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A Quick Note to Listeners:
Before each week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and I spend some time answering a listener question. This week’s question is:
How do you coach and support teachers at different levels in their experience? For instance, new teachers, mid-level, and veterans?
Listen in to hear our response!
Meet Justin Wax:
Justin Wax is the Louisiana Principal of the Year and is in his fifth year as principal of Denham Springs Junior High in Livingston Parish. Under his leadership, the school is a 2024 and 2025 Top Gains Honoree, was named one of U.S. News and World Report’s Best Middle Schools for 2024 – 2026, and has been named a 2026 Model School. A graduate of LSU with a bachelor’s in business administration and a master’s in educational leadership from Southeastern Louisiana University, Wax came to education through alternative certification. He runs an aquaponics lab to conserve endangered Louisiana plant and animal species, partners with community leaders to eliminate student fees, and supports a rapidly growing English learner population. Wax is committed to helping others become a capacity catalyst. He serves as Vice President of the Livingston Parish Principals Association and board member of Louisiana Association of Principals. Wax is a married father of three young children and serves as a deacon at his church.
Build for Forever:
In this episode of Principal Matters, host Dr. Jen Schwanke sits down with Justin Wax, Louisiana Principal of the Year and principal of Denham Springs Junior High, to discuss how leaders can shift from gatekeepers to empowerers. Justin shares actionable insights on how to step out of the way, build collective efficacy, and cultivate a vibrant school culture where everyone leads. Here are a few key takeaways from the conversation with Justin:
Shift from Leader to “Capacity Catalyst”:
To stop being the bottleneck, you have to adopt a new mindset. Justin introduces the concept of the Capacity Catalyst—a leader who intentionally creates opportunities for others to step up, contribute, and shine. Time and resources are finite. Instead of trying to do it all, a capacity catalyst focuses on leveraging individual team strengths, fostering deep community relationships, and maximizing the tools already at hand. We need to stop equating long hours with productivity and align schedules with actual priorities, ensuring time is spent on what truly moves the needle for your school community.
Empower Others Through Trust (The 80% Rule):
We often say “delegation” when we really mean “giving tasks away.” Justin prefers the word empowerment, which grants team members the actual authority and freedom to make decisions. Leaders often hoard work because they fear mistakes or believe they can do it better themselves. Justin uses a brilliant rule of thumb: aim for 80% completion from your team members, and then work together to cross the finish line. This builds immense trust, collaborative spirit, and a deep sense of staff ownership.
Cultivate Teacher Leaders and Build Pipelines:
Justin is clear that the accolades at Denham Springs Junior High aren’t a solo achievement; they are the result of collective effort. Justin shares how he intentionally builds sustainable leadership pipelines by giving teachers the space and independence to sponsor clubs, pioneer initiatives, and involve students in high-level decision-making. He encourages principals not to wait for a flawless plan. Embrace a “test and learn” environment. Cultivating a pilot mentality reduces the fear of failure and supercharges innovation.
Protect the “Three Years of Awesome”:
A thriving school culture relies entirely on strong relationships. Justin’s school’s mantra—“three years of awesome”—captures his fierce commitment to making the junior high experience unforgettable and positive for students and staff alike. He also suggests watching to see if students are actively taking ownership and leading the programming, because that is a clear sign that leadership isn’t just coming from the front office.
This episode provides many takeaways for principals, and will help principals know how to do something Justin values— building not just for today, but for forever.
Staying Connected:
If you would like to connect with Justin Wax, you can reach him on Facebook. You can also visit his school’s Facebook to learn more about Denham Springs Jr. High.
