneficial for teachers dealing with overcrowded classes.

If your school is near a junior college or university, programs for teachers in training can often be your best solution.

Lack of Funding:-

issues facing principals today

Another grave area of concern that is faced by principals is that of funding for instructional materials or classroom supplies. Educators all face the dilemma of where to get additional funding in schools.
Here are some proven solutions to help afford needed materials for teachers, classes, and buildings.

  • Fund Raisers- Scholastic Book Club, selling cookie dough, selling wrapping paper, and selling small gift items. All of these can be done through your PTO/PTA.
  • Asking for a yearly teacher allotment to be included in your budget for supplies, whereby teachers are allowed to order $XXX of materials through a vendor catalog each year to get started in their classroom.
  • School-wide garage sale. Accept good condition clothing, furniture, appliances, and household items.
  • Grant Writing. Enlist a group of teachers to volunteer to write grants for their grade levels. Be sure to have review teams and even send representatives to grant writing training. It is well worth it.
  • Enlist local stores to sponsor the school, such as grocery stores, outlet stores, furniture stores, and numerous department stores.
  • Ask for the district Education Fund Organization to help. If your district does not have one, volunteer to start one.

  • Persistent Bullying Issues:-

    Last, but not least, the continued threat of bullying in schools has not decreased. Unfortunately, students are still being threatened by their peers without regard to the lifelong damages that can and do occur. There are multiple organizations available to assist with bullying issues that are at no or little cost to the school.
    One of the best practices to reduce bullying issues is based on teaching students to know what to do if they are involved in bullying, see it occur or are the target of bullying. In this method, students are taught how to try to stop the process, walk away from the threat, and then find staff members and report the incident.
    When dealing with bullying, it is imperative that students realize if they do not report the incident, they are in fact a part of the practice.

    Student and parent assemblies need to focus on what to do from the start of school and periodically throughout the school year in regards to decreasing and eliminating bullying.
    Visibility of staff members on a daily basis, support of students by staff, and a well-defined commitment by all to end bullying with zero tolerance are necessary.
    Overall, whether it is overcrowded classes, lack of funding or bullying, principals need plans in place to address these concerns. The issues that affect one school affect others, as well. By having possible solutions readily available to resolve these problems, principals are able increase the likelihood of a secure and successful learning environment.

    Bonnie McRae