Name: Chris Kane

Title: Principal

Organisation: New Albany Floyd County Schools

I have been in education for over 18 years. I have been a teacher, coach, and administrator. I married my high school sweetheart nearly 18 years ago, and we have two amazing daughters. My career has had many ups and downs, each coming with an opportunity to learn and grow. I have been fortunate to have great people as guides and mentors throughout my career to help get me to where I am now.

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

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

Cheers,

Jonno White

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

One of the biggest challenges in education is the uncontrollable things. As a leader, we can build and plan for what is expected, known, and controlled, but the things that we cannot control can consume what we do.

One of the uncontrollable things that we encounter is the ever-changing world of politics. Things come and go, often bringing new mandates, funding, or removing funding. It is critical to keep the best interests of our students in mind when we encounter the changes. If our focus remains on our students, we can make the best decision at the time for them.

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

As a teacher and a baseball coach, I was content. My leadership was simply on the baseball field, and I was happy. But, in the world of education and funding changes, I was the lowest person on the pole, and my position was being eliminated. After being told the news, I began to search for other schools. Not more than a few weeks later, our superintendent called and offered me a spot within the district, one that was considered an entry-level leadership role. I began leading meetings, conducting evaluations, and helping other teachers.

At this time, I still didn't want to be a principal, but the natural path took me this way. Ten years ago, I was offered a principal position, and I have stayed in this type of role, helping lead others to the best of my ability.

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

I have learned over the years that to be a good leader, I need to have boundaries. I need to have a work-life balance, and I struggled with this early on in my career. Now, I use routines and schedules to hold myself accountable as a leader, parent, and spouse. If I dedicate specific time, I find that I am much more productive. In the morning, I get to school over an hour early, allowing me to take care of the "pre-school day" activities. When the students are in the building, it is go time.

I like to be active and visible. This lets our staff know that I am here for the students and to help our school family be the best that we can be. At the end of the day, I finish up the paperwork, emails, meetings, etc., then it is off to be a dad and spouse. One time in the evening I allow myself to check emails, making sure nothing pressing has come up. If it can wait, it will wait until I am at school. (This has been the saving grace. Email can consume you, as the list never really ends!) It is all about being specific with your time.

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

As a leader, it is important that you lead with people, not over people. I do not like to use words like "my," "I," instead, I use words like "our" and "we." I do not believe in a ranking system. Every person and role is equally important, and when the building culture feels this, people are more comfortable and willing to help.

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?

Lead for God Sake- by Todd Gongwer. This parable paints a great picture of valuing people and keeping your role in perspective. I read this book on vacation one year ago, and I often reflect on the lessons that can be found in it. It is an easy read, but the message is deep.

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?

Stand by what you believe, do not conform to what others want you to do or be. If you are making the best decision at the time, with all of the information available, then stand by that choice. It is okay to make a mistake, especially when it is made with the right intent. When you operate like this regularly, your culture will support you. People will believe and trust you. When you have the willingness to take risks and the trust of the building, possibilities are endless.

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

Several years ago, our school was embarking on a change of grading practices. We were moving to standards-based grading. No other building in the district was looking to make this change, so it was up to me to get buy-in from our staff. I shared research, examples, and the why behind it for several months. When it was time, a teacher (a good friend of mine) said: "You are crazy, this will never work.

I never thought this would actually happen!" Fast half way through the school year, and we went to a workshop at the state level. That same teacher went with me. When the presenter asked those in the room (there were hundreds of people) to move to one side of the room if they believed in standards-based grading, or the other if they preferred traditional, our teacher began preaching why they should move to the standards-based side. She was sharing her experience, the benefits, and more importantly, how she was wrong.

She was convincing others to make the switch. This is an example of being willing to take a risk, educating our staff and community on the why, and then supporting our people. This teacher went from a non-believer to a speaker in about four months. I loved watching this person grow and become empowered to lead others. As a leader, it was a great feeling to see our vision unfold.