1. Culturally Responsive Leadership and Management

An exemplary school principal embraces and respects diversity, ensuring an inclusive school environment where all students and staff feel valued and supported. They promote cultural awareness and sensitivity, integrating culturally responsive practices into the school’s programs and policies, and adapt management strategies to meet the diverse needs of the school community.

2. Powerful School Culture

An exemplary school principal cultivates a positive, inclusive, and motivating school culture. They build a sense of belonging and purpose among students, staff, and families, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment that promotes academic and personal growth.

3. Observation and Feedback

An exemplary school principal consistently observes classroom practices and provides constructive, actionable feedback to teachers. They support teachers in their professional growth, using observation data to drive instructional improvement and enhance student learning outcomes.

4. Instructional Excellence

An exemplary school principal exhibits a deep understanding of instructional practices and fosters an environment where high-quality teaching and learning are paramount. They lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of curriculum and instructional programs that align with educational standards and support student achievement.

5. Meaningful Community Engagement

An exemplary school principal actively engages with the school community, building strong partnerships with parents, local businesses, and community organizations. They understand and respond to the needs and concerns of the community, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for the success of the school.

6. Operational Excellence

An exemplary school principal ensures that the school's operational systems are efficient, effective, and support the educational mission. They manage resources, facilities, and technology to create a safe, orderly, and conducive learning environment.

7. Effective Resource Management

An exemplary school principal efficiently manages the school's resources, including finances, facilities, and personnel. They make strategic decisions that optimize resource use, support instructional goals, and ensure the sustainability and growth of the school.

8. Ethics and Professionalism

An exemplary school principal upholds the highest standards of professionalism and ethical behavior. They model integrity, respect, and ethical decision-making in all interactions. They are committed to personal and professional growth and encourage the same in their staff, fostering a culture of trust and accountability.

The purpose of this program is to equip school leaders with the skills, mindsets, and practices needed to lead people effectively and manage schools for results. Being an excellent instructional leader is no longer enough. Today’s leaders must also excel at building trust, managing adults, driving execution, and adapting their leadership style to meet the diverse needs of their team. This program creates a structured pathway for leaders to learn, practice, and refine those management skills so they can sustain great teaching and strong student outcomes.

The role of the school leader has expanded. Leaders are expected to balance instructional excellence with staff management, community engagement, and organizational leadership. At the same time, teacher retention hinges on great management. Research and experience show that teachers don’t leave schools — they leave managers. Leaders who set clear goals, provide actionable feedback, and build strong relationships are far more likely to retain and grow high-quality teachers.

Developing these capabilities requires intentional practice, not just experience. The GEMS Leadership Competencies — Culturally Responsive Leadership, Powerful School Culture, Observation & Feedback, Instructional Excellence, Community Engagement, Operational Excellence, Resource Management, and Ethics & Professionalism — must be broken down into concrete management practices, practiced in safe settings, and applied in real schools with coaching.

A dedicated program also creates consistency and alignment across the network. Without a common foundation, leaders manage in their own ways, leading to uneven teacher experiences and student outcomes. This program ensures all leaders are trained in the same language, frameworks, and expectations (e.g., managing through others, goal-setting, feedback, and using the Skill/Will matrix).

Finally, this program helps to build the bench for succession. Today’s Assistant Principals, Deans, and teachers are tomorrow’s Principals. Training them now in management fundamentals prepares them to step into principalship with confidence and the capacity to lead adults — not just students.

In short, a dedicated leadership and management program ensures that school leaders are not only instructional experts, but also effective people managers who can build thriving teams in service of students and families.

Exchanging personality test results (like the Bird Test) helps managers and their team members better understand each other’s communication and working styles. It builds self-awareness, reduces misunderstandings, and creates a shared language for how to collaborate more effectively. By knowing each other’s strengths, preferences, and stress triggers, leaders can adapt their management approach — and teachers feel more supported and understood.