Kermit Ward is entering his 21st year in education and is currently the principal of Connally High School. Kermit is going into his seventh year in Pflugerville ISD in Austin, TX. Kermit’s first three years in Pflugerville were spent at the middle school, which was a low performing school at that time, and just two years later, Kermit led that school to achieve the maximum of 7 different distinctions. Kermit’s work has now led him to another underachieving school, where he is currently working to create another success story. Kermit is a 1992 graduate of Baylor University with a degree in Accounting, a 2007 Master’s Graduate from Tarleton State University, and a second year doctoral student at the University of Texas at Austin.

 

Kermit’s article in the Waco Tribune: “Kermit Ward, guest columnist: High-stakes testing better prepares our students for a highly competitive world”

An article in Statesman in regard to Kermit’s attitude toward growth, learning, and overcoming limiting beliefs: “Connally High Principal Kermit Ward remains student of learning”

 

Kermit didn’t meet his dad until he was 13, but now they’re best friends. He went to Baylor on football and track scholarships, and he spent a year in Mexico to become fluent in Spanish (2:00)

Kermit chooses to serve only schools that are perceived as being in very bad shape (5:39)

Some of the keys to turning struggling schools around (6:57)

Kermit traces his career path from his first job after graduating with a degree in accounting, and then substitute teaching, and then on to assistant principal (9:05)

Making the decision to move from teaching into administration, and basically being drafted by a school administrator, and then being offered a job at the end of his very first interview, even though he actually wasn’t even interested in the position when he went to the interview (11:05)

One of the biggest hurdles in turning around struggling schools is getting the buy in and support of the parents of the school, many of whom have already written the school off (17:53)

If you want to be an effective school leader, develop great public speaking skills (20:00)

Kermit talks about one of his proudest achievements – turning a school that’s being monitored by the state for poor performance completely around in only two years (23:23)

The deciding factor in all decision you make should be what’s best for the students (32:58)

Good student management couple with high expectations can have remarkable results (33:18)

Kermit recommends every educator read this about “bright flight” to the suburbs (33:56)

You have to have a burning belief that without you, your students don’t stand a chance (35:00)

Work with your teachers to lay the groundwork for major changes (36:02)

If Kermit had a time machine, here’s the advice he would go back and give his younger self when he was just starting out in administration (40:58)

 

Books mentioned in this episode

The Children in Room E4: American Education on Trial by Susan Eaton

 

Connect with Kermit Ward

Principal’s Blog

 

 

About EducatorsLead:

Educators Lead is a podcast created to help launch educators into the next level of leadership. This show is for you if you are interested in educational leadership as an assistant principal, principal, superintendent, teacher or someone who hopes to be a school leader one day. Educators Lead offers inspiration and practical advice to help you lead more effectively. Jay Willis interviews school leaders three days a week to discuss why and when these educators made the decision to move into school leadership, challenges along the journey, and stories that made it all worthwhile. Educators Lead is a great resource for any educator looking to make a greater impact.

Educate. Inspire. Lead.

http://www.educatorslead.com