Research over the last 20 years makes clear that the school principal has enormous impact on the life of a school. Excellent principals attract and retain high-quality teachers, produce higher levels of teacher satisfaction, and counsel out ineffective teachers. They build productive school climates that welcome students and their families, support professional learning, and engage with local communities. Besides enacting leadership,
principals also develop it within their buildings: providing guidance and support to assistant principals, curriculum specialists, teacher leaders, and a wide array of aspiring leaders.