Strong leadership begins with strong relationships. From teachers and students to families and the wider community, principals are the key relationship builders whose everyday interactions help define school culture and morale. This article is the first in a multi-part series where we’ll explore how principals can strengthen connections across their school ecosystem.
We begin with the foundation: relationships between principals and teachers.
Principal-teacher relationships influence everything from school climate to program implementation, and they directly impact how empowered teachers feel in their classrooms. Research shows that when principals and teachers build trust and collaborate authentically, student outcomes improve. But developing these connections is steady, intentional work that takes transparency, consistency, respect, and time.
Trust Takes Time — Not Shortcuts
In an online discussion hosted by Education Week earlier in the year, Jen Schwanke, deputy superintendent and leadership coach, noted that trust isn’t won by the end of a principal’s first semester. It’s a slow, steady, daily process that can’t be rushed. Principals entering new schools, especially after a beloved predecessor, must recognize that relationship-building is a part of the work, not an add-on. Playing the long game means engaging consistently in everyday moments: hallway conversations, attendance at extracurricular events, or quick check-ins that show authentic interest in staff well-being.
Communication: Beyond Open Doors
The basis of any healthy relationship is communication. The same goes for relationships amongst educators. While “open-door policies” signal accessibility, they risk leaving principals reactive instead of proactive. A strong alternative is intentional feedback loops — structured ways for teachers to share concerns, ideas, and observations while principals actively listen. Practicing what some leadership trainers call “global listening” (giving your full attention to verbal and physical communication: Think body language, tone, and eye contact) helps principals show staff that they are genuinely seen and heard.
Communication is strengthened by transparency. Whether it’s explaining the “why” behind scheduling decisions or inviting teachers into discussions on resource allocation, open honesty prevents resentment and cultivates buy-in. There’s no space for secrecy in education. Teachers who feel included in decisions — even unpopular ones — are far more likely to commit to the outcomes.
Creating Safe Conversational Spaces
Teachers need forums where they can express disagreement or voice concerns without fear of reprisal. One-on-one conversations are often the most effective, particularly when trust is still developing. Involving teachers early in schoolwide decisions, such as building a master schedule, gives them an all-inclusive view of the process and minimizes surprises later. It’s also important to diversify who you hear from; relying on the same handful of teacher voices risks creating an echo chamber and missing undercurrents of morale within the broader staff.
Supporting Teachers Through Growth and Recognition
Listening and communication are not the only components of relationship building. It can also be practiced by supporting teachers’ professional and personal development. Principals can demonstrate commitment by:
- Prioritizing professional learning aligned with teacher needs and interests.
- Facilitating collaboration through PLCs, cross-curricular initiatives, and peer mentoring.
- Offering meaningful evaluations with constructive, actionable feedback.
- Providing classroom management resources and connections to experts in specialized areas.
- Recognizing and celebrating successes, both publicly and privately, to reinforce a positive school climate.
This dual emphasis on accountability and recognition helps teachers feel both supported and valued.
Navigating Resistance with Empathy
Inevitably, you will face resistance when rolling out new initiatives. Here, empathy and inquiry are critical. Teachers are often concerned about workload or scheduling implications. By acknowledging these concerns, encouraging staff to talk openly with one another, and exploring the potential benefits together, you can shift the conversation from compliance to collaboration. Encouraging peer-to-peer dialogue also helps teachers see that new initiatives may be less daunting in practice than they appear in theory.
The Principal as Lead Relationship Builder
As a principal, you assume the role of a lead relationship builder. Academic rigor, professional growth, and student success all hinge on the strength of the human connections within a school. For teachers, this means trust earned through consistency and transparency. When done well, principals can create conditions where educators thrive.
But teachers are only one part of the equation. Strong leadership also depends on how principals connect with students themselves. Consistency, visibility, and a willingness to listen directly to student voice are critical for creating an environment where young people feel safe, respected, and empowered to take ownership of their learning.
👉 Next up in this School Principals 411 series: Building Trust With Students — practical strategies for strengthening student–principal relationships.
