In a recent episode of AMLE’s Walk and Talk Podcast, hosts Phyllis Fagell and Jessica McGuire welcomed Brian Rickert and Katie Laird, a principal + assistant principal team from Trumbull, Connecticut, who are redefining middle school leadership with their innovative, collaborative approach. Leading a school of approximately 800 students, this duo ditches the traditional “divide and conquer” model in favor of a “better together” philosophy that prioritizes shared vision, mutual support, and collective efficacy. You can listen to the podcast now or enjoy some key takeaways here.
A Partnership Built on Shared Strengths
Brian, a seasoned principal with more than a decade of school leadership experience, and Katie, who joined as assistant principal three years ago after excelling as a math instructional leader, reject the notion that leadership should be siloed. Instead of relegating Katie to discipline duties—a common fate for assistant principals—they work as a unit, leveraging each other’s strengths to tackle everything from faculty meetings to major initiatives. “We’re better together,” Brian emphasized, noting that this approach ensures neither of them is stuck in roles that overshadow their true passions and skills. Katie echoed this, sharing how their collaboration allowed her to step into leadership with confidence, answering staff questions seamlessly because of their aligned vision.
Tangible Wins Through Teamwork
The results of their approach speak volumes. One standout success was passing a referendum for a new school building—a nine-figure project unprecedented in their town—achieved through joint planning and community engagement. Another triumph came in reducing chronic absenteeism from previous highs to below 5% in the 2023-24 school year, a nearly 50% drop. This was no top-down mandate; Brian and Katie brainstormed strategies together, involved their leadership team, and adjusted based on staff feedback, demonstrating how collaboration can yield measurable improvements. Their school’s ranking as 10th among Connecticut middle schools by U.S. News & World Report further underscores the power of their model.
Modeling Collaboration for Staff and Students
A key theme of the episode was how Brian and Katie’s partnership sets a tone for the entire school. By co-planning events like a staff scavenger hunt—which teachers later mirrored with students—they model shared ownership without explicitly demanding it. Staff perceive this unity, too; as Katie noted, teachers approach either administrator interchangeably, trusting that the work continues regardless of who’s available. This consistency builds a culture where, as Jessica McGuire observed, “the building can run” even if one leader is absent, fostering resilience and collective responsibility.
Practical Advice for Aspiring Collaborative Leaders
For educators eager to adopt this style, Brian and Katie offered actionable steps. Start small, they advised—perhaps by co-planning a faculty meeting or doing a book study together, like the stack Brian handed Katie on her first day. “Chip away at it,” Brian suggested, emphasizing that building trust and chemistry takes time but pays off in efficiency and morale. Katie highlighted how their upfront collaboration saves time later, allowing them to divide tasks confidently after aligning on goals. For larger teams, they recommended playing to individuals’ strengths while pushing growth, ensuring everyone feels valued and capable.
The Ripple Effect of a Unified Vision
Perhaps the most compelling takeaway was the duo’s impact on school culture. By debriefing tough days and celebrating wins together, they create a supportive dynamic that trickles down to staff and students. Their leadership isn’t just about getting things done—it’s about building capacity and relationships. As Fagell noted, this chemistry didn’t happen by chance; it’s a cultivated commitment that other leaders can replicate with intention.
Brian and Katie’s story, peppered with humor and humility, offers a refreshing blueprint for middle school leadership. Whether it’s passing referendums, slashing absenteeism, or simply making hard days better, their collaborative approach proves that two heads—and hearts—really are better than one.