When Teachers Lead, Schools Lift: The Power of Ownership and Trust

When you step inside Skinner Road School in Vernon, you know immediately that it is a special place. Almost palpable are the sense of belonging, the joy of learning, and the unmistakable energy of a community that believes in its children. At the center of it all stands Principal Bryan Kerachsky, the 2025 Elementary School Principal of the Year. In this conversation, Bryan shares how his school turned belonging into a coherent, schoolwide system that strengthens relationships and accelerates learning. He offers a clear look at the structures, leadership practices, and cultural habits that sustain meaningful improvement beyond any one person. 

Chapters

• 0:00 Welcome And Guest Introduction
• 1:04 School Context And Community
• 1:46 Building Belonging With B3 Advisory
• 3:23 Distributed Leadership And Committees
• 4:31 Culture, Themes, And Values
• 5:20 The Invisible Thread Of Community
• 6:12 Influences: Schmoker And DuFour
• 8:18 Avoiding Initiative Fatigue
• 9:11 Advice To A First-Year Principal
• 10:25 Dream Projects And Student Pathways
• 11:08 Ignite Round: Leadership Snapshot
• 14:18 Pride, Wins, And Teacher First
• 16:06 Host’s Playbook For Chaos
• 17:03 Where To Connect And Closing