If you’ve been in education for a bit, you likely have a favorite principal. For me, it’s Principal Gibson. She led my middle school in Texas for four years; a consummate professional who supported, celebrated, and encouraged students while truly standing firmly beside every teacher on campus.
Principal Gibson…
- listened with empathy
- operated with grace and compassion
- held both students and teachers to high expectations wrapped in accountability
- led with confidence
Her leadership wasn’t just about systems or strategy; it was about the culture she created. The humor, the sense of belonging, humanity, and warm visibility that was seasoned with genuine care; the shared purpose in that building has stayed with me long after I moved on.
➡️ If one of your teachers were describing your school to a new hire or a colleague across the district, what would you hope they’d say? How do you want them to describe the culture of your school?
We’re not aiming for perfection, but instead, for intentionality. The clearer we are about the kind of culture we want to create, the more we can shape daily interactions, routines, and decisions that make it real.
Later this week, we will share a few ways to potentially use AI to help you turn your vision into action.
