Name: Dr. Joshua Depoe

Title: Principal PreK-4th Grade

Organisation: Neosho Schools, Neosho Missouri

Joshua Depoe, EdD, is the principal at Benton Elementary in the Neosho School District in Southwest Missouri. He has also served as a classroom teacher and assistant principal during his 19 years as an educator. He has guided Benton Elementary to receive Solution Tree’s Model PLC School status and a designation of High Reliability School Level 1 and 2 from Marzano Resources. Joshua is also a Solution Tree Associate. His work is focused on ensuring all students achieve at high levels.

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

I hope Dr. Joshua'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 most challenging aspects of being an Educational Leader is balancing the diverse needs of students, teachers, and the whole school community while maintaining a clear vision for academic growth and success.

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

I was in the classroom for 10 years. I realized while teaching that I could make a bigger impact on students and education as a whole by going into administration. Becoming an Educational Leader forced me out of my comfort zone by taking my first Assistant Principal job in a nearby district. I worked 2 years as the AP, then was promoted to head Principal. After 6 years in the district, I made my back to my home district as a Principal.

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

I am an early riser. I like to wake up around 4am daily. My house is quiet from 4-6am, so I like to get as much school paperwork finsihed as possible during this time. This allows me once I am at school to be out of my office an engaging in the learning happening around the building. I only focus on tasks during the school day that can only be completed during school such as walkthroughs around each classroom. I typically stay up to 2 hours after the students leave to finish any paperwork or phone calls I need to make. Once I leave for the day, I put my dad hat on and support my kids and family in whatever activity they are participating in. I typically try and get to sleep around 9pm each day.

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

I am reminded when parents get upset about a situation or a grade, they just want to be heard and listened to. I want all of our parents to know they will be heard when they come and speak to me or call me at school.

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?

Atomic Habits by James Clear. This book really guided my time management. Because I am an early riser, this book helped guide me to use that time wisely.

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?

Build strong, trusting relationships with students, teachers, and the school community. Leadership is woven between connection, collaboration, and a shared commitment to achieve success.

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

I began to notice that the same struggling student, John Doe, was frequently in the office for behavior issues. Instead of focusing solely on discipline, I took time to understand John's background. I found out that he had instability at home and lacked positive male role models. Rather than focusing on punishment, I implemented a check in program, pairing John with a supportive male teacher. Over time, with the connection made within the building, John’s behavior and academic performance improved.