Course Title: BECOMING A SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Price: $271
Number of Credits: 2 Credits (30 hours)
Objectives
LEARN CONCEPT 1: A principal’s most important job is not managing, it is leading.
Management keeps things running. Leadership makes things better. A great principal does not simply maintain systems or enforce rules; they create a vision for what a school can become and inspire students, teachers, and families to work toward it together.
LEARN CONCEPT 2: School culture is the most powerful force inside any school building.
Culture shapes how students feel when they walk through the doors each morning. In strong schools, students feel safe, teachers feel supported, and families feel welcomed. Principals influence school culture more than anyone else because their leadership sets the emotional tone for the entire community.
LEARN CONCEPT 3: Data is a school leader’s compass, not their judge.
Attendance rates, test scores, graduation rates, discipline reports, and teacher retention all tell a story about a school. Effective principals use data with curiosity and compassion to guide improvement, solve problems, and ensure every student receives the support they need.
LEARN CONCEPT 4: The best principals were almost always strong teachers first.
School leadership begins with understanding teaching and learning at a deep level. Principals who have experienced the challenges and rewards of the classroom are better equipped to support teachers, connect with students, and make informed instructional decisions.
Course Overview
Every school needs strong leadership to help students succeed, teachers grow, and communities thrive. This course introduces students to the world of educational leadership and explores what principals actually do each day behind the scenes.
The 3 Ls of School Leadership
Every concept in this course connects back to three foundational principles that define outstanding school leaders:
🧭 LEAD — Guide your school with vision, courage, and clarity
📚 LEARN — Remain a lifelong learner of teaching, leadership, and people
🌱 LIFT — Support and elevate every student, teacher, and community member around you
From Student to School Leader
Many people see principals only during announcements, assemblies, or disciplinary situations. In reality, principals are responsible for creating school culture, supporting teachers, solving problems, managing operations, communicating with families, and leading long-term school improvement efforts.
Students will explore real-world leadership scenarios, learn how schools operate, and examine the educational pathways required to become a principal. By the end of this course, students will better understand both the opportunities and responsibilities that come with leading a school community.
The 5 Traits of Successful School Leaders
Vision: Ability to create and communicate a meaningful direction for the school
Communication: Clear listening, speaking, and relationship-building skills
Decision-Making: Confidence in solving complex problems fairly and thoughtfully
Organization: Managing people, schedules, systems, and responsibilities effectively
Empathy: Understanding and supporting the needs of students, teachers, and families
Course Outline
Welcome, The 3 Ls of School Leadership, A Letter to Students & Educators
Chapter 1, What Does a Principal Actually Do? A Day in the Life
Chapter 2, The Journey to the Principal’s Office, Education & Credentials
Chapter 3, Leadership That Transforms Schools, Culture, Vision & People
Chapter 4, The Business Side of Running a School, Budgets, Data & Resources
Chapter 5, Real-World Scenarios, Decisions a Principal Makes Every Day
Chapter 6, Working with Communities, Parents & School Boards
Chapter 7, Your Career Roadmap, From Student to School Leader
Quiz 1, Chapters 1–3 Knowledge Check
Quiz 2, Chapters 4–7 Knowledge Check
Final Essay, Your Leadership Vision Statement
Resources, Recommended Books, Certifications, Videos & Organizations
Description of Activities
- Read and analyze course chapters and leadership case studies
- Watch videos about school leadership, educational systems, and decision-making
- Participate in classroom discussions about school culture and leadership challenges
- Complete reflection assignments about personal leadership strengths and goals
- Practice solving realistic school leadership scenarios
- Engage in collaborative activities involving communication and teamwork
- Complete quizzes to assess understanding of educational leadership concepts
- Develop a final written leadership vision statement
