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Everyday Principal | 1,833 followers | November 8, 2025 | Written by Nom de Plume Leadership transformation never begins with strategy—it begins with self. Every principal, superintendent, and instructional leader has, at one point, sought to improve their leadership by refining what they do: new systems, new walkthrough tools, new communication habits, new goals. These efforts often yield progress, but only for a while. Eventually, a familiar fatigue sets in—the same conver

On a weathered wall in a Delhi train station, three words stand bold in red: ab nahi to kab—if not now, then when? For school leaders, the phrase is not poetry but mandate. Every day of delay costs teachers clarity, students opportunity, and communities trust. Leadership lives in the present tense, and waiting is not neutral. It is decline. The only question is whether we will act with urgency today or explain tomorrow why we didn’t.

Written and edited by Andre Wicks, Founder & CEO |  Everyday Principal . On a Tuesday in October, two seventh graders arrive at the...

Written and Edited by Nom de Plume,  Everyday Principal . The most reliable way to improve student learning at scale is not another...

The principalship is the greatest job in education—not because it’s easy, but because it’s transformative. Principals stand at the intersection of students, teachers, and communities, shaping culture, lifting ceilings, and designing systems that outlast them. At the start of each school year, we are reminded that no other role carries such influence, responsibility, and meaning.

Principals begin each year with energy, yet by October many face burnout. Research shows it’s not heroics that sustain leaders but protective habits: rest, reflection, connection, and boundaries. When superintendents reinforce these practices, wellbeing becomes professional work—not a private struggle—and leadership capacity expands for the whole school.

Systemic and systematic changes begin at the top and work their way throughout the organization.

Listening. The most overlooked, yet most effective, leadership trait.

Continuous growth is the key to staying ready so you don't have to get ready when your people need you most.

Effective school leadership hinges on finding the right balance between compassion and accountability.

Empowering others takes courage. If we want to gain trust, we have to invite trust by demonstrating trust in those we lead.

Every act begins with neurons firing in the brain. Master your mind and master your leadership abilities.

In leadership, you have to be able to hit the curve balls. If you don't, and strike out, you need to be able to get back and keep swinging.

Vision and purpose are the engine of school leadership.

Thriving relationships translates to a thriving school.

Vulnerability is not a sign of weakness, as some may believe. It is actually a sign of confidence and strength.

There is only one way to lead with truth; it is with authenticity.

Emotional intelligence (EI) is vital for understanding and managing your own emotions and those of others.

Take the first step toward becoming a more effective leader.

Leaders come from all walks of life with varying degrees of preparation. Regardless, nothing impacts effectiveness more than WHO you are.