Becoming an educational leader: how to influence change in education

Why do many educators move into school leadership?

School leaders go beyond handling day-to-day operations. They shape the school’s mission, establish high expectations for teaching and learning, and foster conditions where staff can grow professionally.

Many educators pursue this path because they want to:

• Lead change that boosts both student learning and teacher performance
• Build a positive and resilient school culture along with strong community ties
• Promote professional growth that equips teachers for emerging challenges
• Drive continuous improvement using evidence-based practices
• Mentor colleagues and help them develop their own leadership potential

Steps to becoming an educational leader

The journey to school leadership can vary, but most follow these core steps:

1. Build a strong foundation in education

Start by earning a bachelor’s degree in education or another field closely connected to it. This provides a solid understanding of teaching methods, curriculum planning, and student development.

2. Gain classroom experience

Time spent as a teacher offers firsthand insight into the realities educators face, from maintaining engagement to designing effective lessons. Many principals accumulate at least five years of teaching before moving into leadership.

3. Pursue advanced qualifications

Earning a master’s degree in educational leadership, administration, or similar fields develops your abilities in strategic planning, organisational management, and creating thriving learning environments.

4. Take on leadership responsibilities

Before applying for principal or training director roles, consider stepping into positions such as vice principal, department head, or instructional coach. These opportunities enable you to develop and refine your management skills, preparing you to oversee an entire institution.

5. Earn relevant certifications

In some regions, formal certification in school leadership or administration is required. This may involve supervised professional practice or passing assessments in leadership skills.

Skills every educational leader needs

To excel as an educational leader, you’ll need a blend of knowledge, practical skills, and personal qualities, such as:

• Strong communication abilities to connect effectively with staff, parents, and the community
• Strategic thinking to align school objectives with academic progress
• Capacity to mentor and support educators through training and coaching
• Cultural sensitivity to ensure inclusive and equitable learning environments
• Expertise in curriculum design, resource allocation, and staff development
• A dedication to ongoing learning for both students and teaching staff

Leadership in early childhood and higher education

Educational leaders operate in diverse settings from preschools to universities.

• In early childhood education, the focus is on nurturing a positive learning culture, engaging families, and developing staff skills to give children the best start.
• In higher education, leaders work to advance teaching quality, research initiatives, and professional growth among faculty members.

Strategies for success in educational leadership

Effective school leaders blend vision with decisive action. 

To drive meaningful change:

• Create a vision that captures the school’s core values and the ambitions of its community.
• Keep communication open between staff, students, and families.
• Offer training to bridge gaps in teacher skills.
• Let data and research guide your decisions.
• Integrate lifelong learning into daily school life.
• Introduce innovative approaches that push boundaries and challenge outdated practices.

Career opportunities for educational leaders

Educational leadership opens doors to roles such as principal, training director, chief education officer, or district administrator. Opportunities also exist in education policy, consultancy for professional development, and international school leadership positions.

In the UAE, schools seek leaders who can adopt new approaches, champion continuous improvement, and promote a culture of lifelong learning in diverse settings.

Final thoughts

Stepping into educational leadership isn’t just about holding a title; it’s about making a real difference. Whether you’re guiding teachers, shaping school culture, or finding new ways to help students thrive, your impact can last a lifetime. Start small, keep learning, and lead with purpose. The change you inspire will speak for itself.

Advance your career in educational leadership

The University of Manchester - Dubai provides flexible, accredited programmes for school leaders and aspiring principals to manage educational institutions effectively.

Your next chapter as an inspiring school leader starts here.

Our MA Educational Leadership in Practice empowers educators to lead change, build inclusive cultures, and inspire students and staff.

Learn from a world-class University, study part-time, and put your ideas into action from day one.

Download the brochure or book a quick call.

FAQs

1. What does an educational leader do?

An educational leader plays a key role in school leadership, guiding strategic decision-making, shaping the school’s vision and mission, supporting teachers through professional development, and driving student achievement with effective teaching practices and leadership strategies.

2. How can I become a school principal?

To follow the school principal career path, complete a bachelor’s degree in education (or a related field), gain classroom teaching experience, earn a master’s in educational leadership or administration, and meet any regional school leadership certification requirements for educational administrators.

3. What skills are important for educational leaders?

Educational leadership skills include clear and confident communication, strategic planning aligned with student success, cultural competence for inclusive learning environments, and a strong commitment to lifelong learning in education for both staff and students.

4. Where can educational leaders work?

Educational leaders can work in early childhood education programmes, higher education institutions, public schools, private schools, and at the district level in education administration. Opportunities also exist in educational consultancy, policy-making, and international school leadership roles.

5. Why is lifelong learning important in school leadership?

Lifelong learning in educational leadership ensures school leaders and educators adapt to evolving teaching methods, bridge skills gaps, integrate innovative strategies, and continuously improve student outcomes, which is essential for long-term success in the education sector.