In this age of the principalship, successful leadership looks vastly different than it did five years ago. Academic achievement—and how we measure it—has changed, which is why Principal Andy Farley prioritizes student-centered leadership.

Farley, who leads Brookfield East High School in Wisconsin and the National Association of Secondary School Principals’ 2024 National Principal of the Year, is often described as a student-first leader, dedicating most of his initiatives to the academic and emotional well-being of his students.

In one example of student-centered leadership, he’s established a principal’s cabinet, a group of 65 kids who he meets with every other week to discuss goals and opportunities to improve the student experience.