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A Quick Note to Listeners:
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Before this week’s interview, Will Parker answers a question from a student in Jen Schwanke’s graduate class at OSU.
The question is: What are the most effective strategies you’ve used or seen for retaining high-quality teachers, especially in challenging school environments? (Question from Emily Winship, 7th Grade Teacher, Student in Education Master’s program at the Ohio State University)
Listen in to hear his response and thank you for doing what matters!
Todd Bloomer, a New York native raised by educators, has dedicated his life to the field of education. After starting his career in Texas, he moved to San Antonio with his wife, Sharon, where they raised five children. Todd’s diverse experience in middle and high schools has shaped his unique perspective on education.
As principal of Bradley Middle School and later Winston Churchill High School, Todd built family-like atmospheres, championed student voices, and empowered teachers in their professional growth. An advocate for service-driven leadership, he is an active member of professional organizations like the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (TASSP) and Raise Your Hand Texas.
Todd is also a passionate blogger and author of the book, The Blueprint: Survive and Thrive as a School Administrator, offering strategies for impactful leadership. Outside of work, he enjoys exploring San Antonio’s amazing food scene with his family. Below is a summary of a conversation between Will Parker and Todd Bloomer about his book, The Blueprint: Survive and Thrive as a School Administrator.
Authenticity in Storytelling:
One of the things that is so moving about Todd’s book is the authenticity in explaining what he has done right as well as wrong. When asked to share some of the lessons he learned moving from an experienced principal in one building to starting over in another, Todd explains that it is important to share your journey while you are currently in that journey. Furthermore, sharing his struggles was important to him so that readers could relate. Another reason Todd feels it is important to be authentic in sharing his experience is that he believes authentic stories help others become better leaders. Being authentic and vulnerable with his audience allows readers to connect with his story and builds rapport with his audience.
Commitment to Systems:
A commitment to systems is what Todd believes helps leaders focus on areas of their greatest strengths. Without a system, Todd states, leaders become the fireman of the campus, running around doing everything and nothing at the same time. Systems and structures put in place are what helped Todd survive his leadership journey. One way he says that leaders can implement systems into their work is through developing a relationship with your principal’s secretary and putting them in charge of your calendar. Then, have the person in charge of your calendar build in time for teacher observations and meetings with important teams and individuals throughout the work week. Todd emphasizes the importance of building a structure to have a family-like atmosphere at school. He shares how he sits on a red bench on the grounds of his school and works throughout the day. Students and teachers are able to approach him throughout the day. The bench enables him to increase visibility and build relationships with his students and staff. Finally, Todd talks about how putting physical well-being at the top of his structure is vital for him to maintain his sanity and keep up with the rigor of being a school leader.
Finding a “Tribe”:
In his book, Todd Bloomer talks about the importance of finding a tribe as a school leader. He explains that he defines tribe as people that he can seek out and get advice from as a leader. Throughout his career, he has purposefully sought out more experienced principals and picked their brains about what made them successful. Moreover, his tribe consists of a group of people he texts everyday to check in with. He encourages listeners to do the same, stating that the worst anyone can say is no. Todd also reveals that leaders’ tribes should come from within the district and outside of it. Additionally, he cautions leaders by stating that they will fail without a strong tribe.
Lightning Round:
At the end of the episode, Will asks Todd to answer some lightning round questions, answering in only a sentence or two. The topics covered in the lightning round are:
- The best way to lead an effective faculty meeting
- Managing email as a leader
- Handling a hard conversation with someone who needs to be let go
- Alert “Social Media Threat” to your school
- Where you’d take a friend to eat in San Antonio and why
Listen in to hear Todd’s responses!
Staying Connected:
You can stay connected to Todd Bloomer via:
- Email: bloomertodd98@gmail.com
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- Todd’s website: https://www.toddmbloomer.com/
