Andy DeFreece

Director of Elementary and Early Childhood Education - Millard Public Schools in Omaha, Nebraska

[Andy DeFreece @DeFreec]

@tomshatelOWH For your readers too. Congrats!

[Andy DeFreece @DeFreec]

@cucoachmac Stud! We loved watching him in the Creighton blue!

[Andy DeFreece @DeFreec]

@cucoachmac When you see and live in positive leadership spaces…you are far more likely to want that for others and see yourself as capable of giving it to others. Thats a powerful legacy!

[Andy DeFreece @DeFreec]

@tydavis_3 @SamfordMBB Thank you for spending some time in Omaha! We enjoyed watching your play for the Jays!

[Andy DeFreece @DeFreec]

@dhurley15 This is classy! Two great coaches.

[Andy DeFreece @DeFreec]

Worth a quick read.

[Danny Steele @SteeleThoughts]

Great principals do a thousand things in a given week. They solve problems, support teachers, calm worried parents, guide students, analyze data, and keep a school moving forward.

It’s complex work. But when you step back and look closely, the most effective principals tend to get a few foundational things consistently right.

Here are ten of the habits that set great principals apart:

1. They recognize the value of every adult in the building. From teachers to custodians to office staff, great principals know that schools succeed because of people. They notice the work others do, and they make a point to say thank you often.

2. They support their teachers—especially when it matters most. Whether the challenge is a difficult student, a frustrated parent, or a tense situation with a colleague, great principals stand beside their teachers. They trust them. They believe in them. And their staff knows they have someone in their corner.

3. They lead from the halls, not just the office. Great principals understand that leadership happens where learning happens. You’ll find them in classrooms, hallways, the lunchroom, the bus line, and at carpool—engaging with students and connecting with staff.

4. They involve others in decisions. Great principals know they don’t have all the answers—and they don’t try to. They seek input, invite perspectives, and empower others to help shape the direction of the school.

5. They stay focused on learning. Student achievement is always on their radar. They spend time in classrooms, encourage strategic instruction, and ensure assessments are meaningful. Most importantly, they help teachers use data to better meet the needs of their students.

6. They cultivate collaboration. Great principals know that teaching can’t be a solo sport. They intentionally create structures and expectations that help teachers learn from one another and grow together.

7. They refuse to settle for the status quo. The best principals hold high expectations—for themselves and for everyone in the building. They articulate a compelling vision and challenge their school community to keep getting better.

8. They protect staff morale. Great principals know that culture matters. They work to create an environment where teachers feel respected, supported, and proud to work.

9. They bring positive energy every day. Schools are emotional places, and leadership energy is contagious. Great principals understand that positivity isn’t optional—it’s essential.

10. They always keep students at the center. Every decision, every conversation, every initiative ultimately comes back to one question: What’s best for kids? Great principals build relationships with students and make sure their well-being and success drive the work of the school.

None of these practices require perfection. But when principals commit to these habits day after day, they create schools where teachers feel supported, students feel valued, and learning thrives.

Cheers,

Danny

[Andy DeFreece @DeFreec]

@davematthewsbnd Can’t wait to see them at Morton Amphitheater in KC this summer!

[Andy DeFreece @DeFreec]

@nsaahome @wahoopublic @WahooVocalMusic She did a great job!

[Andy DeFreece @DeFreec]

@Jindo_1307979 9800 - move the stick at the bottom of the 5 to the upper right to create a 9 Move the stick in the middle of the 8 to the middle of the first zero to change it from a 0 to an 8. 9800?

[Andy DeFreece @DeFreec]

@Mishi_2210 116

[Andy DeFreece @DeFreec]

@thescottbarber @WirtzWendy I love people who have a passion. Let them shine indeed.

[Andy DeFreece @DeFreec]

Such a great feeling to serve in that space daily.

[Pope Leo XIV @Pontifex]

Life shines brightly not because we are rich, beautiful or powerful. Instead, it shines when we discover within ourselves the truth that we are called by God, have a vocation, have a mission, that our lives serve something greater than ourselves.

[Andy DeFreece @DeFreec]

@NCSAToday @bjelkin @MillardPS @NCSAAbbey @NCSAmike @NDESchoolSafety @JSchwartzMPS Top notch leader! Super deserving!

[Andy DeFreece @DeFreec]

@PrincipalProj @tamschaefer @gregberge Gallup says - Trust, compassion, stability and hope. Pretty similar.

[Andy DeFreece @DeFreec]

@flying_bluejay2 I hope we play better than we dance. The “We win…we dance” videos will be fun though. Roll Jays!

[Andy DeFreece @DeFreec]

@realJonTucker @HuskerWave @HCUFootball Agree. Two words as a reminder - Georgia Southern!

[Buffett EC Institute @BuffettECI]

Congratulations to @JSchwartzMPS, who was recently named the 2025 Nebraska Superintendent of the Year by @NCSAToday.

We appreciate his partnership and support of early learning!

[Rockwell Elementary @MPSRockwell]

This week, we had a blast getting our soon-to-be Kindergarteners ready! 🎒✨ We wrapped it up with a fun morning on our playground—playing games, sharing popsicles, & building friendships during our Kindergarten Playdate. ❤️💙 We’re so excited for the 25���26 school year to begin!

[Andy DeFreece @DeFreec]

@Hassel_Chris Bad take Chris…but I did bite and commented. I’m all for cameos, a hokey predictable plot, and nostalgia.

[Andy DeFreece @DeFreec]

@AMAZlNGNATURE Amazing.