The Role of Assistant Principals: Evidence and Insights for Advancing School Leadership

Learn about the findings from a new, comprehensive study commissioned by The Wallace Foundation, The Role of Assistant Principals: Evidence and Insights for Advancing School Leadership. Based on two decades of research, the synthesis focuses on a role that is increasingly prevalent but often overlooked. The report suggests APs could become a more powerful force in advancing equity, student outcomes, and school leadership goals.

Hear highlights of this study from the lead researchers:

• Ellen Goldring, Patricia and Rhodes Hart chair, Vanderbilt University
• Mollie Rubin, research assistant professor, Vanderbilt University
• Mariesa Herrmann, senior researcher, Mathematica

Explore implications of the research with our panelists:

• Michael Casserly, executive director, Council of the Great City Schools
• Beverly Hutton, chief programs officer, National Association of Secondary School Principals
• Debra Paradowski, NASSP’s 2020 Assistant Principal of the Year
• Nicholas Pelzer, senior program officer, The Wallace Foundation, moderator

As the study notes, the number of assistant principals has grown markedly, and the role can help districts reach important goals and bolster principal preparation and retention. Though the AP role can be a stepping-stone to the principalship, research suggests there are often disparities and barriers along the way to the top job. The panelists will discuss actions that practitioners and policymakers can consider to redefine the AP role as a key lever for equity and for strengthening principal pipelines.