Preparing for School Leadership Roles: Key Steps to Advance

As we pass the halfway mark of the school year in the southern hemisphere, many educators start considering their next career move. Whether browsing job listings, updating recruitment profiles, or reflecting on career aspirations, now is the time to take action. Preparing for school leadership requires more than excelling in your current role—it demands strategic growth and intentional development.

Start Developing Leadership Skills Now

If you want to step into leadership, don’t wait until you have the title. Preparing for school leadership begins long before a promotion. The best candidates demonstrate leadership qualities in their current roles, proving they are ready for the next step.

Here’s how to start:

1. Be Excellent in Everything You Do

No matter the task, deliver your best work. Never submit halfhearted efforts—always aim to exceed expectations. Leadership is about setting high standards, and your work ethic should reflect this.

2. Know Your Strengths, Improve Your Weaknesses

Every leader has areas for improvement. Take time to reflect on your professional skills. Identify gaps and create a personal improvement plan to strengthen your leadership potential. Whether it’s communication, decision-making, or strategic thinking, consistent development is key.

3. Seek Challenging Experiences

Growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. If you aspire to be a principal, start leading principal-type activities. Volunteer for projects that require decision-making, strategic planning, and staff leadership. The more experience you gain, the more confident you’ll become.

4. Listen to Mentors and Apply Feedback

Great leaders seek and act on feedback. Engage with experienced colleagues, mentors, or leadership coaches. Ask for constructive criticism and use it to refine your skills. Consistently applying feedback accelerates professional growth.

5. Develop Your Leadership Philosophy

A clear leadership philosophy will set you apart. Preparing for school leadership means knowing your values, priorities, and educational vision. Use your experiences to cultivate adaptability, resilience, and strategic thinking—all essential traits for effective school leaders.

6. Stay Agile and Responsive

Education is constantly evolving. Leaders who thrive are those who remain flexible, open to change, and solution-focused. Show that you can handle challenges with a proactive and adaptive mindset—qualities hiring panels look for in leadership candidates.

The Time to Start is Now

Preparing for school leadership doesn’t happen overnight. The strength of your leadership qualities depends on the effort you invest before stepping into a formal leadership role. The more you practice leadership skills in your current position, the more natural they will feel when you take the next step.

Good luck in your leadership journey!

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Dr Jake Madden

I’m Jake Madden (Dip Teach; B.Ed; Grad Dip: Leadership; M. Ed: Leadership; EdD; FACEL; MACE), and I’ve had the privilege of working in education for over thirty years as a teacher and principal. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on supporting teachers to build their capacity, developing learning approaches that respond to the needs of today’s world, creating flexible learning spaces for 21st-century learners, and designing curriculum that encourages global mindedness. I’m particularly passionate about the concept of teacher-as-researcher, and I’ve been fortunate to contribute to this area by sharing my experiences through books and journal articles. My work reflects what I’ve learned from leading and navigating educational change, and I’m always eager to continue learning from others in the field.

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Author: Dr Jake Madden

I’m Jake Madden (Dip Teach; B.Ed; Grad Dip: Leadership; M. Ed: Leadership; EdD; FACEL; MACE), and I’ve had the privilege of working in education for over thirty years as a teacher and principal. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on supporting teachers to build their capacity, developing learning approaches that respond to the needs of today’s world, creating flexible learning spaces for 21st-century learners, and designing curriculum that encourages global mindedness. I’m particularly passionate about the concept of teacher-as-researcher, and I’ve been fortunate to contribute to this area by sharing my experiences through books and journal articles. My work reflects what I’ve learned from leading and navigating educational change, and I’m always eager to continue learning from others in the field. View all posts by Dr Jake Madden