Category: Uncategorized
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By Principal Joshua L. Yeager Once a year, we deck the breakroom with balloons, pass out donuts, print certificates, and flood social media with posts that read, “We love our teachers!” And don’t get me wrong—Teacher Appreciation Week is a good thing. But let’s be real: one week of themed snacks and gift cards can’t…
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Leaving with More Than Just Data By Principal Joshua L. Yeager There’s a moment in every leader’s journey when you realize it’s not about how loud the applause is at your arrival—it’s about how strong the echo is when you walk away. Today, I find myself in that moment. This is the final chapter of…
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By Joshua L. Yeager | National Principals Day 2025 To my fellow Principals across Mississippi and beyond— Let me start by saying this: most people will never truly understand the capacity it takes to successfully sit in your seat. Not because they don’t care—but because they can’t comprehend the load. Today, on National Principals Day,…
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In today’s evolving educational landscape, leadership is no longer about guarding the secret to success — it’s about giving it away. The challenges we face — rising accountability expectations, the expansion of school choice, the decentralization of federal influence — are too great for any single leader or district to tackle alone.If we are truly…
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Iron Sharpens Iron! By: Joshua L. Yeager In Mississippi, the conversation around school choice is gaining momentum — and rightly so. At its heart, school choice is about families having the right to select the best educational fit for their children. But for those of us who believe in productive leadership — leadership that welcomes…
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Dear Seniors and Juniors, Tonight is a night many of you have dreamed about — Prom Night. It’s a time to dress up, celebrate, and create memories that will last a lifetime. We are incredibly proud of each of you and excited to see you enjoy this special moment. As you head into the evening,…
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As school leaders, we invest so much of ourselves into the communities we serve. Our schools are more than just institutions; they become places where we build relationships, nurture growth, and weather challenges together. We forge friendships with colleagues, mentor students, and become integral to the heartbeat of the school. So, when the time comes…
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Dangerous Leadership: Now is the Time for Leaders to Be Dangerous! There was a time when quiet, compliant leadership was enough. Keep the peace. Hold the line. Don’t rock the boat. That time is over. We don’t need safe leaders anymore—we need dangerous ones. Leaders who are bold enough to speak the truth, daring enough…
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In the world of educational leadership, there’s no shortage of talk about vision, mission, and management. But when you’re leading a school in a rural community—especially one that’s been overlooked or underestimated—being a “cut above the rest” requires something deeper than buzzwords and boardroom strategies. It takes presence. Not just sitting at the table with…
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Leading What? Leadership is hard. But what happens when the struggle isn’t the work—it’s the people leading the work? In education, we often talk about student-centered practices, teacher empowerment, and community partnerships. But we don’t talk enough about what to do when the leadership within our own organization is ineffective—or worse, quietly toxic. Not overtly…
School Leaders' Think Tank 