The Power of Feedback: Strengthening Leadership and Collaboration in Schools

As an assistant principal at one of Iowa’s largest and highest-achieving schools, I have the privilege of working alongside an extraordinary team of educators, staff, students, and families. Each day is an opportunity to build trust, foster growth, and lead with intention. One of the most powerful — yet often overlooked — tools I have discovered in my leadership journey is the act of requesting feedback from those I work with.

Why Feedback Matters

In a dynamic school environment, feedback serves as a mirror. It reflects how our actions, decisions, and communication are received by others. While formal evaluations and performance metrics offer structured insights, real growth often stems from the authentic, day-to-day feedback shared by colleagues, teachers, support staff, and even students.

Requesting feedback shows a willingness to listen, learn, and adapt. It sends a clear message: I value your perspective. I am committed to getting better. In a high-performing school, where excellence is the standard, continuous personal and professional growth isn’t just encouraged — it’s essential.

Building a Culture of Trust

Asking for feedback doesn’t just improve individual leadership; it strengthens the fabric of the entire school culture. When leaders are open to receiving feedback, they model vulnerability and courage. This, in turn, creates a safe space where teachers and staff feel empowered to share ideas, voice concerns, and innovate without fear of judgment.

In a school community, trust is not built in a single moment. It is cultivated through small, consistent actions — and one of the most powerful actions a leader can take is to sincerely seek out and act upon feedback.

Leading by Example

Our staff watch us more than we realize. When they see school leaders embrace feedback openly and non-defensively, they learn a powerful life lesson: growth comes from reflection, not perfection. As an assistant principal, I see requesting feedback not as a sign of weakness, but as a leadership strength — a commitment to humility, excellence, and collaboration.

At the heart of education is the belief that everyone can grow. By seeking feedback from those we work with, we live that belief ourselves and inspire others to do the same.

Normalizing Career Moves in Educational Leadership

In education, we talk a lot about loyalty—loyalty to students, to schools, to communities. And don’t get me wrong: I believe in showing up, sticking it out, and pouring yourself into the work. But somewhere along the way, it’s become taboo to talk about something very real: what happens when an administrator decides it’s time to move on?

I want to say something out loud that we don’t say nearly enough in this profession:
👉 It’s okay to leave a job that isn’t right for you.
👉 It’s okay to seek more.
👉 It’s okay to choose yourself and your growth.

Maybe the culture wasn’t what you hoped it would be.

Maybe you didn’t get the support or development you needed.

Maybe the job turned out to be something very different than what was promised.

Or maybe—let’s be honest—you realized you wanted to make more money, be closer to your kids, or simply find a place that brought you joy again.

All of that is valid.

And here’s another truth we need to normalize: you don’t have to stay somewhere for several years just to make your resume look better—especially if staying means sacrificing your happiness, your mental health, or your sense of purpose. Longevity doesn’t automatically equal effectiveness, and a long stint in a role that drains you isn’t a badge of honor. Sometimes the strongest, most courageous move is knowing when it’s time to walk away.

As an assistant principal, I’ve seen people wrestle quietly with the guilt of wanting something different, something better. Some felt like they were quitting on their students. Others were afraid of what colleagues or fellow administrators would say. Some were just afraid to admit that what they were doing wasn’t working anymore.

Here’s the truth: growth often looks like change. And leadership isn’t just about staying—it’s about knowing when the best move for yourself, your family, and your career might be somewhere new.

When a teacher moves districts for a new opportunity, we celebrate them. When a student decides a certain path isn’t for them, we coach them through it. But when an administrator makes a change? Too often, we whisper about it instead of supporting them.

We can still love education, still believe in kids, and still want to make an impact—even if that means taking our talents to a new team, a new district, or even a new profession. Our worth is not tied to our zip code or our badge. It's tied to our heart, our purpose, and our willingness to keep showing up—even if it looks different than it used to.

So to any administrator out there feeling stuck, unsure, or ready to leap:

You’re not alone. You’re not selfish. You’re not giving up.

You're evolving. You're choosing yourself.

And that’s leadership, too.

Finding the Balance: A Principal, a Mom, and the Beautiful Chaos in Between

As an assistant principal at a high school of over 1,500 students in grades 10 through 12, there is no such thing as a “slow season.” Right now, our spring play is in full swing, spring sports are buzzing, and every hallway seems to carry the energy of a school that never truly sleeps. I’m supervising events fairly consistently, helping seniors navigate their final push toward graduation, and juggling the day-to-day unpredictability that comes with this job.

And when the final bell rings? I’m off to coach my daughter Bexlee’s softball team, cheer for my son Kixsen from the sidelines of his latest soccer or baseball game, or help with math homework at the kitchen table. Bexlee is 8, Kixsen is 7, and both are involved in more activities than I can count. My husband, Cameron, is also an assistant principal—at the middle school that feeds into my high school. Between the two of us, we juggle two demanding careers, two active kids, one chaotic shared Google Calendar, and a home that’s never quiet—but always full.

I’ve come to deeply understand something I used to only talk about in theory: the importance of work-life balance.

It’s easy in education—especially in leadership roles—to let work creep into every corner of your life. There’s always another email to answer, another supervision assignment, another student or staff member who needs you. It’s fulfilling, meaningful work. But if we’re not intentional, it can consume us.

I’ve learned (often the hard way) that creating boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. I’ve learned to say no to certain things, so I can say yes to the most important ones. I’ve learned that missing a meeting to make it to my daughter’s game isn’t just OK—it’s essential. I’ve learned that taking time to be a mom, a wife, and even just me, makes me a better assistant principal.

What I’ve also discovered is that our students benefit when we model balance. They’re watching us. When they see us prioritize family, health, and rest, they learn to do the same. When I talk to students about managing stress or making healthy choices, I want to speak from a place of authenticity—not burnout.

There’s no perfect formula, and I certainly don’t have it all figured out. Some weeks feel like a whirlwind, and I rely a little too heavily on drive-thru dinners and coffee refills. But I also see the joy in a student taking a bow on stage, the pride in my daughter’s face after a great hit, and the sleepy hug from my son after a long day. Those are the moments I treasure.

So to my fellow educators, parents, and busy professionals: give yourself permission to unplug. Protect your peace. Be present where your feet are. And remember—balance isn’t about doing it all; it’s about doing what matters most.

And to the students and families we serve: thank you for allowing us to be part of your village. You’re a part of ours, too.

A Night to Remember: Leading Prom at One of Iowa’s Top High Schools

Prom night. It’s a rite of passage, a celebration of youth, and—for school administrators—a masterclass in event coordination, student engagement, and leadership under pressure. As the assistant principal of one of the largest and highest-achieving high schools in Iowa, I recently had the honor of supervising our prom—and what a night it was.

From the moment students began arriving in everything from stretch limos to well-loved pickup trucks, the energy was electric. Our prom committee, made up of dedicated parents and staff, worked for months to create a safe, inclusive, and unforgettable experience. This year’s theme was “Disco,” and our venue was transformed into a glowing skyline of lights, music, and community spirit.

But prom wasn’t just about decorations and dance moves. For school leaders like myself, these large-scale events are opportunities to foster culture, build relationships, and demonstrate that safety and celebration can go hand-in-hand.

Safety First, Fun Always

Before the music started, the behind-the-scenes logistics were in full swing. We partnered closely with local law enforcement, our school staff team, and parent volunteers to ensure a secure environment from start to finish. Every entrance was monitored, transportation was coordinated, and students knew we were there not to police their fun—but to protect it.

After Prom: The Ultimate Incentive

The highlight of the night, however, came after the dancing ended. Our school hosted an After Prom event that kept hundreds of students safe, entertained, and well-fed until the early morning hours. Activities ranged from casino tables and inflatable obstacle courses to endless pizza and prizes. 

And the grand finale? We gave away a car. Yes, you read that right—a real, drive-it-home vehicle donated by a generous local dealership. That moment alone turned After Prom from “a nice idea” into the most talked-about event of the year.

Leadership in Action

Supervising prom requires more than just being present. It’s about being visible, approachable, and proactive. I greeted students at the door, danced with our chaperones (badly, I might add), and walked the perimeter more times than I can count. I offered encouragement to nervous first-timers, kept an eye on the quieter students in the corners, and high-fived everyone brave enough to hit the dance floor.

It’s in these moments—outside of class, beyond curriculum—that we connect with students on a different level. They see us not only as administrators, but as people who care deeply about their experience and their safety.

Why It Matters

Prom night may seem like a single evening, but its impact can be lasting. It reinforces school pride, strengthens community ties, and celebrates the resilience, growth, and spirit of our students. And for school leaders, it’s a reminder of why we do what we do: to support, uplift, and champion every student’s story.

As we continue to lead one of Iowa’s most high-achieving schools, events like prom serve as a testament to what’s possible when students, staff, and the community come together. We don’t just plan a party—we build a memory.

And if there happens to be a free car involved? Well, that’s just Iowa excellence at its finest.