In an illustrious career spanning over four decades, Dr Paul Teys has shaped the future of countless students and educators alike.
A former principal of two prestigious K-12 independent schools, Dr Teys is a celebrated thought leader in educational leadership, mentoring future principals and guiding them through the complexities of modern school management.
In his books, ‘So You Want to Be a Principal’ and the follow-up edition ‘Now You're a Principal’, Dr Teys provides invaluable insights into the evolving demands of school leadership, offering practical wisdom for those navigating Australia’s rapidly changing educational landscape.
Below, The Educator speaks to Dr Teys about the ways in which school leadership has been evolving, his roadmap for aspiring principals, strike a balance between maintaining traditions and embracing new approaches, and the most critical attributes when recruiting principals in today’s dynamic school environments.
TE: Drawing from your vast experience in educational leadership, what are the most important ways the role of school principal has evolved over the past four decades, and what unique qualities do you believe are essential for principals to succeed in this challenging educational landscape of 2024, and heading into 2025?
The role of the school principal has transformed dramatically from primarily managerial to an expansive leadership role that encompasses financial sustainability, educational innovation, community leadership, futures planning, championing educational policies, and more acute staff/student welfare issues. Today’s principals navigate a complex landscape where they must integrate technology, respond to diverse student and staff needs, and foster an environment conducive to contemporary educational demands. Essential qualities for principals in this challenging landscape include resilience to withstand pressures and setbacks, adaptability to continually evolving educational standards, and a visionary outlook that anticipates future trends. Leadership in 2024 also demands a strong ethical framework and the ability to cultivate an inclusive, supportive school culture that embraces the holistic development of students.
TE: In your book ‘So You Want to Be a Principal’, you provide a roadmap for aspiring leaders. How has the pathway to becoming a principal changed in today’s fast-evolving education sector, and what advice would you offer to those looking to take on this role?
The pathway to becoming a principal has significantly changed, reflecting how educational leadership has rapidly shifted to where board’s value varied leadership experiences and specialised development over simple tenure. Aspiring leaders must engage in strategic career planning, actively seeking roles that offer challenges and growth opportunities. Continuous professional development, including formal education in educational leadership, mentoring relationships, and practical leadership experience, is crucial. Aspiring principals should focus on building a diverse skill set that includes financial management, human resources, community leadership and student & staff welfare to prepare for the multifaceted demands of the role. They must also focus on accomplishments over titles. Building a strong professional network and maintaining an openness to learning and feedback are also vital for career progression.
TE: With the increasing focus on well-being and innovation, as explored in ‘Now You Are a Principal’, how can school leaders effectively strike a balance between maintaining traditions and embracing new approaches in 2024, and what role does empathy play in this balancing act?
School leaders in 2024 face the dual challenge of maintaining cherished traditions while also embracing innovative practices that cater to a new generation of staff& student learners. This delicate balance requires empathy and an understanding of the community’s historical values, enabling leaders to introduce changes without alienating stakeholders. Empathy in leadership ensures that innovations are implemented thoughtfully, considering the impact on all community members and aligning new practices with the school’s core values. Additionally, leaders must foster a culture where staff and students feel safe to experiment and fail, which is essential for genuine innovation. Prioritising staff and student well-being in this process ensures that the pursuit of innovation remains sustainable and aligned with the school’s educational goals. Principals in 2024 can not lead in isolation, they must include stakeholders in their deliberations, planning and communicate effectively.
TE: In addition to being a mentor and recruitment expert, you’ve seen firsthand the qualities that define effective leadership. What are the most critical attributes you look for when recruiting principals in today’s dynamic school environments, and how can leaders cultivate these qualities?
The most critical attributes I seek in school principals are a genuine commitment to valuing individuals, strategic & futures thinking, emotional intelligence, and a demonstrated commitment to professional growth. Effective leaders must excel not only in managing school operations but also in understanding and caring deeply for their community—students, staff, and parents. This human-centered approach, along with the ability to make thoughtful decisions and promote continuous learning, defines effective leadership in today’s dynamic educational landscape. Most of all, I look for principals who can lead, and can make quality decisions. Cultivating these qualities requires ongoing self-reflection, engagement with professional development, and active involvement in educational networks. Leaders must also prioritize inclusivity and adaptability, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement to meet both challenges and opportunities effectively.