How Resilient Principals Make Better Schools

 

Dr. Nancy Coogan

Dr. Nancy Coogan is an accomplished educational administrator who has held leadership positions across Washington State. A graduate of Washington State University with a doctorate in educational leadership, Dr. Nancy Coogan completed her dissertation on the topic of resiliency in educational settings.

While working in schools can be emotionally and physically draining, educators who have a resilient attitude seem to face challenges better and persist through difficult situations. Principals are visible leaders who play a large role in guiding the educational and social development of their community’s youth.

In the dissertation, Resiliency: An Action Research Study With Two High School Principals, the author explores how a principal’s mindful leadership style impacts the school she leads. Often, the paper asserts, a principal’s actual duties extend far beyond his or her stated job description, which can feel overwhelming; a principal’s interpersonal attitude and level of inner resourcefulness make a big difference in setting the tone for the school. The paper demonstrates how resilience is a key component of a successful, effective school principal who is a stronger advocate for her school.