Not every day you get an audience with the incredible Exec Director @k_rigas! Empowered by her words: “Our cultural stories must be heard — from us, to the top.” Grateful for the support of our Dels @Peterjrouse, Dace & Jason. #Maori#Pasifika#Leadership#RepresentationMatters
A recent ASCD article, The Story We’re Not Telling About School Leaders by Edward Owusu, shared by Todd Whitaker, inspired me this morning. It’s a powerful reminder that while the challenges are real, the solutions are within reach, if we choose to value, invest in, and uplift those doing the work.
The pressure on principals today is real, and it comes at a cost. When school leaders burn out or leave, entire communities feel the impact. In Montgomery County, Maryland, nearly 135 schools have had leadership changes over the last five years. Just last year, 20% of schools had a new principal. That kind of turnover disrupts relationships, slows progress, and shakes the foundation of trust.
It’s not just about leaving. Even those who stay face mounting public scrutiny. When something goes wrong, a fight, a policy backlash, a curriculum disagreement, or an upset parent, the principal is often the first to be blamed.
But it doesn’t have to be this way!
When principals/school leaders are supported, schools thrive.
Having just completed my 18th year as a principal, here is what that support can and should look like:
•Dedicated coaching and mentorship for every principal—not just in their first year, but throughout their career.
•Additional assistant principals or deans to share the burden of discipline, operations, and student support.
•Protected time for instructional leadership—free from constant meetings, supervision, and non-stop crisis management.
•Access to mental health resources for principals themselves—not just for students and staff.
•School boards and district leaders publicly backing principals when they follow policy and act in the best interest of students.
And support doesn’t always have to come from policy or budgets. Some say leadership is a thankless job, but it doesn’t have to be. A simple “I see you,” a quick note of appreciation, or a moment of public recognition can go a long way. Everyone needs to feel valued, and that includes our principals.
I’ve seen this firsthand in our school district, in surrounding districts, and even in my own experience. There have been moments when I’ve sat on the edge of the couch and questioned whether I could keep doing this job. That’s why we need to support one another. Leadership shouldn’t be isolating, it should be a community.
And if you’re in need of a spark, a reminder of your purpose, or just a boost, check out The Interview Chair podcast by Jimmy Casas. It’s a great way to revive and relight the fire that brought many of us to this work in the first place.
https://t.co/hurtq3H6bX
Check out @PrincipalKafele AP and Nee Principal’s (great for veterans TOO) Academy!
https://t.co/YcXdjiUpLH
We have to change the narrative. Principals are not the problem. They are the foundation. Let’s stop asking who to blame and start asking how we can better support the people leading our schools every day. Because when we lose our leaders, we lose the heartbeat of our schools. @ToddWhitaker@casas_jimmy@ASCD #recalibrate #culturize #TheInterviewChair
Inspired by Pasifika pioneers in Academia at @UTS 4 of us Māori & Pasifika Principals in Metro SW Sydney attended. Let our culture be a compass & carrier. We stand on the shoulders of our ancestors and write the guide for those to come. 🧭✨
#PasifikaEd#AAMPP#QueensOfMischief
That time of the year when we start looking at the end of the year 🥇 🏆
Revamping our student Perpetual Awards. The old ones just don’t scream “I wanna win you!”
I had the opportunity to tell the story of my remarkable team on ABC 24 last night. Thanks again to @GavinCoote for showcasing the work at Braddock PS. @credfern5
This is our 3rd year engaging Creative Spring delivering wellbeing programs with a focus on trauma informed practice. Students love the interactive yoga and breath work with focus on key skills such as resilience, social skills, teamwork and communication https://t.co/QnepLWC10V
Statewide Curriculum focus for SDD Term 2. Lucky enough to have the lovely Megan Kelly, Heather Laverick and Cathy Zemaitis join us to start our day 🙌🏽
You might have seen us in the paper this morning! 👀📰
For high-quality education, a diverse community, support for all learners, and a world of opportunity – don’t turn the page.
Choose public. ✨ https://t.co/CBNkaB8d9w