Meet Stephanie McConnell | Creator of Principal Principles

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephanie McConnell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stephanie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process behind starting Principal Principles was driven by my unwavering passion for empowering current and future school leaders to profoundly impact their schools. My business motto, “BECOME A BETTER LEADER AND CREATE POSITIVE RESULTS,” encapsulates the core philosophy that inspired this endeavor.

Recognizing the vital role that educational leaders play in shaping the future, I felt compelled to provide them with the support, knowledge, and resources needed to transform their schools. Drawing from my experience and expertise, I set out to create a platform that goes beyond theory, offering actionable tools and strategies that school leaders can implement immediately.

The ultimate goal of Principal Principles is simple yet profoundly meaningful: to equip leaders worldwide with the skills, confidence, and insights necessary to lead their schools to higher levels of performance. Whether it’s enhancing curriculum, fostering a positive school culture, optimizing resources, or any other aspect of school leadership, my mission is to be a guiding force in helping leaders achieve their objectives and create positive, lasting results in the educational community.

Through personalized coaching, educational resources, and a commitment to ongoing support, Principal Principles aims to be the catalyst for transformation in schools across the globe. My vision is to see educational leaders flourish, knowing their success translates into improved educational experiences for students and communities.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I started blogging when blogging was still a new and exciting thing.

My motivation? A burning desire to share my journey as a school principal with the world. I believed that my successes and failures could be a source of help and inspiration for others walking a similar path.

Being a principal is no cakewalk; it’s challenging yet incredibly rewarding. What I cherish most about this journey is the sense of camaraderie among fellow educators. We can connect with each other, share stories, and learn from one another thanks to technology.

When we start linking ourselves together, there are no limits to what we can accomplish. I created a Facebook leadership group (Principal Principles Leadership Group) years ago and it has grown to over 75,000 members. Educators from different corners of the world come together with a common purpose- grow as leaders and create stronger schools.

Principal Principles was born out of this sense of community and the passion for education. I don’t just want to share theories; I want to offer practical solutions. My goal is to provide tools, resources, and a supportive network for school leaders looking to enhance their skills and make their schools better.

Creating my brand wasn’t easy. Building an online presence and gaining the trust of our audience took time and effort. I had to adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of technology and education. However, my commitment to supporting school leaders never wavered.

Along the way, I learned that leadership is all about learning, growing, and sharing. By sharing our experiences openly, we realized we could inspire and assist others on their own leadership journeys. The beauty of this online community was that it showed us how powerful collaboration and shared knowledge could be.

Our message to the world is simple: Principal Principles is here to empower school leaders. We want educators to know that they’re not alone in this journey. I’m committed to fostering a global network of educators who can learn from one another, share their insights, and collectively make the world of education a better place.

I’m an Author
I’m also excited about being a co-author of a book (WIN Time: Fearlessly Transforming Your School, which has allowed me to share my insights and experiences with a wider audience about how to create a WIN Time system in schools. The book showcases practical strategies and solutions for school leadership and has been well-received by educators looking for actionable advice.

I’m a Publisher
As a publisher in the field of education, my goal is to help first-time authors in the education sector share their valuable insights, experiences, and stories with a wider audience. I love helping school leaders and classroom teachers share their stories with the world! My work with the author ranges from concept development, design, and layout, to distribution and marketing.

The story of Principal Principles is still unfolding, and we’re excited about the future and the positive change we can bring to the world of school leadership, one shared story at a time.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love living in East Texas. The lakes, the pine trees, and the small towns are a blessing. When friends and family come to visit, we enjoy lake life on Lake Hawkins and enjoy quality time with friends and family around the pool and grilling. Of course, visiting my school and seeing all the great things happening would be a must. I’m extremely proud of my school. It is indeed a source of pride and joy. I love the opportunity to show off the amazing educators who are making a positive impact on the lives of students.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

In my journey to establish Principal Principles and make a positive impact in the field of education, there are several individuals and elements that have played crucial roles in my success. While it’s challenging to single out just one, I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to the collective network of educators, mentors, and educational organizations that have influenced my path.

First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude to the dedicated educators and school leaders who tirelessly work to improve education around the world. Their passion, commitment, and resilience inspire me daily. It’s their unwavering dedication to creating better schools that fuel my mission at Principal Principles.

I also owe a debt of gratitude to my mentors and colleagues who have shared their knowledge and experiences, helping me grow both personally and professionally. Their guidance has been invaluable and has shaped my understanding of effective school leadership.

Additionally, I want to acknowledge the incredible power of the organization Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA) in shaping my leadership skills. I have attended countless conventions and conferences through TEPSA which I have drawn upon to develop the principles and strategies that underpin my work.

Lastly, I’d like to thank my family and friends for their unwavering support and encouragement. Their belief in my vision has been a driving force behind my endeavors, and I’m grateful for their constant presence in my life.

So, to all the educators, mentors, authors, loved ones, and supporters who have been a part of my journey, I dedicate this shoutout to you. Your contributions have been instrumental in helping me reach where I am today, and I’m excited to continue our collective efforts to create better schools and educational experiences for all.

Website: https://principalprinciples.net/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/principalprinciples/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-mcconnell-08425557/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/principalprinciples

Image Credits
Lexi Rutter Photography