ABSTRACT
Trust, like air, is a complex balance of critical elements. By understanding the components of trust, leaders can be aware of how their actions affect the building's air quality. Several researchers are discovering the important link between school improvement and trust and affirming that successful schools thrive in an environment of strong trust connections among teachers, parents, students, and leaders. Trust supports the difficult work of school improvement, but can easily be destroyed by the leader's behaviors. Although the list of expectations is lengthy, a principal must be competent to create high-trust relationships with teachers. Authentic caring is a necessary component to building trust. Character traits such as telling the truth, being transparent, and having courage are traits of leaders who display character and create trust-building environments. Trust-building leaders communicate wisely and well. Leaders who are trust builders know the importance of understanding and recognizing the trust levels in the school or within the district.
