Giving Compass' Take:

• A report titled, "Principals Under Pressure," described the six ways that school principals struggle in with their everyday jobs.

• What can educators and the neighboring community members do to address issues with principals that are struggling?

• Read about how to improve schools by coaching principals.

The most effective school principals know how to delegate authority to maintain a healthy work-life balance, find ways to address student mental health needs, and learn how to address the issue of disgruntled employees in their workplace, according to Education Week.

The challenges facing principals fall into two broad categories. First, educational duties involve overseeing the general educational demands of a school and staying aware of the changing laws and best practices governing special needs students. They must also address the growing mental health issues affecting students while developing and maintaining a safe and positive school culture where students can thrive.

A special report titled "Principals Under Pressure" details six top challenges principals shared in a survey:

  • managing work-life balance
  • meeting students' mental health needs
  • addressing toxic employees
  • supporting special education services
  • being creative in retaining teachers
  • openly communicating about safety and security protocols

Effective principals are also not overwhelmed by special education requirements because they are armed with both legal knowledge and empathy. Amid all this, principals need to maintain their own sanity by creating a positive work-life balance. Otherwise, burn out will set in—and that is not good for students, schools or the school district.

Read the full article about challenges for school principals by Amelia Harper at Education Dive