Lead With Your Voice
Communication that builds community.
Topics: Family and Stakeholder Engagement, School Culture and Climate, Student Engagement
Effective communication is a cornerstone of strong leadership and a thriving school culture. In this issue of Principal magazine, we explore how school leaders can sharpen their communication skills to foster collaboration, increase transparency, and build trust with students, staff, and families.
Whether you’re stepping into the principalship for the first time or bringing decades of experience to your role, staying current with evolving communication strategies is essential. Research from Leaders We Need Now underscores that post-pandemic leadership demands a more agile, responsive approach—one that delivers timely, consistent messaging across your school community. On page 12, Liz Garden offers a practical “cheat sheet” of communication tools tailored for announcements, staff updates, culture-building, goal-setting, and more.
Strong communication also empowers staff—especially those who may not naturally speak up. Rochelle Green’s article, “You Don’t Have to Be Loud to Make Magic” (page 16), provides thoughtful strategies you can use to help introverted educators contribute in meaningful and affirming ways.
Instructional feedback is another area where communication makes a difference. Seth N. Brown, Lauren Bowers, Elizabeth Myers, and Thomas R. Feller Jr. present actionable strategies for delivering feedback with empathy—ensuring that conversations about teaching and learning are both constructive and supportive.
Finally, we turn our attention to the principal’s role in supporting students with disabilities. With 7.5 million students receiving special education services nationwide, every principal can work toward building trust and buy-in through the IEP process, starting with strong family partnerships. Be sure to explore “Transforming IDEA Into Family Partnerships” and the accompanying Leading Lessons—a ready-to-use resource for staff development.
As you explore this issue, consider how each article can inform your leadership practice and spark meaningful conversations with your team. Use the strategies, insights, and tools shared here to reflect on your current communication habits, identify areas for growth, and implement new approaches that strengthen your school community. Whether you’re planning professional development, mentoring staff, or engaging families, let this issue serve as both a resource and a catalyst for deeper connection and more effective leadership.
Kaylen Tucker, Ph.D. is Editor-in-Chief of Principal magazine.