Nurturing Middle-Level
Administrators in Schools

In 2008, Google launched an extensive study of the question, “What makes a good manager?” in order to recruit and develop people who could become successful managers and move the company forward. However, the leadership of an organization also influences the performance of its middle-management tier. In the education system as well, principals and middle leaders work together toward a shared educational vision. Their work is shaped by a range of challenges and opportunities arising from role definitions, areas of responsibility, relationships within the school, training and professional development, and many other changing factors.

The Avney Rosha Institute, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, and the Center for the Study of Pedagogy—Academia–Field Partnerships joined forces to research and develop professional models for cultivating school principals and middle leaders. The study focused on large schools, where middle leaders form a central component of effective school leadership.

As part of the partnership, conceptual models were developed for the work of middle leaders, along with training models for principals working with middle leaders. Practical resources were also created, including tools for leading and developing middle leaders, case studies, and dedicated courses for developing principals and middle leaders—aimed at establishing stable and effective school leadership.