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Education & Teaching vocabulary · School Administration and School Life

Principal

Meaning in education & teaching, with examples

/ˈprɪnsəpəl/nounCore term

In education & teaching, principal means: The person in charge of a school, responsible for its staff, students, budget and day-to-day running.

In Turkish: okul müdürü, müdür

How it is used

The standard American word, also used in many international schools. The deputy is the vice principal or assistant principal. In the UK the usual word is headteacher or head. Students are sent to the principal's office for serious problems.

Example sentences

  1. The principal visits every classroom at least once a month.

  2. I need to speak to the principal about the trip before we tell the parents.

Common collocations

  • school principal
  • vice principal
  • assistant principal
  • the principal's office
  • staff meetingA regular meeting of a school's teachers and other staff, usually led by the principal, to share information, plan and discuss school matters.
  • school counselorA trained professional at a school who helps students with personal, social, academic and career issues and supports their well-being.
  • homeroom teacherThe teacher responsible for a particular class or group, who takes attendance, shares school news and looks after the students' general progress and well-being.
  • lesson observationA visit in which a colleague, mentor or school leader watches a lesson in order to give feedback, support development or evaluate teaching.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

More terms: School Administration and School Life

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