Bill Burkhead's Page

 "I never worry about action, but only inaction"In Jim Collins’ bestselling book “Good to Great” he points out that the enemy of Great is Good.  He explains that we don’t have great schools because we have good schools – society is content with good.  It has always been my dream to work at a school that acts as a "home away from home"...a Great school!  As a former head football coach our…See More

Visit my blog: Principal Burkhead's BlogThe first two questions I asked myself as I prepared for my first Principal position were - 1. What is a successful school culture? and  2. What will it look like at our school?  I spent a great deal of time and energy putting my thoughts to paper.  The answers to questions #1 & #2…See More

Visit my blog: Principal Burkhead's BlogThe first two questions I asked myself as I prepared for my first Principal position were - 1. What is a successful school culture? and  2. What will it look like at our school?  I spent a great deal of time and energy putting my thoughts to paper.  The answers to questions #1 & #2…See More

Why Have an Entry Plan?I began developing Entry Plans many years ago as I applied for head football coaching positions.  I always believed the plan played an instrumental role in getting me the job, and guided me successfully through the initial challenges of the job if I was fortunate enough to land it.  An Entry Plan forces you to develop your vision, values, goals and beliefs as a leader.  It challenges you to research the prospective employer and postion, and if done right, puts you in the…See More

Flipping Lincoln: Watch the movie Lincoln & discuss at #edfocus on Lincoln's birthday!I am a huge fan of twitter and continue to use it as a 24/7/365 portal to learning.  As an instructional leader, I am constantly looking for ways to discuss topics on leadership and educational innovations on twitter.  It is…See More

I have a few core educational values close to my heart.  One is to treat each child as if they were my own, and another is to teach using stories.  I'd like to combine each of these philosophies in this post to share a story on leadership lessons I learned from my own children. My wife and I have raised our children to value school and take it very seriously.  We have 2 children, who…See More

I have a few core educational values close to my heart.  One is to treat each child as if they were my own, and another is to teach using stories.  I'd like to combine each of these philosophies in this post to share a story on leadership lessons I learned from my own children. My wife and I have raised our children to value school and take it very seriously.  We have 2 children, who…See More

It all starts with a questionAs an administrator, my professional development/learning goals are driven by asking - what can I do to make our school the BEST learning environment for our students and teachers?Practice what you preachIt has always been my philosophy as an administrator to lead by example, and not ask teachers or students to do anything I have not done, or am willing to do.…See More

Twitter Ethics 101"Who you are speaks so loudly I can't hear what you are saying"Ralph Waldo EmersonMr. Emerson's quote has always been a favorite of mine.  If Mr. Emerson was here today he might say "What you TWEET speaks so loudly about who you are I can't hear what you are saying."  Twitter is a powerful and…See More

“The secret of education lies in respecting the pupil.” Ralph Waldo EmersonWhy Would an Administrator Go back to School?Plymouth North high school is a "School on the Move."  An important part of our growth and success as a school is finding ways to include our students in the decision making process.  This all started a few months ago when Plymouth North Housemaster Kevin…See More