Reader Let me ask you something that might sting a little: Are you walking into principal interviews and answering like a really good teacher? Because here’s what I’ve seen after 20+ years on both sides of the interview table — the most qualified candidates don’t always get the job. The ones who sound like principals do. And there’s a real difference. A great teacher answers with what they’d do in their classroom. A principal answers with how they’d move an entire building. Different...
22 days ago • 1 min read
Reader A while back, you grabbed the Ace You Next Leadership Interview Guide — and I hope it gave you some solid footing heading into your next interview. I'm Gordon Amerson, and I've spent years coaching school leaders through some of the most high-stakes interviews of their careers. What I've learned is that the guide is a great start — but the leaders who actually land the job usually have a few more things locked in. So I've been putting together something more complete: a short email...
25 days ago • 1 min read
[Reader I just released a new video for assistant principals who are ready to make the jump to principal. It breaks down the 4 shifts search committees are actually assessing in AP-to-principal interviews — and most candidates don't even know they're being evaluated on these. Watch my video now by clicking on this link: And if you're serious about making this transition, check out Secret Interview Hacks. It's the full system I use to coach APs who go on to land principal roles - click here:...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Dear TPL Community Members, One of the most common questions in a principal interview sounds simple: “What is your leadership philosophy?” Most candidates think this is a soft question. So they answer with something broad like: “I believe in collaboration.” “I believe in building relationships.” “I believe in supporting teachers and students.” Those are good values. But here’s the problem. That kind of answer rarely wins the interview. Search committees aren’t just listening for nice ideas....
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hello PrincipalED Leaders, You can say all the right things in a principal interview… Instructional leadership. Data-driven decisions. Positive culture. And still not get the job. I just released a new episode: “Principal Candidates Miss This in Interviews | Superintendent Reveals.” In it, I break down what search committees are really evaluating — the thing that never appears in the job description but often determines who gets hired. If you have an upcoming principal or assistant principal...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hello PrincipalED Leaders, If you’re preparing for a principal interview, read this. I just released a new episode: After sitting on hundreds of interview panels as a superintendent, I can tell you this: Most candidates aren’t losing because they’re unqualified. They’re losing because of five very specific mistakes. In this episode, I show you: • Why generic answers kill strong candidates • The 90-second leadership philosophy framework • How to stop downplaying your strengths • The closing...
2 months ago • 1 min read
CliftonStrength Theme of the Week: Arranger – Leadership in Motion You thrive in complexity. Where others might see chaos or competing demands, you instinctively begin organizing, shifting, and optimizing—always with an eye on how to deliver the best possible outcome. You don't just manage moving parts; you orchestrate them, crafting solutions in real time as circumstances evolve. This isn't about rigid plans or fixed roles. For you, it's about adaptability and strategic alignment—bringing...
11 months ago • 4 min read
CliftonStrength Theme of the Week: Analytical - The Strength of Analytical: Digging Deeper for the Truth For those with a strong Analytical theme, the world is full of questions that need answers, and you’re the one asking, “Can you prove it?” You don’t take ideas at face value—your mind is hardwired to challenge assumptions and seek validation. While some may find their bold ideas faltering under your scrutiny, it’s not because you wish to tear them down. Rather, you’re committed to seeing...
over 1 year ago • 5 min read
CliftonStrength Theme of the Week: Adaptability - Embracing the Now: The Strength of Adaptability Living in the moment is where you thrive. You don’t view the future as a rigid endpoint or a fixed path; rather, it unfolds with each choice you make, shaping itself in real time. For you, the future is something you craft one decision at a time, staying open to whatever opportunities or challenges come your way. It’s not that you don’t make plans—you likely do—but your Adaptability allows you to...
over 1 year ago • 5 min read