5 Ways to Cultivate a Culture of Acceptance
The other day, I sat in a conversation with a student and a DHS worker who had come to take her into custody. She was no longer able to stay at her host home and would be moving back to…
Principal Matters Podcast
Join the Principal Matters Podcast for uplifting stories, practical tools, and real conversations that encourage, equip, and inspire school leaders to thrive every day
5 Ways To Respond To Resistance
One of my favorite college education professors would often start class with a provoking question. As we would grapple with how to answer and/or support our positions, he would stand there with his large hands lifted in the air, his…
10 Tidbits From My First Year of Blogging
This month marks the end of my freshman year of blogging about school leadership. When I began, my goal was to create content for others in my field but in a way that was accessible to anyone. Specifically, I wanted…
7 Mid-School Year Reminders on Finishing Strong
Recently, I was inspired by the story of Diana Nyad, who made it a personal goal to swim from Cuba to Florida and did so at the age of 64. Her 100-mile feat came with many unsuccessful previous attempts, the…
Interview with Steven Parker
The following is a Q & A between Steven Parker and me. Steven Parker is the principal of Cedar Lee Middle School in Bealton, Virginia. He was also named the 2013 Virginia Middle School Principal of the Year. My goal…
Why You Should Set Specific Goals This Year
I know. I know. Not another post on new year resolutions, right? Talking about goals can be both discouraging and irritating at times. Speaking from my own experience this past year, however, I must say that setting goals was one…
One Day in the Life of a Principal
Sometimes people ask me what a “typical day” looks like for me. Instead of creating a list of my responsibilities, perhaps an example of one day from last semester may serve as a better illustration:
Merry Christmas!
As you enjoy the time off from your normal day-to-day routines, I hope you take time to reflect on the priorities in your life that are most meaningful. For my family and many others, Christmas is a celebration of God’s…
7 Hats Principals Must Be Prepared To Wear
Recently, I was asked to speak to a group of teachers who are interested in becoming school principals. My task was to summarize some of the principal’s roles and responsibilities. If you are a principal, I am sure you could…