Connection is the cornerstone of school leadership

Those of you reading this know: As school leaders, we can feel isolated. Especially as principals, we can feel like everything falls on our shoulders. That can feel like a lot of pressure. But the truth is, we don’t have to do this work alone. I’m very passionate about the power of connection as a cornerstone of school leadership.

A consistent theme in my journey has been the value of relationships with mentors, peers and leaders in my hometown as well as across the country. When we step outside our comfort zone and connect with others, we create opportunities for growth, support and resources that strengthen both our leadership and our schools.

1. Step outside the building

One of the ways I stay connected is by attending conferences. Those gatherings are about more than just sessions. They’re spaces to hear what’s happening in education, from free scholarships and funding opportunities to new instructional strategies. Information is always being passed along in those spaces, and I’ve walked away from conferences with resources that directly benefited my students and with friendships that still inspire me today.

I’ll never forget going to the ISTELive 2024 ed tech conference in Denver. The hot topic was AI in education. I thought I was already tech-savvy, but by talking with other leaders, I learned about an online course. I applied for a scholarship, got it and came away with new knowledge I now share with my school community. That opportunity wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t put myself in the room with people I didn’t know.

Of course, this requires a willingness to take risks. You have to put yourself in positions to meet people you don’t know. That can feel uncomfortable but being uncomfortable is a sign of growth. You can’t grow unless you’re willing to step into new spaces.

2. Stay connected through social media

The power of social media creates endless possibilities to extend connections with fellow leaders. With just a message or a post, we can exchange ideas with principals locally and across the country in real time. We don’t have to reinvent the wheel. We can learn what’s working for others and share what’s working in our own schools. I’ve found so much inspiration from leaders I’ve connected with online.

3. Find mentors and become one

Another part of staying connected is mentorship. I’ve been blessed throughout my own leadership journey with mentors who challenged me, believed in me and gave me a safe space to bounce ideas around. I’ve also made it a priority to be a mentor myself, through the Black Male Leadership Initiative to support leaders of color. Mentorship is how we build the next generation of leaders, and it’s one of the most joyful parts of this work. For me, mentorship is about taking what you’ve learned and building up other people. 

4. Bring it back home

These lessons don’t just apply at national conferences or online. They’re just as important in our local communities. In my city, I’ve built connections with leaders from the city council to the fire chief, who come into our school to encourage students and open doors to new resources.

Inside my school, connection also shows up in joy. We’ve had a Chick-fil-A night, a skate night with over 200 students and our first All Pro Dad meeting, where fathers stand up to share something they’re proud of in their child. Those moments strengthen the bonds that hold our community together.

Connections are investments that multiply and everyone in our school community benefits. 

Let’s lead together and always

Connection isn’t just about talking. It’s about listening! When you truly value the words coming from others, they feel heard. When you show up as your authentic self, people feel invested in you, too. That’s when opportunities open up, and that’s when real relationships take root.

Leadership doesn’t have to be lonely. Step outside the building. Take risks. Be uncomfortable. Find mentors and become mentors. Listen deeply. Connect online and in person. When principals serve one another as much as we serve our schools, we make this work more sustainable, more joyful and more transformative for every student we lead.