The principal holds the highest position at an individual elementary, middle or high school. In public school systems she typically reports to representatives from the superintendent's office, while in private schools she might report to a board of directors. Principals are responsible for supervising teachers and other staff at a school. They help determine school policies and oversee the evaluation of both students and faculty. Most school principals have at least a master's degree in education and at least five years of classroom teaching experience.

Creating Educational Objectives

One of the primary duties of a school principal is to oversee the educational objectives of the school. In public school systems, principals might receive direction from the superintendent's department and members of the local school board on objectives. At a private school, principals will often meet with the board of directors and other stakeholders to determine school objectives. Once these objectives are established, a principal must analyze test scores and other criteria at his school to determine where his school is doing well and where it needs improvement.

Oversee School Finances

School principals are largely responsible for overseeing their schools' finances and budgets. These budgets typically include money allocated for educational materials such as books and computers, extracurricular activities such as sports and theater, as well as security and safety. Principals might meet with faculty and other staff to determine budget needs, and provide input to local education officials who approve financing. When necessary, a principal might help organize community fundraising efforts to raise additional money.

Train and Evaluate Staff

School principals must work closely with teachers to ensure that they use effective teaching methods and follow policies designed to reach school objectives. In this role, the principal might sit in on classes to observe a teacher's effectiveness in the classroom. A principal also looks over teachers' syllabuses to make sure that they are teaching relevant and appropriate information. Once a principal has observed a teacher, she will give the teacher an evaluation and provide instruction on how to improve.

Interaction With Students and Parents

Principals are often the public face of a school and must be visible to students, parents and other stakeholders. In this role, the principal might give presentations to the student body, appear at community events, and meet with parents and other family members at PTA meetings. Principals will also deal directly with individual students who might have disciplinary issues and special needs. It is also common for principals to meet with individual families of students to discuss the student's behavior and expectations.

Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals salary

• Top 10% Annual Salary: More than $152,500 ($73.32/hour)
• Median Annual Salary: $98,490 ($47.35/hour)
• Bottom 10% Annual Salary: Less than $65,150 ($31.32/hour)