As we approach Veterans Day, I find myself reflecting deeply on the meaning of service and the incredible parallels between the leadership experiences of veterans and school administrators. Having spent 23 years in the military, I understand that leadership is not just about rank, position, or power. It’s about service, sacrifice, and the steadfast commitment to a greater mission. Veterans serve our country with dedication, courage, and resilience, and in many ways, school administrators serve in much the same way—leading with heart and dedication in the battlefields of education.
While Veterans Day is a time to honor those who have served in our armed forces, I see this day as an opportunity to extend that same appreciation to the men and women who serve on the frontlines of our schools. They, too, are leaders—navigating complex challenges, guiding others, and making decisions that shape the future of our children and our society.
Here are a few leadership parallels that stand out to me between veterans and school administrators:
1. Mission-Focused Leadership
Just as veterans are driven by a sense of duty to protect and defend, school administrators are mission-driven leaders focused on providing a safe, nurturing environment for students to thrive. Both require clarity of purpose, understanding that every action contributes to the larger goal—whether it's national security or student success. School administrators work tirelessly to create opportunities, close gaps, and ensure that every child has access to a quality education, all while navigating the ever-changing landscape of education policy and community needs.
2. Adaptability Under Pressure
In the military, we often say, "No plan survives first contact with the enemy." The same is true in schools. Whether it's adapting to new curriculum mandates, handling crises, or supporting staff through difficult times, school administrators must be agile and adaptable, much like veterans. Both roles demand a calm, steady hand under pressure, knowing that the decisions made in the moment will have lasting impacts.
3. Servant Leadership
Veterans and school leaders share a commitment to servant leadership. In the military, we learn to put the mission and our comrades first. For school administrators, the mission is clear: to serve students, staff, and communities. This requires selflessness, patience, and a deep sense of responsibility to others. Every day, administrators lead with humility, making decisions that often go unnoticed but are critical to the success and well-being of those they serve.
4. Building Strong Teams
In the military, we know that no one succeeds alone. The power of teamwork is paramount. School administrators understand this as well. They build strong, collaborative teams of teachers, support staff, and community members, all working toward a common goal. They foster environments where everyone feels valued, where diverse perspectives are welcomed, and where the collective effort far outweighs individual accomplishments.
5. Resilience and Perseverance
Veterans are no strangers to adversity, and neither are school administrators. Both roles require resilience in the face of challenges, whether it’s on the battlefield or in the schoolyard. For veterans, it's about bouncing back from the hardships of deployment and the trials of military life. For school leaders, it's about standing strong through budget cuts, staffing shortages, and the growing pressures of meeting the needs of every student. In both cases, resilience is the cornerstone of leadership—finding the strength to keep going, to keep serving, and to keep believing in the mission.
6. A Shared Commitment to the Future
As a veteran, I understand the weight of leadership and the responsibility that comes with it. And as someone who works closely with school administrators, I see that same weight of responsibility carried by those who lead our schools. Both veterans and school leaders are committed to the future—whether it’s protecting the freedoms we hold dear or ensuring that the next generation is prepared to succeed in an ever-changing world.
This Veterans Day, I want to express my deepest gratitude to school administrators. Just as veterans have served our country, you serve our children. Your leadership, your resilience, and your unwavering commitment to the mission of educating and caring for our young people are nothing short of heroic. You, too, are on the frontlines, shaping the future of our society one student at a time.
Thank you for your service to the next generation. It’s an honor to stand alongside you, and I am grateful for the many lessons I have learned from both my military service and from watching your dedication in action.
Happy Veterans Day to all who serve, in uniform and in our schools. Your leadership matters more than ever!
Dameon Brown is AWSP's Professional Learning Coordinator. He is a 22-year retired Army First Sergeant. Dameon has been a coach and mentor with children for over 20 years and continues to provide support for youth in his spare time.