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đŸ”„ Cracking the Code: What Makes a School Leader Great

What Do All Great School Leaders Have in Common?

Author

Dan Watt
May 19, 2025 ‱ Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes

Leading a school shouldn't feel like surviving on an island.


But too many principals do it solo, burning out fast and second-guessing every move.


This week, we’re spotlighting three leaders who cracked the code by getting real, finding their people, and staying fired up.

First time reading? Sign up here and join 5,460 Ruckus Makers Doing School Different 🎉

INSPIRATION STATION

It’s okay to steal — Feel free to share any of these links and how we write about them and drop ‘em right into your staff newsletter this week.

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A MESSAGE FROM EXPRESSABILITY K12

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Answer the same questions (time and again)?

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THE RUCKUS MAKER MONTHLY THEME: CELEBRATING OUR MEMBERS

What Do All Great School Leaders Have in Common?

Being a school leader today isn’t easy. It takes more than managing people or solving problems. It takes heart, courage, and a strong community.

This month we’re celebrating the incredible work of our Mastermind members. These leaders are growing, connecting, and showing up for their schools in powerful ways.

This week, meet three Ruckus Makers making a big difference: Charles, Ben, and Stacey.

Leading with Heart

Charles Hartney is the Head of Upper School and DEI Coordinator at the Park School of Buffalo. He used to feel unsure about how to lead in a way that matched who he truly is. Traditional leadership didn’t feel right.

When he joined the Mastermind, Charles found a space where he could be honest and brave. He created a 90-day plan that reflected his values. He partnered with teachers to build shared goals and strengthen school culture. Most importantly, he led with honesty and authenticity.

When leaders are true to themselves, people trust them. And trust helps schools thrive.

You Don’t Have to Lead Alone

Ben Jones, principal of Shiloh Point Elementary, loved his job, but not the isolation that came with it.

The Mastermind gave Ben a trusted circle of leaders. He looked forward to weekly calls, where he could learn from others and feel supported. The group gave him fresh energy and bold ideas.

“Leadership used to be lonely, now it’s almost easy.”

Today, Ben leads with confidence and renewed passion. He’s not going it alone, and he’s supported by a team.

Keep Growing

Stacey Green has served in many roles, including principal and superintendent. Even with years of experience, Stacey wanted to keep improving. She joined the Mastermind to stay sharp and intentional.

Every week, she carved out time to reflect, set goals, and check in with peers. That rhythm helped her stay grounded in her purpose and focused on what matters most.

Stacey’s story reminds us that great leaders never stop learning. They grow by lifting others up.

Want to Lead Better?

Charles, Ben, and Stacey didn’t do it alone. They said yes to a strong community, honest growth, and real support.

  • They lead with their values

  • They stay connected to a trusted community

  • They keep growing, no matter how long they’ve led

Their stories show that the path to exceptional leadership isn’t solitary, it’s shared.

Are you ready to join them? Step into a circle of support that challenges you to think bigger, grow faster, and lead better. Apply to the Mastermind today and transform not just your leadership, but your entire school community.

LEADERSHIP EDGE

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MONDAY VIBES

WEEKLY CHALLENGE

Lead Like a Ruckus Maker

This week, step into bold, authentic leadership by focusing on one of the Mastermind moves:

1. Show Up Authentically

  • Challenge: Write down your top 3 leadership values. Then, identify one way to embody each value more clearly this week — in an email, a meeting, or a 1:1 conversation.

2. Break the Isolation

  • Challenge: Reach out to a colleague outside your school or district. Ask one thoughtful question about their leadership practice — and share something you’re trying, too.

3. Model Growth

  • Challenge: Share one resource, insight, or reflection with your team that shows you’re still learning. Bonus points if you invite them to teach you something back.

✅ Take 10 minutes to commit to one of these moves and put it into practice this week.
Want accountability? Hit “reply” and tell us which challenge you’re choosing.

Keep Making a Ruckus,

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