Let’s be real—leading a school labeled “priority” isn’t for the faint of heart. You walk into a building every day knowing that you’re carrying the weight of expectations, hopes, and sometimes even heartbreak. You’re juggling staffing shortages, trauma-impacted students, burned-out teachers, accountability pressures, and community dynamics that don’t always show up neatly in data dashboards. And yet—you show up. You lead anyway. That, right there, is courage.
This blog is for you. Not the idealized version of you in glossy leadership journals, but the real you: the school principal with 14 tabs open, a teacher waiting outside your door, and a 4th grader crying in the nurse’s office. Let’s talk honestly about what it takes to lead a priority school—and how you can keep doing it with joy, purpose, and power.
A new perspective on priority schools
You’re not fixing a school, you’re building a movement. Let’s drop the deficit language for a minute. Priority schools aren’t broken—they’re full of untapped potential. That potential lives in your students, your staff, your parents, and most importantly, in you. Your leadership is the single most influential factor in your school’s success. That’s not a cliché—it’s research.
Leading a priority school isn’t easy. You’re constantly balancing culture, communication, conflict, and change — all while managing time and delegating tasks. If you’re looking for practical, no-fluff strategies to help you succeed, The Principal’s Handbook for Priority Schools in a PLC at Work® by Aspasia Angelou is a must-read. It’s packed with real tools and advice to help you build a strong school culture and lead with confidence every day.
Your leadership in a priority school makes a difference—here’s why
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Culture is the work
Your school’s culture shapes every learning experience, and your leadership sets the tone. If you’re trying to boost student achievement without shaping school culture—you’re pushing a car with no engine.
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Lead with data, not drama
Great school principals don’t use data to punish. They use it to get curious. They use it to ask the right questions: What’s working? What’s not? Who needs more support—and why? Curiosity creates a culture of growth, not fear.
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Time is a tool—use it like a pro
Your calendar isn’t just a list of events—it’s a mirror of your values. In a priority school, where demands are nonstop and putting out fires are frequent, how you spend your time speaks volumes. Great leaders know that carving out space for classroom visits, staff check-ins, or reflective planning are essential.
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Don’t hide–be seen!
Your staff doesn’t need a perfect school principal. They need a present one. Be in classrooms, hallways, and community events. Let people see you laugh with kids. In a priority school, where trust and connection are everything, your visibility and the simple act of showing up is leadership.
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Champion learning for everyone
If we expect our teachers to be learners, we have to model it first. The need for growth doesn’t just stop with students–it starts with leaders. This can range anywhere from asking for feedback, attending professional development, reading, reflecting, and constantly evolving as a leader in a priority school.
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Legacy isn’t about test scores
You’re building something bigger than this year’s state assessment. You’re creating a place where students who’ve been underestimated their whole lives finally realize they’re brilliant. Cultivating a ripple effect of hope and achievement that lasts long after test results are forgotten is what defines exceptional leadership.
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You’re not alone
Leading a priority school is challenging, yet deeply meaningful–but you are not alone.
Thousands of school principals, coaches, and leaders are facing the same challenges, working tirelessly in schools that may not make the headlines but are transforming lives every day. We see your courage. We believe in your vision. We’re here, cheering you on every step of the way… So take a breath, reconnect to your purpose, and keep leading with confidence. Your school, your students, and your community are counting on you—and they couldn’t be in more capable hands.
See how Huntsville Elementary, a Priority School in a PLC at Work®, achieved an 11% increase in reading, 15% in math, and 21% in writing. Their commitment to building a positive culture and data is driving real results. Read their full story
About the educator
Dr. Aspasia Angelou has 25 years of educational experience as a teacher, teacher trainer, high school principal, and director of high school design and superintendent.
