Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket is a wife, mother, principal, author, speaker, and President of the Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals. She is also an ASCD Faculty member and serves as an adjunct professor at McDaniel College. Named a District Administration Top 100 Influencer in Education, she advocates to support all students, staff, and families in education. Her two best-selling books, The Principal’s Journey and Relational Intelligence, equip school leaders with practical tips and guidance for success. Her podcast, “Strong Start Sundays” fosters a vibrant community of school leaders. Dr. Edoho-Eket holds degrees in early childhood & elementary education, curriculum development, and leadership. To invite Dr. Edoho-Eket to speak at your upcoming event, please visit: www.racheledohoeket.com
Recently, in an exclusive interview with K12 Digest, Rachel shared insights into her journey as a leader in education, her approach to building relationships, and her vision for empowering educators and students. She also shared her personal hobbies and interests, future plans, words of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Hi Rachel. What motivated you to pursue a career in education leadership, and what have been some of the highlights?
I’m a third-generation educator, so becoming a teacher always felt like a continuation of my family’s legacy. I grew up watching my family members pour into their students with love, high expectations, and a belief in what children can become, and that shaped everything about who I am today. Some of the biggest highlights of my career have been watching my former kindergarten students graduate high school and step confidently into college or their chosen careers. It’s a reminder that the work we do in early childhood truly echoes across a lifetime. Another joy has been serving as a principal to two generations of teachers from the same family! That was a full-circle moment that continues to affirm just how deeply relationships anchor our work.
What do you love the most about your current role?
What I love most about being a principal is the privilege of serving an entire school community! Our students, staff, and families bring immense joy to our building. Every day, I enjoy greeting students at arrival, celebrating our teachers and staff, and partnering closely with families to help their children succeed.
Additionally, serving as President of The Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals continues to be an incredible honor! This position has allowed me to connect with school leaders across our state of Maryland and nationally, to learn with other leaders and to help contribute to important advocacy efforts within the field of education.
What do you think are some of the most significant trends or changes in education, and how do you think schools can adapt?
One of the biggest trends we’re seeing in education is the continued use of AI, by teachers and students, and it’s changing how we think about teaching and learning. I believe schools can adapt by approaching AI as a support, not a substitute, for strong instruction, creative thinking, and meaningful student engagement. When we help students use AI responsibly and critically, we’re not only preparing them for the future but also giving them new tools to make their voices heard and expand their creativity.
Another major change is the renewed focus on early literacy skills. The early years lay the foundation for everything that follows, and the shift toward structured, science-based reading instruction is long overdue. School systems can adapt by investing in high-quality materials, ongoing professional learning in research-based practices, and consistent coaching. Equally important is making sure that families understand how reading skills are developed and ways they can support learning at home. When families are partners at home, students benefit.
Teacher recruitment and retention continues to be one of our most urgent challenges. Educator pay and workload issues are frequent concerns, but additionally, many teachers are leaving the field because they may not feel valued, supported, or connected. School leaders can adapt by creating a culture where teachers feel appreciated and trusted for their efforts. This is where relational intelligence becomes a non-negotiable. Leaders have to set the tone for belonging, safety, and open communication because when teachers feel seen and heard, they pour that same energy back into their students.
Across all of these trends, one thing remains clear: student voice, family partnership, and strong relationships are the heart of every successful school. No matter how much the educational landscape shifts, our ability to connect with the people we serve will always be a priority.
How do you think education can be used to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, and what opportunities do you see?
Education has always been one of the greatest tools we have for solving the world’s most pressing challenges because it shapes how young people see themselves, each other, and their place in the world. When we teach students to think critically, communicate, and collaborate, we’re preparing them to address issues with skill and empathy.
One of the biggest opportunities is in helping students of all ages use the power of their voice. When students learn early that their perspectives matter and their ideas can create change, we’re building a generation of problem-solvers who aren’t afraid to lead. Authentic project-based learning, service learning, and real-world problem-solving gives students the chance to practice advocacy in meaningful ways.
Of course, none of this happens without supportive relationships. If we want students who change the world, we have to create school communities where they know they belong and where their perspectives and brilliance is recognized every day.
What do you think are some of the most important qualities or skills for education leaders to have, and why?
The strongest education leaders are those who live in service to others. First, building trust, communicating, and creating a school culture of belonging is essential. I firmly believe that relational intelligence is the key to exceptional school leadership.
Strong leaders also need to be reflective. Schools are complex and students, staff, and families look to us for calm, consistent decision-making. Being able to pause, listen, and respond empathically makes all the difference.
Finally, leaders need to be adaptable. Education is changing quickly and leaders must be willing to learn, adjust, and guide our school communities through uncertainty. We also need to be credible instructional leaders, understanding teaching and learning well enough to support staff and move our schools forward. This is how we help our students succeed long term.
How do you stay connected to the broader education community, and what insights have you gained from your networks?
I stay connected to the broader educational community by being involved in several professional organizations, both locally and nationally. Serving as President of The Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals has given me the incredible privilege of learning from school leaders across Maryland and beyond. After hearing stories and sharing ideas, I realized that while each of our schools are unique, our challenges and hopes are very much the same. Additionally, I am an ASCD faculty member and enjoy staying engaged with other educators by attending and speaking at conferences and leading my podcast “Strong Start Sundays.”
One of the biggest insights I’ve gained from these networks is learning how much power there is in our collective wisdom. When leaders come together to learn, grow, and lift each other up, all of our schools improve. Staying connected reminds me that even on our toughest days, none of us are doing this work alone, and that is incredibly grounding and energizing.
What is your favorite quote?
My favorite quote is, “Do something today that your future self will thank you for.” I love it because it speaks directly to the importance of goal setting and having a positive mindset. This quote reminds me that growth doesn’t always come from huge leaps all it once. Instead, it comes from small, consistent actions that move us forward over time.
It also reinforces the importance of celebrating our progress along the way. When we stop to acknowledge wins, we build momentum, confidence, and joy. This quote encourages perseverance and helps me lead with optimism and purpose.
Can you share a favorite hobby or interest outside of work that helps you recharge?
One of my favorite ways to recharge is going for a long walk. It helps to clear my mind and gives me the space to reset without distractions. I’ll also admit that watching reality TV is my guilty pleasure. Sometimes the best kind of self-care is turning off the responsibilities of the day and getting lost in an entertaining episode! These hobbies help me decompress and return to school with more energy and joy.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
In the next five years, I see myself continuing to grow as a school leader while expanding my influence in the field of education. I hope to keep supporting and mentoring new and aspiring leaders, and creating spaces where educators feel seen, supported, and encouraged, whether through writing, speaking, or professional learning opportunities. Most of all, I want to stay closely connected with staff, students, and families because that’s where I find the highest level of joy and purpose. Wherever I am, my hope is to be serving in a way that adds value, builds community, and helps more school leaders thrive.
What advice would you give to early-career professionals looking to make a positive impact in education?
My biggest advice to early-career educators is to start by building positive relationships with your students, colleagues, and families because the trust you gain will carry you farther than any teaching technique or strategy. Additionally, remember to ask for feedback, seek mentors, and keep growing. Finally, celebrate your progress! You’re shaping lives every day, often in ways you won’t see until many years later. This is my 21st year in public education, and I still learn something new every day!