“Who was your favorite principal?” It’s a question I’ve been asking people for decades. Why? Because our school leaders are quite often overlooked and underappreciated. This question, although simple in its form, provides incredibly powerful and complex stories about the important role school leaders play in the lives of students, staff, and school communities. 

Most people are used to being asked about a favorite teacher or coach, but many are caught off guard by the question about a favorite principal. I love this question because it tells me immediately how a principal or assistant principal impacted someone’s life. If a smile pops onto their face, I know I’m about to hear a great story about unconditional love, a positive relationship, and a life touched forever. If I get a blank stare and a perplexed look, I know there was a disconnect between this person’s K–12 experience and the school leaders along their educational journey. An opportunity for a relationship was likely missed.