Name: Dr. Todd Herauf

Title: Head of School

Organisation: The Galloway School

Dr. Herauf is the Head of School at The Galloway School in Friendswood, TX. He is in his second year as a Head of School after seven years as the Associate Head of School at River Oaks Baptist School in Houston, TX. Prior to private school, Dr. Herauf was an administrator in some of Texas' best public school districts including Allen, Richardson, and Coppell. He began his career as a 5th grade teacher in 1997 and left the classroom to move into Administration in 2007. He is known for his people-first leadership and ability to build relationships.

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

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

Cheers,

Jonno White

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

For me, the most challenging aspect of being an Educational Leader is knowing that not everyone will be happy with all your decisions. Once I came to that realization, it cemented the thinking that you need to invest in the time to build relationships and be prepared to share your "why".

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

When I began teaching in 1995, I had no desire to be a leader. My dream since 3rd grade was to become a teacher. However, in my second year of teaching, I began to notice how vital an educational leader was to a school's overall performance (and quality of work/life balance). In the spring of 2001, I decided that if I was accepted into The University of North TX to begin work on my Master's in Educational Leadership, that was my sign.

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

When I wake up a take a peek at my calendar for the day to remind me of what I know is in front of me. Upon arriving to campus I walk the halls greeting faculty and staff before heading outside for arrival duty. After duty I check in with my Administrator over curriculum to see where I can support her (if needed). My work day is then filled with time in classrooms, scheduled (or impromptu) meetings, and walking the campus. If I am working on any special projects I will also schedule time in my day to get those done.

Returning phone calls or emails is also sprinkled throughout the day. Once I leave campus, my focus usually goes to my family and what is going on in my world. About an hour before bed, I will see if there are any urgent messages and what my next day looks like. I then try to read and relax another way before bed.

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

The lesson that my wife taught me, that I was reminded of quite loudly in the last three weeks, is that someone's perception IS their reality.

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?

Death by Meeting by Patrick Lencioni. I worked (previously) at a school where it felt like if you weren't in a meeting, were you working? Also, this book lifted the burden off my shoulders of HAVING to meet just because it was scheduled. I found way to give people the gift of time by finding those meeting times that could be best spent doing something else. It also showed me the power of the "standing (literally) check-in." I highly recommend all his books.

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?

Think about how much time you should listen and get to know others...and then double or triple that time. It WILL be worth it!

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

At the beginning of my tenure at Galloway, I sat down with each faculty and staff member individually. I asked them to share their hopes and dreams (professional, personal, both, or neither). I never imagined the connections that would be made in those 20-30-minute meetings. It felt like much time in the moment, but I know now that it was worth MORE than every second! The relationships that were begun in those meetings are even stronger today.