Principals are powerful: They are the primary catalysts for creating a lasting foundation for learning, driving school and student performance, and shaping the long-term impact of school improvement efforts. Yet few principals would characterize themselves as powerful. Rather, they're self-effacing, adaptable, pragmatic, and quick to share credit…

The larger elementary schools become, the greater the principal's challenge. When managing megaschools, principals should set clear priorities, know their limitations, recognize the necessity of scheduling activities, celebrate school size, increase their visibility, provide for stress reduction, request central office support, and share…