The Power of Gratitude (Who Is Packing Your Parachute?)
Last week I found a handwritten card in my box at school. It was from a student who will be a senior this coming school year. In the note, she was telling me thank you for the ways we had…
Principal Matters
with William D. Parker and Friends
William D. Parker
Interview with Deborah Gist
The following is an interview between Deborah Gist and me. Deborah A. Gist is the Superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools. Previously, she was Rhode Island Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education. Before coming to Rhode Island, Deborah served as the…
Take Time To Recharge Your Batteries
Last week I heard Dr. Adam Saenz speak at Oklahoma’s Engage Conference when he said, “Only when you find satisfaction in the totality of life can you really enjoy your calling.” School leadership is not just about the to-do’s of…
Choose To Run The Race Anyway
This past weekend, our oldest daughter, Emily, had signed up to run her first 5k with her younger sister who ended up unable to run it with her. When I drove Emily to the race downtown, I could tell she…
A Visit to the Capitol: 4 Lessons in Advocacy
Last week I had the privilege of attending NASSP’s summer advocacy conference for State Coordinators along with our state association President-Elect, Renae Dozier, from Grove, Oklahoma. Renae and I spent a full day visiting our representatives and/or their legislative staff…
The Importance of Public Relations: 4 Tips
I know a lot of people who love Chick-fil-A because of the quality of their food and service. If you’ve eaten there, you know how friendly they are to customers, you’ve seen the fresh flowers on the tables, and you…
Transformative Principal Interview, Part 2
Even with the rewarding moments of of being educators, I’m not sure I can imagine an occupation (unless it’s customer service reps or pastoring) that involves the inevitability of dealing with difficult situations or people. In Part 2 of my…
Transformative Principal Interview, Part 1
Sometimes it is both challenging and encouraging to reflect on why you do what you do. Serving others can be both rewarding and disappointing at the same time, but there are lessons we learn along the way that help us…
Elementary, My Dear Watson: 8 Solutions for Oklahoma Lawmakers
Educators face many similar challenges throughout the United States and across the world. This week, however, I want to address some issues close to home. Perhaps they will apply to other states as well. Twenty-one years ago, I was a…
5 Tips On Preparing For Your Next Launch
I’ve never been on a cruise ship, but I have lots of friends who tell me you couldn’t find a better vacation choice. Although I’d love to try one, I’ll have to take their word for it. With my four…