In this episode of the Innovative Schools Podcast, Jordan and Will sit down with Principal Baruti Kafele—educator, author of 14 books, and national education leader—to discuss the journey from classroom teacher to principal to renowned speaker. With over 35 years in education and more than 3,000 presentations, Principal Kafele shares his philosophy of self-reflection, attitude, and leadership. From starting as a fifth-grade teacher in Brooklyn to transforming schools as a principal to launching the AP & New Principals Academy, he emphasizes being "comfortable with being uncomfortable" as the foundation of growth.

🔑 Key Takeaways

✔️ Attitude before achievement: Changing student and staff mindsets creates conditions where achievement follows naturally.
✔️ Leadership is visible everywhere: The culture, cleanliness, energy, and interactions in a school all reflect its leadership.
✔️ Self-reflection is non-negotiable: Educators must analyze their own "game film" daily to improve incrementally.
✔️ Instructional leadership matters most: Principals can’t hide behind paperwork—coaching teachers is the core of school leadership.
✔️ Never stop growing: Comfort halts progress; discomfort sparks innovation and impact.
✔️ Legacy of influence: Great leaders create schools where students and teachers believe in themselves and each other.

💬 Memorable Quotes

🗣️ "If I can change the attitude, the achievement will take care of itself."

🗣️ "Leadership is everything that happens in a school—even the graffiti in the bathroom."

🗣️ "Be comfortable with being uncomfortable, and uncomfortable with being comfortable."

🗣️ "Your leadership is the number one determinant of the success or failure of your school."

🗣️ "When I visit a school, I want to see the leadership without seeing the leader."

🗣️ "Bring your best self every time—you never know when your opportunity will knock."

🧠 Strategies You’ll Learn

• The Mirror Method
  • Daily self-reflection: What went well? What didn’t?
  • Brutal honesty in self-assessment.
  • Write goals and adjustments for tomorrow.
  • Preserve longevity through intentional self-care.
• Closing the Attitude Gap
  • Define it for students: will to achieve vs. lack of will.
  • Define it for staff: educators striving to be excellent vs. those who don’t.
  • Shift attitudes first—achievement will follow.
• Instructional Leadership in Action
  • Be in classrooms consistently, not just during evaluations.
  • Coach teachers like athletes are coached—daily, consistently, relentlessly.
  • Remember: observation ≠ coaching.
• Building Visible Leadership
  • Greet every student at the door.
  • Launch each day with a morning message.
  • Ensure custodial, front office, and culture details align with high expectations.
• Creating Discomfort for Growth
  • Push beyond familiar routines.
  • Model vulnerability and willingness to stretch.
  • Encourage staff to embrace challenges and risk-taking.

👁️‍🗨️Additional Practices

• Daily Journaling: Write reflections and goals tied to your mirror practice.
• Principal Walkthroughs: Roam the building intentionally, noticing culture cues.
• Staff Buy-In: Anchor staff meetings around attitude, self-reflection, and growth.
• Mentorship for Leaders: Participate in or create accountability partnerships for principals and APs.
• Community Connection: Anchor school culture in authentic relationships with students and families.
• Leadership Mindset: Remember—leadership is not a title, it’s a mindset shown in every detail of a school.

📚 Resources and Links

🔗 Principal Baruti Kafele’s website: https://principalkafele.com/

🔗 AP & New Principals Academy: https://www.youtube.com/c/VirtualAPLeadershipAcademy

🔗 Principal Baruti Kafele Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/principalkafele/?hl=en

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