Be a Lighthouse: Five Guiding Principles for School Leaders in 2025
My wife and I opened 2025 with a long-overdue getaway vacation. We spent four days on Martha’s Vineyard trying out different restaurants, walking on the frigid wintry beaches, watching the sunrise and sunset at the coastline, and seeing the sights the island had to offer. Among the things that really stood out to me, a guy from the Rocky Mountains, was the powerful presence of the five Martha’s Vineyard lighthouses. These steadfast beacons have long guided sailors through dangerous waters, standing tall against storms and darkness. But it’s more than just that, these lighthouses serve as symbols of strength, of preparation, of Clarity, and of hope.
On the journey home, I found myself thinking more and more about the lighthouses. As I reflected on their purpose, I realized the lighthouses embody five key principles that school leaders can lean into for the coming year to shine brightly and guide their schools to success.
Let’s explore these principles and how we can use them to be the best leader possible in 2025.
Guiding Through Challenges
Lighthouses are essential in helping ships avoid hidden dangers, like jagged rocks and shallow waters. They don’t eliminate the obstacles, but they provide the clarity needed to navigate them safely. Similarly, school leaders can’t remove every challenge their teams face, but they can guide them through these challenges with a clear vision and actionable priorities.
In 2025, commit to defining your “true north.” What are the non-negotiables for your school’s success? Focus on the high-impact areas that matter most, like improving instructional practices, fostering equity, and creating a supportive culture. Communicate these priorities consistently so your team knows the direction you’re heading together. When uncertainty arises, your guidance will help staff and students stay focused and confident.
Steadfast Presence
Lighthouses stand firm no matter the storm or time of day. They are unwavering symbols of reliability. As a school leader, your steadiness builds trust and stability. Staff and students need to know they can count on you to be a calm, collected presence, even in turbulent times.
This doesn’t mean you have to have all the answers—it means showing up consistently with empathy and focus. Be visible in your school: greet students in the morning, walk the halls, and attend team meetings. Your presence sends a powerful message that you are invested in your school’s well-being and progress. Consistency in your demeanor, decisions, and values will anchor your team, giving them the confidence to persevere through challenges.
Strategic Positioning
Every lighthouse is placed with intention. It shines where it’s most needed, ensuring it can guide ships away from danger. Similarly, school leaders must be strategic about where they position themselves—physically, emotionally, and professionally—to have the greatest impact.
Start by assessing where your presence is most valuable. Are you spending enough time in classrooms to support teaching and learning? Are you actively participating in critical conversations about student success? Are you dedicating time to build Relationships with staff, students, and families? By being intentional about where and how you invest your time, you ensure your energy is directed toward the areas that matter most. In 2025, resolve to say no to distractions and yes to what aligns with your school’s goals.
Shining a Light for Others
A lighthouse doesn’t move ships or steer them; it simply illuminates the path so captains can make informed decisions. As a school leader, your role is to empower your team by shining a light on priorities, expectations, and values. Your goal is not to control every decision but to equip your staff with the clarity and tools they need to succeed.
This year, focus on clear communication and consistent reinforcement of goals. Set aside time to celebrate wins—even small ones—and to provide constructive feedback that helps your team grow. Recognize that your teachers and staff are the ones steering the ship; your job is to ensure they have the support and guidance to navigate effectively. When you empower others, you build a culture of trust and shared ownership that strengthens your entire school community.
Symbol of Hope and Safety
Lighthouses symbolize hope and safety, reassuring sailors that a safe passage or a close harbor is near. School leaders hold a similar responsibility—to create an environment where staff and students feel supported, valued, and inspired.
In 2025, make fostering a positive school culture your top priority. Begin by ensuring every member of your school community feels seen, heard, and valued. Implement systems that recognize and celebrate achievements, whether it’s a student excelling in academics or a teacher finding innovative ways to engage learners.
Beyond recognition, leaders must also create a sense of safety. This includes physical safety, like effective emergency procedures, and emotional safety, like cultivating an environment of respect and inclusion. When your school community knows you’re invested in their well-being, they’ll have the confidence to take risks, innovate, and grow.
The work of school leadership is never easy, but the principles of the lighthouse offer a powerful metaphor for leading with clarity, purpose, and resilience. As you guide your school into 2025, ask yourself: Are you providing the guidance your team needs? Are you showing up consistently and strategically? Are you illuminating the path forward and inspiring hope?
By embracing these lighthouse principles, you can be the beacon your school needs, ensuring that even in turbulent times, your team feels supported and empowered to achieve great things. Stand tall, shine brightly, and lead your school with purpose.
