Daisy Li-Morell: The Most Significant Pressure Of A School Principal

Interview Questions and Responses

Question 1: What do you consider a school principal’s biggest pressure?

Daisy Li-Morell: I think the most significant pressure that a school administrator facing these days is figuring out how to do more with less. Decreased and a lack of funding is a critical issue facing most principals. Funding is decreasing at the state, federal, and local levels. Schools need to be innovated and do more with less. The lack of funding translates into having less certified staff, non-certified staff, and less educational resources.

Question 2: Part of the role of a school administrator is to be an example for students and employees. How do you feel about this role?

Daisy Li-Morell: The school principal serves as the educational leader, responsible for managing the policies, regulations, and procedures to ensure all students are supervised in a safe learning environment that meets the approved curriculum and mission of the school.

Question 3: What type(s) of people do you find it most difficult

This is often difficult to achieve since many teachers and administrators are resistant to any perceived change effort, are hesitant to speak truthfully about problems, or else they opt to maintain a collegial, "let's not rock the boat" school climate. One interesting observation some educational reformers have made is that when teachers are asked to assess their school, many believe it is above average. Faculties assume that serious problems exist elsewhere but not at their own site. Those who promote school renewal will necessarily and frequently have to engage individuals, small groups, and full faculty meetings in repeated school appraisal and restructuring conversations. Dialogue of all kinds, both informal and formal, both low key and hard hitting, must be risked before a school will determine it has reason to