Local school administrators kicked off the new academic year with an energizing training session hosted by IMESD School Improvement Team. The event featured 2014 Oregon Principal of the Year and Wrestling Hall of Fame inductee HD Weddel, who delivered an inspiring message about leadership, connection, and school culture.
Weddel opened the session by acknowledging the shared experiences in the room, emphasizing how vital peer support is in school leadership.
“Having that support is crucial as a leader,” Weddel said. “At this level, leading is not about being the best teacher in the school. You've gained experience from years in the classroom—now your job is to guide the next generation of instructors. But what makes a good leader? What makes you want to follow them?”
The conversation then turned to a study called The Leadership Challenge, prompting small group discussions around effective leadership. Participants explored key traits that inspire others to follow, including:
Honesty
Vision (knowing where to go and how to get there)
Ability to inspire
Competence in one’s field
The session also emphasized how different leadership styles, especially authoritative and coaching approaches, can play a critical role in cultivating a positive school culture.
To explore this further, administrators took part in a hands-on group activity. In small teams, they shared examples of both positive and toxic school cultures. Participants were encouraged to listen, agree or disagree respectfully, and explain their reasoning—mirroring the kind of healthy discourse they aim to foster in their own schools.
Lively and meaningful conversations emerged, setting the tone for a collaborative and purposeful school year ahead.