Principals Cite Teacher Effectiveness Amid Staffing Challenges in Local Schools

The Alabama Board of Education Work Session held on July 22, 2025, focused on the effectiveness of teachers and the challenges faced by school principals. The meeting highlighted the positive feedback from principals regarding teacher performance, indicating an improvement from the previous year.

During the discussions, board members emphasized the importance of principals believing in their staff and fostering a supportive environment. It was noted that a significant portion of responding principals rated their teachers as effective, which reflects a growing confidence in the teaching workforce.

Concerns were raised about the varying demands placed on principals, particularly in larger schools. Some board members suggested that new principals should receive clearer job descriptions that outline their responsibilities. This could help ensure that essential tasks, such as evaluating new teachers, do not get deprioritized amid their many duties.

The conversation also touched on the increasing need for new teachers, which adds to the workload of administrators. As principals juggle multiple responsibilities, there is a risk that important evaluations and feedback processes may be overlooked.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued support for school leaders to help them manage their extensive responsibilities while maintaining a focus on teacher effectiveness. The board expressed appreciation for the insights shared during the session, recognizing the ongoing challenges in the education system.