The final stretch of the school year is full of emotion—for students, teachers, and school leaders alike. There’s pride in what’s been accomplished, grief over goodbyes, and the mental and physical fatigue that comes with holding so much at once. It’s during this season, when many leaders feel pressure to stay composed and “power through,” that vulnerability becomes not just valuable, but essential.
I used to believe my job as a school leader was to be the emotional anchor for everyone else. Keep it together. Stay upbeat. Don’t let the cracks show. But over time, I’ve learned that the most powerful leadership moments come not from appearing strong, but from being honest.
The Power of Naming What’s Real
Throughout the year, I’ve learned to begin faculty or team meetings with a simple emotional check-in. Sometimes, I share that I’m feeling energized and hopeful. Other times, I name when I’m feeling stretched, anxious, or uncertain. Each time I choose to be honest, something shifts. Others often follow suit, voicing their own feelings and letting down their guard. It’s as if we’ve all been holding our breath, waiting for permission to exhale. Vulnerability doesn’t weaken the team—it connects us.
Why Vulnerability Matters at the End of the Year
As leaders, we often feel responsible for everyone else’s emotional wellbeing. But we’re human too. When we suppress our own feelings, we unintentionally create a culture where others feel pressure to do the same.
In contrast, leading with vulnerability during this time of year can:
Normalize the emotional complexity of the season;
Build deeper trust with staff and students;
Create space for authentic reflection and closure;
Reduce isolation for everyone—yourself included.
People don’t need a perfect leader right now. They need a present one.
Four Ways to Lead with Vulnerability
Vulnerability doesn’t mean oversharing or emotional dumping. It’s about being real, intentional, and grounded. Here are four small ways to practice it:
1. Start meetings with emotional check-ins.
A simple prompt like “What are two words that describe how you’re feeling today?” invites openness and models care. We ask for two words because emotions rarely live alone—joy can travel with exhaustion, and hope can sit beside worry.
2. Acknowledge the season.
Instead of pushing through the calendar with forced optimism, take a moment to name what’s real, “This time of year can feel heavy.” Between report deadlines, student transitions, farewells, and fatigue, the emotional load is real—for everyone. Naming it doesn’t make it worse; it makes it shared. Sometimes, the most powerful thing a leader can offer isn’t a solution, but simple validation. It tells your team, you’re not alone in this, and that acknowledgment can go a long way.
3. Reflect out loud.
When something doesn’t go as planned, say so. “I could’ve handled that conversation differently—and here’s what I’m learning.” Owning mistakes or missteps, without defensiveness, models accountability and growth. It shows your team that reflection isn’t reserved for formal evaluations, but is part of the daily rhythm of leadership. This kind of openness builds credibility, not weakness. It reminds others that learning is ongoing, even for those at the top. In fact, it’s often in these moments of honest reflection that trust deepens most.
4. Be generous with presence.
End-of-year pressure can make leaders disappear into logistics. Take time for unscripted conversations, hallway thank-yous, and moments of affirmation. These matter more than perfectly executed events.
Vulnerability Shapes Culture
When leaders consistently model vulnerability, it gives others permission to show up more fully, too. Teachers feel safer naming their own burnout or uncertainty. Students see that emotions aren’t something to hide. And the staffroom becomes a space of shared humanity, not silent struggle. Over time, that openness can shift a culture from guarded professionalism to genuine belonging. Especially in the emotionally charged final weeks of the year, that shift can make all the difference.
What People Will Remember
The field day, the slide shows, the awards—yes, those are part of the memory-making. But long after the final bell rings, what your team and your students will remember most is how they felt in your presence. They’ll remember whether they felt seen, heard, supported. They’ll remember whether it was safe to say, “This is hard.” And they’ll remember that their leader didn’t pretend to have it all together—but chose to lead with heart anyway.
Jeremy Majeski is the Principal of Frankfurt International School’s Wiesbaden Campus, where he leads with a focus on personalized learning, belonging, and leadership. With over two decades of experience in education—ranging from public schools in the United States of America to international schools in Europe—he is committed to building school cultures where students and educators feel seen, supported, and inspired. Jeremy also teaches graduate-level courses in education and writes about leadership, school culture, and innovation in learning.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmajeski/
