Name: Bradley G. Larrabee

Title: Principal

Organisation: School District of Maple

Mr. Larrabee is a sitting elementary principal for a rural school district on the shores of Lake Superior. As an educational leader, his teams have found success through distributive leadership, data-driven practices, and strategic planning around trauma-sensitive schools. Through his time as an educator, his teams have been recognized as Wisconsin Title I Schools of Recognition and a National Blue Ribbon School.

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

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

Cheers,

Jonno White

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

Educational leadership varies greatly across school districts. As a leader who has served in both large and small schools, one of the most challenging factors continues to be staffing as impacted by inadequate funding. Knowing what is best for students and building that capacity within my schools has and continues to be impacted by the inability to hire the needed instructional experts for my students.

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

My transition into educational leadership stemmed from a series of unique experiences. As an emerging educator, I was privileged to teach as an elementary self-contained EBD teacher. This district-wide experience allowed me to work alongside both strong and ineffective leaders. Through these experiences, I continued to grow in my leadership skills and, in time, began consulting and evaluating in a program support role. These experiences sparked my interest in educational leadership and prepared me for my first principalship.

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

Finding work/life balance has become an important part of my effectiveness as an educational leader. I have made a commitment to my family and to my staff that work begins with the work hours and ends when we exit together. When pressed for time, I would work alongside my administrative assistants and counselors to ensure that additional needs are met. If these requirements extend beyond our teachers ' workday, I am able to schedule correspondence through email or until the next day. This approach protects my staff, my family, and myself from the impacts of compassion fatigue.

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

Communication is key. A recent experience reminded me of the importance of getting in front of messaging and making sure that all of those (e.g. staff, families, external constituents) impacted are informed with clarity and in a timely manner.

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?

Warren Buffett credits his success and fortune to reading daily. Following his leadership, it is hard to credit just one text with impact on my success as a leader. Through educational research, professional organizations, and many books, I have been able to continue to grow my love of teaching and learning. If I had to pick just one book, it is hard to argue that Visible Learning for Teachers by John Hattie has had the greatest impact on education this century. This is a fantastic meta-analysis of best practices and high-leverage structures to ensure success in our schools.

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?

The best advice that I ever received and often give is to "shut up and listen, Dr. Teske". Reminding myself of this practice ensures that I am taking in all perspectives and information before making decisions. Working in a team approach requires listening to those who work with students across multiple domains, which results in a better understanding.

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

As a young leader, I was awoken in the middle of the night by the local sheriff's department. While intervening in an attempt to commit suicide, a former student had requested to speak to me via phone. The sheriff's deputy had located my home (30 minutes away) and allowed me to speak to this young man, who ultimately agreed to get down off the bridge's ledge. This experience vastly shaped how I establish and maintain relationships with all students, as well as how I prepare student teachers through my university classes, as well as my teaching staff.