Kevin Murphy has worked as an educator for over two decades, including as a high school principal. Before entering administration, Kevin Murphy served in various educational roles from 1999 to 2015, such as teacher and disciplinary dean. These foundational years grounded his understanding of pedagogy and classroom management, preparing him to become an efficient principal and administrator.
Between 2015 and 2018, Mr. Murphy was the assistant principal at Dover High School in Dover Plains, New York, where he collaborated with the school principal toward building professional learning communities for staff and leading initiatives to improve student attendance and discipline. His efforts included supporting the principal with coordinating Regents examinations, maintaining state safety reporting compliance, and playing a pivotal role in organizing staff development and instructional support. He also supported the creation of the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame, further demonstrating his commitment to recognizing student and community achievement inside and outside the classroom.
Between 2018 and 2020, he served as assistant principal at Poughkeepsie Middle School. In that position, his efforts were pivotal with a deep focus on school safety, distance learning implementation, and community partnership development.
In 2020, he became assistant principal at Highland High School in Highland, New York. He became principal at the same school in 2022 and held this position until 2025, overseeing the school’s curriculum, staff, students, and overall safety, as well as community interactions and the educational institution’s overall learning atmosphere.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
In my role, no two days are exactly alike, but I approach each day with a clear structure to ensure productivity and responsiveness. My day typically begins early, reviewing emails, schedules, and any urgent matters that may have arisen overnight. I prioritize visibility and connection, so I make it a point to be present during arrival times, in hallways, and in classrooms to greet students and support staff.
The bulk of the day involves a balance of meetings—with teachers, parents, district leaders, and student support teams—alongside instructional walkthroughs and data review. I allocate time for strategic planning, responding to stakeholder concerns, and following up on initiatives to improve teaching and learning. I also reserve time daily to reflect on progress toward our school goals and ensure alignment with our mission.
To stay productive, I rely on clear communication, effective delegation, and a disciplined calendar. I also believe in being proactive—anticipating challenges before they become issues, and staying student-centered in every decision. Maintaining strong relationships and a collaborative culture is key to sustaining both momentum and morale.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Bringing ideas to life starts with listening—understanding the needs of students, staff, and the broader school community. Once an idea is identified, I begin by clearly defining its purpose and aligning it with our school’s mission and goals. From there, I collaborate with key stakeholders to develop a strategic plan that includes input from those who will be most affected.
I believe in piloting initiatives on a small scale when possible, collecting feedback, and using data to refine the approach. Communication is critical throughout the process, so I ensure there are multiple touchpoints for dialogue, clarity, and shared ownership. I also work to secure the necessary resources, whether that’s time, training, or materials—to support successful implementation. Ultimately, I bring ideas to life by creating a culture of innovation, empowering others to lead, and maintaining a strong focus on outcomes.
What’s one trend that excites you?
One trend that excites me is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. AI has the potential to transform how we personalize learning, support teachers, and improve student outcomes. With tools that can analyze data in real time, we can better identify student needs, differentiate instruction, and intervene more effectively. AI can also streamline administrative tasks, freeing up time for educators to focus on what matters most—teaching and relationship-building. Additionally, AI-powered platforms can enhance student engagement through interactive, adaptive learning experiences tailored to individual strengths and gaps. What excites me most is the opportunity to close achievement gaps and provide equitable access to high-quality education for all students. Of course, it’s essential to implement these tools thoughtfully, with a focus on data privacy, ethical use, and human-centered learning.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
One habit that helps me stay productive is prioritizing my day through intentional time-blocking. Each morning, I review my schedule and identify the top three tasks. I block time on my calendar for focused work, limit distractions, and make sure that routine responsibilities don’t overshadow strategic priorities. I also build in time for visibility—walking the halls, checking in with staff, and being present for students. These moments not only support school culture but also keep me connected to the heartbeat of the building. I rely on digital tools for task management, but I also believe in the power of reflection. At the end of each day, I review what was accomplished, note follow-ups, and make adjustments. This habit of daily prioritization helps me stay organized, responsive, and focused.
What advice would you give your younger self?
If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be to embrace the importance of balance and give yourself permission to set boundaries. As an educational administrator, it’s easy to get consumed by the demands of the role—long hours, constant decision-making, and the deep responsibility we feel for our students and staff. But over time, I’ve learned that being effective at work starts with being present and healthy at home. I would tell my younger self that it’s okay to unplug, to prioritize family time, and to trust that taking care of yourself makes you a stronger leader.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
One belief I hold that many may not immediately agree with is that artificial intelligence (AI) should be integrated into every aspect of education—not just instruction, but also operations, student support, and school leadership. While some view AI with hesitation, I see it as a transformative tool that, if used responsibly, can significantly enhance equity, efficiency, and engagement. AI can personalize learning for students in ways traditional methods cannot, help identify early warning signs for at-risk learners, and even streamline administrative tasks to free up time for human connection. Some people worry that AI may replace educators, but I believe it will elevate their role—allowing them to focus more on mentorship, creativity, and relationship-building.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
One thing I repeatedly do—and strongly recommend to others—is use a daily checklist to stay focused and intentional. In the fast-paced environment of school leadership, it’s easy to get pulled in many directions and lose sight of priority tasks. Each morning, I review ongoing goals and identify 3–5 key tasks that must be accomplished that day. I also include time for visibility—checking in with staff, visiting classrooms, and connecting with students—which may not always feel urgent, but is always important. Checking off tasks throughout the day provides a sense of progress and keeps momentum going. It also helps with accountability and ensures that nothing critical slips through the cracks.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I feel overwhelmed or unfocused, I take a pause. The pace in educational administration can be relentless, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of reacting rather than leading. In those moments, I take a brief moment to just reset. Sometimes I jot down everything on my mind to clear mental clutter, then prioritize what truly needs my attention. I also find that a short walk through the hallways to connect with students or staff helps re-center me on our purpose and brings clarity. Stepping away, even for five minutes, creates the space I need to regain focus and return to my responsibilities with a clearer mindset. Pausing is a strategy.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
One strategy that has significantly helped me advance in my career is intentionally learning from other leaders—both within and beyond education. Early in my leadership journey, I made a commitment to seek out mentors, observe effective practices, and engage in meaningful conversations with experienced leaders. I regularly attend leadership workshops, join professional networks, and participate in collaborative learning communities. These opportunities expose me to diverse perspectives, innovative solutions, and tested strategies that I can adapt to my school’s unique context.
What’s been most impactful is not just learning what others do, but understanding how they think—how they make decisions, navigate challenges, and build strong school cultures. This insight has helped me become more reflective, confident, and forward-thinking. I’ve applied these lessons to lead change initiatives, improve team dynamics, and build a more inclusive, student-centered environment. Learning from other leaders has been a continuous source of growth and inspiration, reminding me that leadership is shaped by those we surround ourselves with.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
One failure in my career was not prioritizing my family during the early years of my leadership journey. I poured so much into the role—long hours, constant availability, and endless responsibilities—that I unintentionally neglected the people who matter most. Over time, I realized that true leadership starts with balance and authenticity. I began setting clearer boundaries, scheduling intentional family time, and learning to delegate more effectively. The biggest lesson I took away is that success at work means little if it comes at the expense of personal relationships.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
One business idea I’m happy to share is creating a comprehensive professional development platform for educators that focuses on personalized learning paths. Many schools struggle to provide relevant, ongoing training for teachers that aligns with their individual needs and growth areas. This platform would use AI to assess educators’ strengths and areas for improvement, recommending customized courses, workshops, and peer collaboration opportunities based on their goals.
It could also integrate real-time feedback, allowing teachers to track their progress and receive support from mentors or colleagues. By offering a flexible, tailored approach to professional development, schools would see greater engagement and improvement in instructional practices. This idea not only supports teachers but also strengthens the overall school culture by fostering a community of continuous learning.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
One piece of software that significantly boosts my productivity is Frontline. As an educational administrator, managing staffing, scheduling, and other operational tasks efficiently is crucial. Frontline streamlines many of these processes, allowing me to handle everything from substitute management to professional development tracking all in one platform.
I use Frontline daily to monitor attendance, track staff absences, and ensure that substitutes are assigned quickly and efficiently. The software’s data-driven reports help me identify trends and anticipate staffing needs, which is vital for smooth day-to-day operations. Additionally, Frontline’s integration with other systems helps me manage professional development hours and certifications for staff, ensuring that everyone stays up to date with required training. The ability to access real-time data and automate many of these tasks saves me time.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
A great book that I’ve read is Pre by Tom Jordan, the biography of legendary runner Steve Prefontaine. What resonated most with me was Pre’s relentless work ethic, fearless mindset, and refusal to settle for mediocrity. He didn’t just run to win—he ran to push limits and inspire others to do the same. As an educational administrator, I draw from that same spirit: lead with passion, set high standards, and never stop striving for excellence. The book reminds me that real growth comes from taking risks and committing fully, both in leadership and in life.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
A movie I recently enjoyed is The Founder, which tells the story of Ray Kroc and the rise of McDonald’s. What stood out to me was Kroc’s relentless drive, vision, and ability to recognize and scale a great idea. While some of his methods were controversial, the film offers powerful lessons on perseverance, branding, and building a lasting legacy. It reminded me of the importance of systems, innovation, and staying committed to a bigger mission—even when faced with resistance. It’s a compelling story of how determination and strategy can turn vision into reality.
Key learnings
- Intentional time management and visibility are essential for productive leadership—time-blocking, daily checklists, and being present in school spaces drive both operational efficiency and school culture.
- Innovative ideas are best implemented through collaboration, piloting, and data-informed adjustments, ensuring alignment with goals and community needs.
- Artificial intelligence presents a transformative opportunity in education, from personalized instruction and early interventions to streamlining administrative tasks (provided it is adopted thoughtfully and ethically).
- Sustainable leadership requires personal balance and boundary-setting, reinforcing that professional success should not come at the cost of family or well-being.
- Continuous growth is fueled by learning from other leaders, drawing on diverse perspectives and experiences to shape reflective, forward-thinking school leadership.