Leading with Purpose: Focus, Innovation, and Sustainable Leadership in Education With Michael Bonner

   

Topics: Curriculum and Instruction, Health and Wellness, Middle Level, Principal Pipeline, Professional Learning, School Culture and Climate, Student Engagement

“You can’t demand a withdrawal from someone you never invested in.”

Michael Bonner


In this episode, Michael Bonner, Teacher at The Ron Clark Academy, explores how educators can sharpen their focus, embrace innovation, and sustain their passion by investing in relationships, leveraging AI, and prioritizing well-being in leadership.


Hosted by NAESP member, author, and keynote speaker Adam Welcome, NAESP Leadership Conversations returns for Season 2, offering fresh insights and professional growth opportunities from top educational thought leaders. In each conversation, you’ll discover innovative strategies to enhance your leadership, foster collaboration, increase job satisfaction, and gain practical tools to apply in your daily work.

 Top Takeaways:

  1. Clarify Your Focus – With so much noise in the world, educators and students need to align their passion and skillset to determine what truly deserves their attention.
  2. Data-Driven Implementation – When introducing something new, collect anonymous feedback to understand what drives your community. Small-scale testing with a willing cohort ensures smoother adoption.
  3. Think Big, Act Small – Innovation thrives when leaders take bold visions and implement them in manageable, strategic steps.
  4. Embrace AI and Efficiency – Technology, including AI, enhances productivity. The best leaders recognize the benefits of innovation rather than resisting it.
  5. Invest in Relationships – You can’t expect engagement and trust from students or staff if you haven’t invested in them first. Strong relationships are the foundation of strong leadership.
  6. Lead by Example – The most impactful leaders model behaviors, attitudes, and strategies rather than just instructing others.
  7. Create Meaningful Experiences – Beyond academics, students thrive when leaders cultivate magical, memorable moments that inspire growth and joy.
  8. Measure More Than Grades – Emotional intelligence, problem-solving, and resilience are just as critical as academic success. Recognize and celebrate non-traditional forms of student growth.
  9. Sustainable Leadership Requires Self-Care – Exhaustion follows excellence. Prioritize your well-being so you can serve others effectively.
  10. Stay Connected to Your Why – Education is demanding, but remembering your purpose will help you push through challenges. Build habits that protect your passion and prevent burnout.

Reflection Questions:

  • How do you currently align your passion and skillset with your daily work, and what adjustments could help you focus on what truly matters?
  • When implementing new initiatives, how do you gather feedback and ensure buy-in from your team? What strategies could improve this process?
  • In what ways are you embracing innovation, such as AI or other emerging tools, to enhance efficiency in your role? Where might there be opportunities to explore further?
  • How do you measure student success beyond academics, and how can you better support emotional intelligence and personal growth in your students?
  • What systems do you have in place to maintain your own well-being and prevent burnout? How can you better prioritize self-care while continuing to serve others effectively?