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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

My first conversation about this book happened in 2016 when Claudia Wheatley from Solution Tree Press reached out to me by phone. Always on the lookout for new authors, Claudia told me that I had developed a “large digital footprint” with the online content I was sharing with school leaders via my blog and podcast. As we talked about my school culture and how communication strategies had helped shaped its momentum, she suggested the title for a new book on the subject: Messaging Matters.

The title struck a chord with me. Four years earlier, I had made a commitment that I wanted to connect with others and grow personally and professionally by sharing at least one blog post every week for five years on lessons I was learning in school leadership. That decision enhanced my communication about my school and about school leadership in ways I had never imagined. The more I highlighted the great lessons and actions of my teachers, students, and team members, the more momentum was built around positive initiatives.

At this point, the bulk of my writing experience had been in the world of blogging, podcasting, and self-publishing so I was thrilled at the idea of a book with Solution Tree Press. I also had no idea how challenging and encouraging it would be to be surrounded by so many eyes, minds, thoughts, suggestions, and corrections along the way. Messaging Matters has definitely been a team effort: it could not have happened without the students, teachers, and other education leaders who inspire me every day. It could not have happened without the many reviewers who provided incredible feedback. I have so many people to thank for this project.

Thank you, Reverend Blake Altman and Trinity Presbyterian, for giving me free use of office space on the weekends and holidays to finish this book. Thank you, Richard and Carol Spears, for the use of your farmhouse where I drafted many parts of this book during holidays with my family.

Thank you, Claudia Wheatley, for inspiring the idea for this book and consistently giving warm and patient guidance. Also, sincere thanks to Douglas Rife for generously taking a risk on this practicing principal who believed he could write a book while still leading a school. Thank you, Amy Rubenstein, for offering amazing editorial wisdom, and Sue Kraszewski for providing brilliant editorial and production direction. And to the entire Solution Tree Press team: thank you for enveloping me into a family of professionals who love promoting the best in educational ideas, innovation, and inspiration!

Of course, a project like this also meant sacrificing a lot of time with my family and school. You have no idea, really. So thank you, Skiatook Public Schools administration, teachers, staff, students, and parents, for entrusting me with the privilege of serving and for allowing me to share in the joys of watching students learn and grow.

And thank you to my amazing wife, Missy, whom I can never repay for supporting me while writing this book. Thank you for being by my side during my crazy life as an educator for the past twenty-four years. You are my best friend. And to our four children: Emily, Mattie, Katie, and Jack. Thank you for loving me. May you grow up to live for God’s glory and to love life so much that you can’t help but celebrate every day!

Solution Tree Press would like to thank the following reviewers:

Shawn Blankenship

Principal

Piedmont Intermediate School

Piedmont, Oklahoma

Anthony Bridgeman

Principal

West Islip High School

West Islip, New York

Lena Christiansen

Principal

Dayton’s Bluff Achievement Plus Elementary School

St. Paul, Minnesota

Jean Hitchcock

Executive Director

Signature School

Evansville, Indiana

Robbie Hooker

Executive Director for High School Leadership

Henry County Schools

McDonough, Georgia

Laura Jennaro

Principal

Milton Middle School

Milton, Wisconsin

Kim Spychalla

Principal

MacArthur Elementary School

Green Bay, Wisconsin