Name: Andrew Wilkins

Title: Elementary School Principal

Organisation: Bloomington Public Schools

I am an experienced elementary school principal with 18 years of leadership, following nine years as a classroom teacher. I live in rural Minnesota but currently serve in a large metro school district. Throughout my career, I have worked exclusively in Title I schools with diverse student populations and low socio-economic communities. I am passionate about creating a positive school culture, supporting staff, and ensuring that all students have the opportunities and resources they need to succeed.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Educational Leadership!

I hope Andrew's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as an Educational Leader?

As an educational leader, one of the most challenging aspects of the role has been navigating budget cuts while still ensuring that students and staff have the resources they need to succeed. Limited funding often forces difficult decisions, impacting everything from classroom materials to intervention programs. Staffing shortages have also been a significant challenge, requiring creative solutions to support students while maintaining manageable workloads for teachers and staff. Recruiting and retaining high-quality educators is more difficult than ever, making it essential to foster a positive school culture and provide meaningful professional support. Parent involvement can be another hurdle, particularly in communities where families face barriers such as work schedules or language differences. Finding ways to engage parents and build strong home-school connections is critical to student success. Additionally, unfunded mandates add to the complexity of the job. Schools are expected to implement new initiatives and meet ever-changing requirements without the necessary financial support. Balancing these demands while prioritizing student learning and staff well-being remains one of the most difficult but important parts of leadership.

2. How did you become an Educational Leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

I initially started my journey into educational leadership as a way to move up on the pay scale, but along the way, I found myself becoming more involved in the administrative side of education—and I fell in love with it. I realized that I had a passion for leading and supporting teachers, students, and school communities in a broader way. Because opportunities in my area were limited, I branched out and took a leap, which led me to South Dakota, near the Fort Thompson Indian Reservation. There, I learned the ropes of being a principal in a unique and challenging environment, gaining invaluable experience that shaped my leadership approach. Eventually, my journey brought me closer to home, where I now serve in the Minneapolis metro area. I wouldn’t be where I am today without a supportive family, a couple of great superintendents who believed in me, and, most importantly, my love for kids and their success.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

My days start early—I wake up, check my email, and create a to-do list for the day. If time allows, I work on a few ongoing projects before heading to school. Once I arrive, I check in with my secretary to ensure all positions are covered and review any scheduled appointments. As soon as the school day begins, I make it a priority to be visible—greeting students, staff, and parents and spending time in classrooms. Throughout the day, I focus on any immediate needs that arise while maintaining a strong presence during lunch and recess. Being out with students not only allows me to build relationships but also helps prevent potential issues. At dismissal, I’m present at parent pick-up, reinforcing my commitment to students and their families. Before wrapping up my workday, I send out staff updates with reminders, highlights from the day, and words of appreciation. I hold firm to a 4:00 pm end time, respecting boundaries for both myself and my staff—self-care is critical in this profession. On my way home, I fit in a quick workout before making dinner with my wife, where we share our experiences from the day, unwind with some TV, and get ready to do it all again tomorrow.

4. What's a recent lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of as an Educational Leader?

A recent lesson I’ve been reminded of as an educational leader is that politics has no place in education. Schools should be a safe haven for all students, no matter their background, beliefs, or circumstances. While political debates may shape policies that affect education, our job as educators is to create an environment where every child feels secure, supported, and valued. When outside forces—like immigration crackdowns—begin to impact our students and families, we have a responsibility to shield them from fear and uncertainty while ensuring they have access to the education they deserve. The recent immigration crackdowns have had a profound effect on my school community. Families are facing real anxiety about their futures, and that fear trickles down to our students. When children are worried about whether their parents will be there when they get home, it’s impossible for them to focus on learning. As a leader, I have been reminded that my role goes beyond academics; it is about fostering a culture of trust, belonging, and stability. No matter what is happening in the world, our students need to know that school is a place where they are safe, cared for, and encouraged to dream big. This experience has reinforced my belief that schools must remain neutral zones—free from political agendas—so we can focus on what truly matters: the well-being and success of our students. Our mission is to educate, support, and uplift, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive regardless of the challenges they may face outside our doors.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your journey as an Educational Leader so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted you?

One book that has had a profound impact on my journey as an educational leader is Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck. This book completely reshaped how I view leadership, teaching, and student success. Dweck’s research on growth mindset reinforced the idea that abilities and intelligence are not fixed—they can be developed through effort, persistence, and the right support. As an educator and leader, this concept resonated deeply with me. It reminded me that with the right mindset, both students and staff can grow beyond perceived limitations. I’ve applied this philosophy in my schools by fostering a culture where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities and challenges are embraced rather than feared. Growth mindset isn’t just for students; it’s essential for leaders too. By staying open to learning and improvement, I’ve been able to navigate challenges, support my staff, and create an environment where everyone—students and adults alike—believes in their ability to grow and succeed.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young educator who aspires to be an Educational Leader, what would you say to them?

If I could give one piece of advice to a young educator who aspires to be an educational leader, it would be this: never stop learning, growing, and evolving. Leadership is not about having all the answers; it’s about continuously seeking knowledge, adapting to new challenges, and refining your approach. Education is always changing, and the most effective leaders are those who embrace growth—not just in themselves, but in their staff and students as well. Your success as a leader depends on your willingness to push yourself outside your comfort zone, to listen and learn from those around you, and to remain open to new ideas. Every challenge you face is an opportunity to improve, and every experience—whether good or bad—teaches you something valuable. Stay curious, stay reflective, and never settle for where you are today, because the best leaders are always striving to be better tomorrow.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as an Educational Leader, so far?

Being in education for 27 years has given me countless stories—some that make you laugh, a few that bring tears, and others that leave you shaking your head in disbelief. But the most meaningful stories are always the ones of students overcoming obstacles. One of the most impactful experiences in my career has been watching a group of immigrant students adapt, grow, and thrive in our school community. In the summer of 2023, our town welcomed a large group of immigrants from South America. When school started that fall, we were initially overwhelmed—there was so much for us to learn, just as there was for the students in our care. Over the course of the year, we worked hard to provide the support they needed, and the progress they have made is nothing short of incredible. Watching these students learn English, grasp new concepts, and gain confidence has been a powerful reminder of why I do this work. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing their eyes light up when they realize they’ve mastered something new or hearing them proudly speak in English. These moments remind me that education has the power to change lives, and I’m grateful to be part of their journey.