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Design Thinking Just Flipped the Principal Playbook

Author

Danny Bauer
February 02, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes

The same process that built the iPhone is transforming how elite principals lead schools.

While most leadership programs push endless checklists and "best practices," a small group of innovative principals are using design thinking to reimagine their first 90 days.

The results? Instead of drowning in busywork and fighting fires, they're creating schools that practically run themselves.

But here's what's wild: Less than 2% of principals are trained in this approach.

Here's how Ruckus Makers are using design thinking to revolutionize education...

First time reading? Sign up here and join 5,704 Ruckus Makers Doing Do School Different 🎉

OFF CAMPUS

A MESSAGE FROM EDUCATOR 2 ENTREPRENEUR

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Most principals get handed the keys and told "don't change a thing." They spend their first 90 days drowning in busywork while their vision collects dust.

That ends now.

The 90-Day Accelerator isn't a binder full of "best practices” handed down from central office.

It's your blueprint for turning traditional school leadership on its head and building an Automatic School that practically runs itself.

Here's the thing: You get ONE shot at making a legendary first impression. While Play-It-Safe-Principals are updating handbooks, you'll be:

  • Creating a culture staff fight to be part of

  • Building systems that eliminate chaos, not just manage it

  • Designing a campus experience students can't wait to show up for

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  • Drowning in administrative busywork

  • Fighting fires you didn't start

  • Watching your vision die in your inbox

Want in? Join the waitlist before spots fill up.

TIP OF THE WEEK

This $18B Industry Is Stuck in 1985. Here's How Design Thinking Is Flipping It on Its Head

Ever wonder why most first-year principals look like they're starring in their own personal disaster movie?

Hint: It's not because they're bad at their jobs.

The real problem?

The $18B professional development industry is still teaching school leadership like it's 1985.

Their solution to everything: Here's another binder, good luck .

But a growing movement of Ruckus Makers is using design thinking to shake things up.

Here's how they're turning traditional entry plans into innovation engines:

  • Traditional principals start with checklists. Ruckus Makers start with questions.

  • Traditional principals implement "best practices." Ruckus Makers design better experiences.

Here's what this looks like in action:

Instead of asking "When's the first staff meeting?" Ruckus Makers ask:

  • "What keeps my best teachers up at night?"

  • "Where are students checking out?"

  • "What quick wins would energize this building?"

Instead of copying another school's playbook, they:

  • Test small experiments in one grade level

  • Collect feedback from their front-line staff

  • Double down on what actually moves the needle

Instead of managing the status quo, they:

  • Map out their school's energy drains

  • Design systems that eliminate chaos

  • Build momentum through small victories

The secret?

While Play-It-Safe-Principals are updating handbooks, Ruckus Makers are having conversations that matter.

They're not just checking boxes — they're redesigning what's possible in education.

Remember:

  • Questions unlock possibilities that checklists never will

  • Experiences beat "best practices" every time

  • The future of education won't be found in last year's manual

ALBA

I’m cozy. Let me sleep.

CLASS DISMISSED

It’s Hiring Season. Stand Out by Casting a Do School Different Vision.

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Right now, top teachers are deciding where to make their mark next year. While other schools push the same tired job posts, you could be sharing a vision that makes rockstar educators think, "I need to be part of this."

The 90-Day Accelerator shows you how to turn your hiring process into a movement that attracts game-changing talent. No more settling for whoever applies.

Keep Making a Ruckus,

Danny

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