The Work of School Principals: “Where the Buck Stops!”

In this chapter, we examine the work of the school principal considering the influence of the societal and cultural context in which their schools and school systems are located. Similarities regarding the ethical leadership expectations for school principals across Canada, the United States, Germany, and Finland will be described—as well as differences. Consideration will be given to the licensure standards for school principals that require an understanding of ethical issues and the expectation for ethical leadership behavior. We also provide reflections on ethical leadership from principals in the four countries and questions for reflection.