When I came into education, I wanted to be successful. Specifically, I wanted to be a successful basketball coach. I had dreams of winning state championships. Later, as a principal, I wanted my school to have the highest test scores and be recognized as successful.
I've since learned that excellence is not the same as success. True excellence is a mindset, a desire to serve, a belief that helping others leads to the best outcomes. It's not about what we accomplish, but how we can become valuable to others.
Even when you seek success, you may still find failure. But when you seek excellence, success usually finds you.
When I realized this lesson, success began to find me. In 2013, our school was named a National Blue Ribbon School. In 2014, I was honored as principal of the year in our area and was up for state principal of the year. And then in 2017, I was surprised and honored to be recognized as a NASSP Digital Principal. I didn't set out to achieve these successes. But I did pursue excellence, a growth mindset, a culture of collaboration in our school, and most importantly, the best learning opportunities for our students.
I am passionate about education, innovation, and leadership. I strive to use my 20 years experience as an educator to provide leadership in our school. And, I also strive to help outstanding educators get even better. I share my ideas and experiences through writing, speaking, and consulting.
In 2008, I earned my doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Missouri. It was the best professional develop of my career, along with my Twitter PLN (of course I don't have student loan debt from Twitter!!!). I now teach graduate education classes for Southwest Baptist University and Regent University. I enjoy learning more about student/teacher empowerment, innovation, servant leadership, technology, and motivation.
I would love to connect with you through Twitter or in person. I blog regularly on a variety of topics and enjoy participating in Twitter chats. I enjoy meeting Twitter friends at conferences. I would also love to visit your school. I always learn from working with others on projects.
I love to spend time with my wife Lori and our four children, Drew, Cooper, Maddie, and Emma. I also enjoy running, biking, and BBQ. We live in Bolivar, Missouri, the greatest small town in America!