Assistant principals play a complex and often underappreciated role in K-12 schools. Lilicea H. Hester examines three leadership models that tend characterize the work of the assistant principal – collaborative, reactive, and defender–and their implications for school culture, instructional leadership, and professional growth. Intentional development, mentorship, and systemic support is needed to empower assistant principals as strategic leaders. By elevating the visibility and influence of second-chair leadership, schools can build stronger, more resilient leadership teams that drive meaningful student success.
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