Just as innovation schools have reinvented K12 for underserved students, they are shaking up how underappreciated teachers are hired, trained and supported.

This year's finalists for the 2025-26 National Principal of the Year award all have one thing in common: a proven strategy to improve student outcomes.

Recent reports show that these severe teacher shortages exist in urban, inner-city, suburban and rural school districts.

Here are the four things you can do today to transform your role as a principal.