The Role of the Principal in Canada

Luke Lawson is a teacher and administrator in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

This book is a solid, though brief, primer on the role of the principal
in Canada. The most important point raised is the notion that the role
has dramatically changed in the past 30 years. Today’s principal must
grapple with such issues as globalization, board politics, demanding
parents, and the diverse academic needs of children, to name just a few.


The book is composed of contributions from leading educators in Canada.
There are candid accounts by principals, many relatively new to the
role. A chapter entitled “To Be or Not To Be” provides exceptional
insight into the factors that motivate people to take on this role.
Macmillan and Meyer’s chapter, “The Principal,” offers a detailed
analysis of a survey of principals in Nova Scotia.

The only weak chapter is “Placing Community Before Efficiency? A
Social and Cultural Analysis Concerning the Amalgamation of Schools.”
Despite the author’s pleas that the principal’s role should focus
mainly on educational and pedagogical needs, an economic and business
sense is crucial for any school leader. Like it or not, amalgamation
will continue to happen.