In this podcast episode of the principal entrepreneur we get the honor of talking with nationally recognized keynote speaker and author Dr. Craig Boykin. His keynote GED to Phd is an inspirational talk focusing on his journey from drop out to doctorate. And more importantly the strategies educators can use to overcome and reach at risk youth. Dr. Boykin is the author of My Life Your Inspiration, College Success 2.0, and Right Motives Wrong Methods: Teaching with Poverty in Mind.

In this short 25 minute conversation Dr. Boykin touches on his rough child hood and his journey from drop out to doctorate. During the conversation he also offers advice to educators on working with "at risk youth" and the inspiration for his book Right Motives Wrong Methods that has even more strategies than we had time to get into.

He also suggests a couple of books that had a strong impact on him; anything by Principal Kafele and Lead Like Jesus by Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges

I land on the introverted side of the Myers Briggs personality test. I find large gatherings of people and the social interaction needed in those moments exhausting. Especially if the event is purely a social function. I do much better if there is a purpose that I set out to achieve in large group settings. Which means that as the principal at dances, graduation, or other after school activities where I know that I’m going to be interacting with the community, I must mentally prepare myself to be welcoming, friendly, and engaging.

I was worried about this when I first started as a principal but have come to realize that being introverted, while not as exciting as some of my more extroverted colleagues, doesn’t hinder my impact as a leader. The following three characteristics of introverted leadership have helped me support my staff and students in an authentic way.

Introverts are great Receptors
Just like a receptor organ that responds to outside stimuli an introverted leader is more likely to accept and respond well to outside input. When working with a great staff an introverted leader is able to listen and take the expertise of that staff with an open mind. According to an article from the Harvard Business Review titled The Hidden Advantage of Quiet Bosses “groups with proactive followers performed better under an introverted leader”. I have a great staff and they consistently have good ideas that help move the school forward. Because I don’t feel the need to be front and center they have the space necessary to grow.

Authenticity leads to greatness
As I researched this topic I came across an article titled Are you an Introvert? You can still be a great leader. One of the strengths that struck a chord with me was the idea that introverts like to authentically connect with people in small group or one on one situations. This is absolutely true for me and is why I really like being the leader of an alternative high school. While there are certainly stressors, I truly enjoy the close connections I can make with staff and students.

Still waters run deep
The third way introverts leverage their natural tendencies is when we do eventually speak up. I’ve found that when I finally do have something to say everybody stops and listens and then seems to take a second to process what I’ve said. Whereas those who speak more often, sometimes their ideas or viewpoints are dismissed because they are always chiming in. According to an Entrepreneur.com article 6 Truths on why introverts make great leaders, “[I}ntroverts leverage their power of presence: they “own” the moment by speaking calmly and deliberately, which translates to a positive perception.”. When introverts speak people listen.

Introverts while not as flashy as extroverts can still be and are great principals. They are receptive to others’ ideas, authentic in their relationships and have the power to leverage conversations that matter. What are other strengths or introverted principals? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

If you’re a principal make sure you check out the new grant/scholarship available that honors the hard work you put in on a daily basis. K12 principals click here to learn more

If you’re an auditory learner you can download my podcast at The Principal Entrepreneur podcast, new episodes weekly. Finally, I’m part of a community of supportive principals, please join our private FB group.

I recently made $500.00 revive and renew grant available for K12 principals. I know how important it is to make sure we take care of ourselves. One of the common themes we deal with as principals is the never ending work, be it meetings, corresponding through emails or simply staying late to get the day to day paperwork done that accumulates because we’re out in the halls, at lunch, and in the classrooms.

The reason why this grant is available is because it provides a couple of benefits. One of those is, I can help a colleague get the relaxation they deserve. Taking time off actually increases productivity. It gives your brain time to relax and make connections you can’t see when you’re continually grinding. According to Scientific American, a wandering mind unsticks us in time so that we can learn from the past and plan for the future. This is important for us as we finish up our school year and begin planning for the next.

The other benefit is part of the stipulation for applying for the grant is the agreement to be interviewed on my podcast. On the podcast I’ll get the opportunity to discuss that particular principals’ innovative leadership, their area of expertise or their area of passion and share it with the larger educational community. By leveraging this grant I get the opportunity to learn from the best in the business and spread the word about the great things other leaders are doing.

Taking a break is essential to being an effective school leader. Often times we feel guilty for taking that time even if we know logically that we should. Our gut and self-identity is tied up in what we do. Finding time to uncouple ourselves from our work can relieve stress, lower blood pressure and actually increase our productivity when we come back.

Killing yourself with the daily grind of work reduces your capacity to be an effective school leader. Give yourself a break. The work will be there when you get back.

How do you find time for yourself in a busy school year? Share your best tips in the comment section below.

If you’re interested in learning more about the $500.00 revive and renew grant for k12 principals click here.

For more short articles and tips that support educational leaders check out my other blogs at the http://www.theprincipalentrepreneur.com/ and/or pre order my newest book How To Be A Great Principal: 36 Shared Leadership Success Strategies. If you’re an auditory learner you can download my podcast The Principal Entrepreneur, new episodes weekly. Finally, I’m part of a community of supportive principals please join our private FB group.

I recently interviewed elementary principal Craig McCalla on my podcast. His educational philosophy is rooted in inclusion. One of the things he said that really stuck, it was really the passion with which he said it, was all kids means all kids! As Principals we are trained to be inclusive. In order to be great we must believe that every child deserves a chance to be treated equitably regardless of background. However are legal policies in place to be exclusionary either by erecting a wall or discriminating through immigration policies how are the children of these excluded groups going to be welcomed in our schools? How do we ensure that every child feels safe when the world around them isn’t? For me the idea of a sanctuary school is one where all children feel welcome and safe. These three secrets of inclusion are really best practices

Money Matters
This is where most of us can start. We have the power to allot money to posters, books, guest speakers and classroom materials that highlight our community's’ diversity. Using these funds and our staff we can decorate our buildings with images from around the globe. Asking students, families, and community members who their cultural heroes are and then finding ways to display them creates a learning experience for everyone. Even if you’re in a homogenous community, finding books from multiple cultural, socioeconomic and if you’re really daring, sexual identity perspectives and having them in your school and classroom libraries is essential.

Secret Software
Just like the interactive software program Rosetta Stone, you want to be interactive with your students who come from different linguistic backgrounds. Something as simple as “good morning” in a student's’ home language will bring a smile to their face and help them feel safe. Especially if you’re like me and mess up the pronunciation. This small gesture lets the students know that they are welcome in your school and that you have the courage to try to meet them where they arel. As your staff and students see you model this behavior they will follow your lead. This act of personal kindness and cultural sensitivity will help break down superficial barriers.

Apps connect communities
This is a simple tip that must be used judiciously. An app like Google Translator doesn’t always address context. When you send newsletters and other communication out to families, using Google Translator is an easy way to translate your information to all families. If you’re lucky enough to have someone in your district for each language that is spoken having them review the newsletter is always a good idea. I’ve found that even if there are mistakes the families appreciate you reaching out to them and making that attempt. It shows that you respect them and their culture. A school practice of spreading your message in multiple language will help bring your community closer.


Creating a safe school community is the first thing a Principal establishes. Using these tips to help bring your school together is a way to combat the fear that some of our students feel as national policies change.

What are some ways you help your students and families feel welcome? Check out the corresponding blog at theprincipalentrepreneur.com

Below you'll find a list to see if you're a sanctuary school.

You know you’re a sanctuary school when you promote a safe and orderly school environment for all students.
You know you’re a sanctuary school when you have a robust ELL program.
You know you’re a sanctuary school when you send out newsletters in more than one language.
You know you’re a sanctuary school when your graduation includes an interpreter.
You know you're a sanctuary school when your school consistently celebrates multiple cultures throughout the school year.
You know you’re a sanctuary school when your staff works towards cultural proficiency.
You know you’re a sanctuary school when minority students come to school at the same rate as the general student body.
You know you’re a sanctuary school if Immigration and Customs officials treat your school as a “sensitive location”.
You know you’re a sanctuary school when multiple staff members speak some of the languages of your student body.
Finally:​ You know you’re a sanctuary school if your students’ families bring food in to share with members of your staff.

What are other ways your school demonstrates its commitment to all children? Share your views in the comment section of the corresponding blog.

For more short articles and tips that support educational leaders check out my blog at the http://www.theprincipalentrepreneur.com/ and pre order my newest book How To Be A Great Principal: 36 Shared Leadership Success Strategies. If you're interested in applying for the $500.00 Revive and Renew K12 Principals' Grant you can check that out at theprincipalentrepreneur.com Finally, I’m part of a community of supportive principals please join our private FB group.

With Betsy Devos as Secretary of Education the momentum behind charters and voucher systems continues to increase. However the momentum behind these options was already building and her selection merely highlights the trend towards schools of choice. According to a document from the National Alliance for Charter Schools, charter schools have grown six fold in the last 15 years. Which means there are close to 7000 charters educating about 2.9 million students.

The reason this is important is because it illustrates the reality of the current educational landscape. That being said, how can public schools embrace the reality and ride the wave of change instead of being swept away like Blockbuster was by Netflix.

One of the main things public schools can do maintain the status quo is simple but not easy. Talking with all you parents consistently is key. Focusing on parents/guardians and families will give you the biggest bang for your buck. Focusing on this single aspect will create a ripple effect over time. Calling parents is the one thing you can do from a communication standpoint than can impact your student count. It will help you retain and acquire more students.

This kind of mindset, where we’re battling against other schools for students, is easy to fall into. Which leads to the question: how can we have an abundant mindset? Are there ways that traditional public schools can partner with charters. What can public schools learn well performing from charters? I have no concrete answers, but it is a question worth asking.

Just like in teaching good questions elicit thoughtful answers. What are some other questions or comments surrounding this topic? Share your ideas in the comment section below.

For more articles check out my website theprincipalentrepreneur.com. If you’re an auditory learner check out more of my podcast right here on podomatic and iTunes and subscribe to The Principal Entrepreneur.

In this podcast episode we were blessed to have one of the nations most respected and inspiring educational leaders Principal Kafele (pronounced Kafaylay).

These are just some of the highlights of his career. He is one of the most sought after educational speakers in America as evidenced by his 1000 plus keynotes. He’s the thought leader and originator behind the concept of the attitude gap which describes the difference between those with the will to achieve excellence and those who don’t. He is the author of eight books including his national best-sellers, Closing the Attitude Gap, Motivating Black Males to Achieve in School and in Life and The Principal 50. He also dropped his newest book, The Teacher 50 just last year.

In the short time we had we delved into his origin story and how he became an educator and principal. we talked about his greatest challenge as principal and what he learned from it. We also discussed the themes in his best selling book , The Principal 50 and the advice he would give to aspiring and practicing principals.

The Big Three Car Companies, (General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler) have been around since the early 1900’s, just a bit more than 100 years. Blockbuster video started in the 1980’s about thirty years ago, and Blackberry phones came out in the early 2000’s about fifeteen years ago. At one point it was unfathomable that these three titans would fall. Now however, Blockbuster is gone, Blackberry is regulated to the recycling heap and an afterthought in the phone industry, and The Big Three car companies have been disrupted by the economy, challenges from across the ocean and new technology. They continue fighting to regain their global dominance but it is not an easy battle

The reason the above examples are important is because traditional public schools are in a similar position to those companies. Public schools are over 200 years old and just like these three former leaders of their respective business sectors, are facing a new challenger in the form of charter schools. And just like The Big Three, Blockbuster, and Blackberry they’re losing.

Public schools have been around so long that and the thinking so entrenched that there is a belief that no one can do it better. Like The Big Three, public schools are stuck in an industrial age mentality. Schools are still run by the ringing of a bell, just like they signaled a shift change in old car factories. That mentality doesn’t work anymore, change is here.

Like Toyota, charters came in and started running lean schools. They eagerly embraced new ideas like data driven decision making and were able to create schools based on particular community niches. Public schools like The Big Three continues to lurch into the new century struggling to play catch up.

Those with public school blinders on are refusing to see the education revolution. Like Netflix, Charters are the early adopters of a new social reality. They are not perfect but they are attempting to cater to their constituents needs. They have to in order to survive.

New thought processes are at play and the customers preference and ease of access to whatever they want is now the norm. Schools “on demand” in the form of school choice continues to disrupt public schools.

In the past public schools were the only game in town and so were able to treat families poorly or with complete disregard. This is no longer the case. The consumer is gaining more control and public schools like Blockbuster need to adapt or die.

Blackberry failed to see Apple as a threat. Public schools thought charters were cute when they first started. According to a pamphlet put out by the National Alliance for Charter Schools, charter schools have grown six fold in the last 15 years. That was before Betsy Devos, became Secretary of Education. The market is continuing to go in that direction and the speed of that change continues to grow.

Charter schools are not going anywhere. Public schools need to adapt and quickly. Old thinking needs to change or just like The Big Three, Blockbuster, and Blackberry public schools will eventually fall and there will be no bail out.

In this episode I talk with our very first Middle School Principal; Sean Fisher. Mr. Fisher is the first African American Male Principal in Dearborn Michigan's Public Schools. He is a former sergeant in the US Army (honorably discharged) and has expertise in creating a restorative culture which reduces suspensions, expulsions and achievement disparities.

We discuss his path into education, what he learned on that journey and how it influences his vision. We also talk about his biggest struggles, what he's most proud of and the advice he would give to first year principals.

In this episode I talk to Elementary Principal Craig McCalla.
Craig is in his 11th year as Principal in the small town Dexter Michigan. He was Michigan’s Region Two Principal of the year in 2012. He started out as a Special Ed teacher of Emotional Impaired students, then eventually made his way from assistant principal to principal of his own building.

In this episode we talk about his path to the principalship, what he’s learned and what tips he has to share on including transgender students in his school. The entire transcript of the interview will be added shortly.

We’re three quarters of the way done with the school year. It’s mandated high stakes testing time. Staff is feeling overwhelmed, fatigued and unsupported. As a result student referrals are up, we’re getting more and more students sent through the disciplinary process, and there are more snide comments and side looks then at anytime of the year. These 3 strategies will help ease the burnout and keep staff engaged.

Planned Support
Take a look at your school calendar. Ask yourself what events will create more stress for teachers. Anything that is outside the regular school day norm are good events for you to stop in and show your face and smile. Your presence at these types of unstructured, non routine events will help ease tensions. The adults will feel supported as you work your way through the student body making commentary and redirecting behaviors before they escalate. Being strategic about these supportive visits will ensure that you’re not overtaxed yourself.

Surprise Community Building
Find a time in the final quarter to do a couple of community building activities. Scrap one of your staff meetings and bring in ice cream and sundae fixings. Discuss the wins of the school year and all the great things that have been accomplished so far. Provide an opportunity for staff members to give kudos to each other for their hard work. I recently made breakfast for the staff before a professional development and the time shared eating was just as beneficial. This type of community building will help energize and reduce the fatigue of staff.

Lead the disengagement
Demonstrate through your own actions that you believe they should have time for themselves. Don’t send or answer emails over the weekend. The work will be there when they get back. Staff won't believe you when you tell them not to take their work home all the time if that’s what you’re doing. Have conversations with them and let them know that you don’t expect that work to be done over the weekend. There will still be staff that works over the weekend, but if they know it’s not expected that alone will help them feel less overwhelmed.

Staff is overwhelmed, fatigued and burnt out. Planning a support strategy over the final weeks, creating opportunities for the staff to get together and share success and leading the disengagement from work will help keep your staff engaged.