The research about school change and improvement is complex and sometimes contradictory. One dominant theme, however, does emerge. You cannot have effective, meaningful and achieving schools without strong and skilled principals. Yet, no job in the field of education is lonelier than that of the school principal. She or he needs the opportunity to recharge, renew and reflect.
Every principal needs the support system of colleagues and mentors.
School leaders need to share, be inspired and be nurtured in their growth. Fordham's National Principals Leadership Institute was created in 1998 to serve as an annual set of activities that would provide those opportunities. Over 200 participants and staff have left each six-day intensive learning and support experience with new ideas, new hopes and new energy. In 2001, we again aim to better equip principals to face their daily challenges. District office personnel whose job is to support school principals will also benefit.