19 Reasons I Was Grateful to Walk Into School Every Day

I’m grateful for a career in education.  Here is some stuff that I really appreciated:

Parents who give teachers the benefit of the doubt.

Colleagues who are always pleasant.

Custodians who take pride in their work.

Teachers who give shoutouts to their co-workers.

Students who are kind to their classmates.

Central Office staff who ask what they can do to help.

CNP staff who joke with the students when they are serving them.

In-person schooling.

Nurses who demonstrate compassion in the midst of the drama.

Administrators who understand their most important role is to support the teachers.

Librarians who create inviting spaces for the school community.

Legislators who recognize that they may not have expertise in education.

Paraprofessionals who show extraordinary poise with challenging kids.

Opportunities to make others smile.

Secretaries who are patient as they answer the same question for the tenth time.

Teachers who recognize that their students have a lot of stuff going on at home.

Counselors who are gracious with anyone who happens to walk into their office.

SRO’s who spend time in the hallways.

Staff members who jump in to help when their co-worker has a family emergency.

I have many things to be thankful for in schools.  I bet you do too.

“As a building principal, I know firsthand how overwhelming the daily demands of school leadership can feel. In The Instructional Leader in YOU, Danny Steele offers a practical and refreshing guide for leaders who want to stay grounded in what matters most—supporting teachers and fostering a culture of learning. With humility, honesty, and real-world insight, he reminds us that you don’t have to be an expert in everything to make a lasting impact. This book is both encouraging and actionable—an essential read for every school leader striving to grow, connect, and lead with purpose.”

Zac Bauermaster, principal, speaker, and author of Leading with a Humble Heart and Leading with People

“A Must-Read for School Leaders - Danny's book reminded me of what so many of us feel but rarely say out loud: that despite our best intentions, the weight of the job can often leave us feeling inadequate or overwhelmed. But Danny’s words are a powerful reminder that instructional leadership is not about perfection—it’s about connection. It’s about walking alongside teachers, being present in classrooms, and making intentional decisions that support learning.

If you’re a principal who’s ever felt like you’re not “instructional enough,” this book is for you. It will encourage you, equip you, and remind you that your ability to lead instructionally comes from your ability to build trust, ask good questions, and stay relentlessly focused on student learning.

This book won’t just sit on your shelf—it will live on your desk. Read it, revisit it, and most of all, share it with your leadership team.”

Jennifer Hogan, Principal (retired)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Danny