Dr. Jeffry Prickett is the principal of the East Campus of McHenry Community High School District #156 in Illinois. This award winning principal is a humble leader that simply describes himself as a high school principal, doctor, father, husband, podcaster, runner, and avid reader. He is the co-host of the Principal Leadership Lab Podcast where Kevin has been a guest, and now the tables are turned. They sit down to connect on how relationships have been the difference maker in his leadership journey. 

On this episode:

• Dr. Prickett shares his background and how he came to be a high school principal.
• Hear Dr. Prickett talk about the biggest challenge he sees when leading a high school.
• Kevin and Dr. Prickett discuss the importance of connection over just content.
• Kevin and Dr. Prickett talk about the fear teachers have about focusing on relationships over content.
• Dr. Prickett talks about the importance of voice and growing your voice in leadership roles.
• Dr. Prickett tells Kevin about several instances when relationships played a role in problematic situations. 
• Dr. Prickett and Kevin talk about the excitement in education on what changes could abound as a result of COVID. 

Key Takeaways:

•  Have a continuous plan to connect with students throughout the year- not just in the first five days.
• Focus on preparing students for their next step in life.
• When students trust you, they will be truthful with you. 

Tweetable Quotes:

“The more you spend upfront (in connecting) on the back end, you are going to get so much more in return.” - Dr. Prickett

“The principal is the number one indicator on whether you can truly shift the staff and culture.” - Kevin 

Dr. Jeffry Prickett:

Twitter and Facebook for Podcast: @ThePrincipalLeadershipLab

Twitter and Instagram for Dr. Prickett: @jdprickett

Facebook: @jeffryprickett

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