More than 50% of districts across the country are grappling with significant teaching vacancies, and an alarming 86% of public schools struggle to hire qualified educators. To make matters worse, there has been a 45% decline in enrollment in teacher preparation programs over the last decade, making it increasingly difficult to recruit educators from traditional collegiate pathways.

Given this landscape, we must face the reality that retention is the new recruitment strategy. We need to shift our focus from merely filling vacancies to nurturing an environment where our existing educators feel valued, supported, and empowered.

As educators and leaders, understanding the unique characteristics and needs of Generation Z and Generation Alpha is essential for creating supportive and effective learning and work environments. By embedding kindness into all strategies—whether through digital literacy, social interactions, experiential learning, or community-building activities—we can ensure that these generations not only succeed but do so in a way that promotes empathy, respect, and positive relationships.

The future of education and work will be shaped by these emerging generations. By taking proactive steps today and infusing our actions with kindness, we can ensure that Generation Z and Generation Alpha are not only prepared for the challenges ahead but are also empowered to lead and innovate in ways that will define the future—and do so with a spirit of kindness that will benefit all.

Driving through the open roads and listening to thought-provoking ideas on leadership and culture has reinforced the importance of leading with a "power-with" approach. We have to let go of the outdated "power-over" mentality and embrace leadership that is rooted in collaboration, kindness, and trust.

Incorporating these eight strategies into our leadership practices not only empowers our teams but also elevates our collective success. It's about recognizing that when we lift others up, we lift ourselves as well. The path to effective leadership isn't a solo journey; it's a shared adventure where every member has the power to contribute and grow.

Always remember: leadership is about creating environments where everyone can thrive. Let’s strive to lead together, side by side, lifting each other up.

Researchers estimate that each of us has about 6,000 thoughts per day. From the mundane to intense problem solving, to the inevitable angst of what to have for dinner, we engage in constant internal dialogue. Of those 6,000 thoughts, most are fleeting and rather unimportant. But kindness? Kindness seems to stick with us in such lasting ways.

About a year and a half ago, I was going through some very tough times, which were borne from everything that was the antithesis of kindness. In my search for a bit of happiness and normalcy, I began to really notice those times, and those people, who went out of their way to share something kind about me. These instances not only made me feel good about myself, but they profoundly changed the way I approached others at work, at home, and even out in public. To be certain, it helped me reframe – and to regain control of what I felt I had lost in my struggles.

Over time, those small frustrations evolve into deeper problems. Teachers who feel unsupported may begin to perceive favoritism or bias when they see others recognized or rewarded for similar efforts. Communication breakdowns lead to misunderstandings, which can result in micromanagement or a sense of mistrust. When teachers feel like their autonomy is being restricted, it creates an unhealthy power dynamic that can erode their confidence and sense of agency in the classroom. I asked #teacherthreads what they would put on their school leader “do NOT do” list and some of the stories were horrifying.

If these issues aren’t addressed, they spiral into even more serious concerns. What begins as small lapses in support or communication can escalate into ethical breaches—like public criticism, breaches of confidentiality, or outright favoritism. By this point, the culture of the school itself starts to deteriorate, leading to a toxic work environment where no one feels safe or valued. What started as minor missteps becomes a significant threat to the entire school's morale and climate.

Principals must secure early wins when establishing a positive culture, so that the likelihood of turnover decreases. When there is consistency in the principalship, it produces a greater likelihood for an increase in consistent school culture. If the consistent school culture can be built upon care, positivity, and inclusivity, students and their achievement have a great likelihood to flourish.  Principals are vital to the success of students, schools, and districts. Their recruitment, development, and retention are crucial, given their significant impact on school climate and culture. Recent research suggests that a principal’s role extends far beyond managing personnel and daily operations. Principals establish shared values, norms, and contexts across their schools. When turnover is frequent, the entire school culture can suffer.

Mindfulness in education refers to integrating mindfulness practices—such as deep breathing, guided meditation, and mindful movement—into the school day. These practices help students develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, and the ability to focus on the present moment. The goal is to improve academic performance and foster a more supportive and compassionate school environment.

Empathy—the ability to understand and share the feelings of others—is a cornerstone of effective teaching, particularly for multilingual learners. According to recent research, emotional intelligence, which encompasses empathy, is a key factor in successful leadership and teaching (Wells, 2024). For educators, empathy involves recognizing and responding to the diverse needs and experiences of students who may be navigating complex linguistic and cultural landscapes.

Incorporating empathy into teaching practices helps create a more inclusive and supportive environment – where all students feel safe. Teachers who demonstrate empathy are better able to build trust and rapport with their students, leading to improved engagement and learning outcomes. Students feel seen and heard. By understanding the unique challenges faced by multilingual learners, educators can provide more tailored support, making students feel valued and understood (Feng & Li, 2022).

None of these teachers were yelling. None of them were purposefully being hateful. None of them were planning to come to school, say something unkind, and send a student out of class once they became upset or disrespectful during the student-teacher exchange. Nonetheless, their words cut deeply and damaged the trust that is vital for student success. 

So, how do we find and enhance our kind voice?

After almost three decades in this noble profession of teaching students, coaching teachers, and leading buildings, I believe it comes down to four things: noticing, knowing, practicing, and reflecting. 

In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving educational landscape, the role of leadership has taken on new dimensions. The challenges that leaders face today are unlike any that have come before, requiring a dynamic and innovative approach to leadership that goes beyond the traditional methods. As educational institutions grapple with rapid changes in technology, social dynamics, and global interconnectedness, the need for innovative leadership has never been more critical. But what does it mean to be an innovative leader? How can leaders not only manage but thrive in this era of constant change?

Today, we dive into the core principles of innovative leadership, the traits that define successful innovative leaders, and the actionable steps that leaders can take to foster creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement within their teams. By understanding and embracing the concept of innovative leadership, you can position yourself and your institutions for success in a world where adaptability and forward-thinking are the keys to thriving.

The study used neuroimaging techniques to examine how self-affirmations affect brain regions associated with self-related processing and reward. The results revealed that self-affirmations activate the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, a region of the brain involved in positive self-perception and valuation. This suggests that when we affirm ourselves, we are not only boosting our mood but also reinforcing neural pathways that support self-worth and resilience.

Data from a 2020 survey involving 25,400 students in grades 6-12 from a major urban district paints a concerning picture: less than one-third of middle schoolers felt they had a strong connection with their teachers. As these students advanced towards 12th grade, this alarming statistic dropped by an additional 16%. These figures underscore a critical issue in our educational system—our students are losing touch with those entrusted to educate them, signaling an urgent need to revamp our engagement and support strategies. In 2023, I explored research around school culture and the correlation to motivation. What I found is that people, not just students, but all people want relationships, trust, empowerment, autonomy, and recognition. These elements foster a sense of safety and belonging, allowing individuals to trust more easily and experience joy at higher levels.

As I reflect on my journey as an educator, one truth resonates with me deeply: play is essential to learning. Inspired by the teachers who shaped my life, I found my calling in the classroom, and today, as an Instructional Coach, I’m privileged to work with early career teachers in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. Every day, I witness the transformative power of play-based learning, and I remain an unwavering advocate for public education, developmentally appropriate practices, and play-based learning.

Play is often associated with early childhood, but the truth is that people of all ages benefit from play. Whether it's kindergartners building blocks or middle schoolers engaging in a team-based challenge, play fosters skills essential for success in life. My passion is in early childhood education, but I firmly believe that every child, from preschool to high school, deserves opportunities to learn through play.

Creating a thriving organizational culture where trust, kindness, and empowerment are at the forefront is essential for success in today’s dynamic work environment. Simon Sinek’s Leaders Eat Last offers insightful principles that resonate with these core values and I have unpacked some of them with tangible, action-steps that you can take to create that amazing environment for all team members and stakeholders. As a researcher on the power of culture, I am excited to share that Sinek’s insights align seamlessly with the 5+1 Model that I founded in my EdD research a few years back.

Many people believe that showing kindness, especially in the face of challenges, is a sign of weakness. They fear that kindness might make them seem too soft or easily taken advantage of. But the reality is quite the opposite—it takes real strength to be kind, especially when the going gets tough.

Kindness isn’t about avoiding problems or pretending everything is fine. It’s about facing issues head-on with empathy, understanding, and a genuine desire to find solutions that uplift everyone involved. In the workplace, this approach doesn’t just solve problems; it builds trust, deepens relationships, and creates an environment where everyone can thrive.

Today’s workforce, and today’s youth want leaders who are kind, but also leaders who are willing to foster relationships, rooted in trust, where they are empowered to be creative and innovative, have autonomy to be do what they know works, and to be recognized for their contributions and value that they add to the organization.

Kindness is a powerful catalyst for personal and collective transformation. Its benefits extend beyond mere gestures, impacting our mindset, health, and emotional well-being in profound ways. By incorporating self-compassion, engaging in random acts of kindness, and cultivating empathy, we can foster a culture of kindness that enriches our lives and the lives of those around us. In embracing kindness, we unlock the potential for a brighter, more connected world.

During the bag inspection, they told me that the water bottle (that I thought I had lost) could not go with me to my next destination. The officer offered me a choice: either go back out of the security checkpoint to drink it or throw it away. With the line long, I decided to throw it away to avoid any delays. But I also laughed and smiled, explaining that I thought the water bottle was lost and/or left on my initial flight from Oklahoma City. The security officer laughed too and wished me a great day. I echoed his sentiments and expressed my gratitude for his support.

As I walked away from the security checkpoint, I thought about the choice the officer gave me. It echoed through my mind that life is really all about choices and surprises. I was surprised to find something that I thought I had lost and was given the choice to look back or look forward.

Living near Lake Overholser, I often find solace in walks with my dogs and partner. However, as life got busy, those moments became rare. Recently, a podcast discussion about the power of choices led me to reflect on my daily decisions and their impact on my well-being.

In this blog, I share my journey of balancing self-employment, handling burnout, and the importance of setting boundaries. From turning off notifications to saying "no," discover practical steps to prioritize your emotional health and find joy in everyday moments.

Growing up on a farm in Oklahoma, I encountered challenges that required quick thinking, clear communication, and resourcefulness. One memorable fall day, while cutting firewood, an unexpected fire erupted, testing our problem-solving abilities. This experience taught me valuable leadership lessons that I carry with me to this day. Dive into my story and discover how adaptability, effective communication, and making do with what you have can transform your approach to leadership.