Name: Todd Eistetter

Title: Principal

Organisation: St. Joseph High School, Edmonton Catholic School Division

I have been married for 33 years and have three adult children. My wife is a Grade 5 teacher, and I am a high school principal. I have also been a teacher, school administrator, and Ministry of Education senior staff member for 35 years. I am currently at a school with 2,200+ students and 150+ staff. Over the years, I have consistently sought new experiences and challenges at different schools and divisions. I am currently in the middle of my EdD in Organizational Leadership, and I have extensive certification in several areas.

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

I hope 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?

Balancing all of the requirements of the position - those of the Ministry of Education, the school division, and within the school. The environment has become increasingly complex, and more and more is being added to the responsibilities, however, nothing has been removed from the list.

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

I suppose that I had a natural gift as a leader and I took over many aspects of the typical school environment, which was quickly noticed by school leaders. This led to further opportunities being presented to me, for my involvement. Over a short period of time, this pushed me into more and more challenging environments, in which is excelled. Throughout my career, I would seek out new settings, that were unique, required change, and were considered by many to be difficult.

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

The entire day is focused on what the needs of the school are. From my waking moment, the list is developed as to what needs to be addressed in the course of the day. I arrive at school by 0630, which allows me time before any other staff get in. I begin supervision from 0740 until 0830 at the front door, permitting me to greet students and staff, when I then make announcements on the PA. At that time, I walk through the building to be visible and see what is happening.

At transition time between blocks in the day, I am up in the halls on the second floor. At lunch, I am in the cafeteria and courtyard supervising students and cleaning. At the end of the day, I am outside in front of the school, supervising students as they wait for public transit. During the school day, I am in meetings, both scheduled and spontaneous, dealing with emails, phone calls, and programming issues. After dismissal, if there is athletics or a fine arts performance, I will watch, and complete emails and other responsibilities that I was unable to address during the day. I will get back home at approximately 1900, work on my EdD coursework, and then be in bed by 2100.

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

No matter how long I have been a school administrator, and how much I have seen and experienced in that time, at some very large and complex high schools, there are events each week that are unique and challenging.

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?

"The Moral Imperative of School Leadership" by Michael Fullan emphasizes the crucial role of school principals in driving systemic change. Fullan writes that principals should act as moral agents, focusing on the broader purpose of education beyond academic achievement. He highlights the importance of creating a supportive and collaborative school culture where principals lead by example and inspire others to pursue meaningful educational goals. The book calls for a shift from traditional, site-based leadership to a more integrated approach, where principals influence both their schools and the more extensive educational system

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?

Embrace every opportunity to learn and grow. Leadership is about serving others, so always listen and be empathetic. Build strong relationships with your staff, students, and community. Stay committed to your vision, but be flexible and open to new ideas. Remember, challenges are opportunities in disguise. Lead with integrity, and never stop advocating for your students' success. Your passion and dedication will inspire others. Keep pushing boundaries, and don't be afraid to make mistakes—they're part of the journey. Believe in yourself and your ability to make a positive difference.

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

It is not a story, but a philosophy - As an educational leader, I think of fostering a positive, inclusive school culture where every student feels valued and supported. It's about inspiring and empowering staff to innovate and collaborate, ensuring high-quality education for all. I focus on continuous improvement, data-driven decision-making, and building strong community partnerships. Leadership involves advocating for equity, embracing diversity, and preparing students for future challenges. It's a commitment to lifelong learning, ethical practices, and creating an environment where everyone can thrive. Ultimately, it's about making a lasting impact on students' lives and the broader educational landscape.