Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket is a wife, mother, principal, bestselling author, speaker, adjunct professor, and the 2025 President of the Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals. As the leader of a National Blue Ribbon School, she is recognized for her strong instructional leadership, her passion for equity and advocacy, and her ability to mentor the next generation of educators.

Named one of the Top 100 Influencers in Education by District Administration magazine, Dr. Edoho-Eket’s leadership philosophy is rooted in relational intelligence—prioritizing authentic connections as the foundation for lasting school success. She's also the author of The Principal’s Journey and her newest release, Relational Intelligence: The Key to Exceptional School Leadership.

We’re thrilled to welcome her today to talk about what it means to lead with purpose, build trust, and inspire transformation in schools

Principal Ashley Moore—known to many as Principal Mo—shares her leadership journey from special education teacher to transformational school leader. With over 15 years of experience, she unpacks how vulnerability, adaptability, and equity shape her approach to education.

Principal Mo reflects on leading through the pandemic, building trust with staff, and why modeling imperfection is a strength. She highlights her school’s shift to all-honors middle school courses as a strategy for equity, and how integrating AI tools has improved teacher workload and classroom outcomes. Her focus: empowering both students and educators to thrive.

Principal Ashley Moore—known to many as Principal Mo—shares her leadership journey from special education teacher to transformational school leader. With over 15 years of experience, she unpacks how vulnerability, adaptability, and equity shape her approach to education.

Principal Mo reflects on leading through the pandemic, building trust with staff, and why modeling imperfection is a strength. She highlights her school’s shift to all-honors middle school courses as a strategy for equity, and how integrating AI tools has improved teacher workload and classroom outcomes. Her focus: empowering both students and educators to thrive.

Coming Soon: Principal Mo’s debut book on leadership and school transformation. Learn more at PrincipalMo.com.

Learn more: Visit smartpass.app to see how SmartPass improves student accountability and maximizes learning time

In this episode, host Michelle Dawn Mooney speaks with Michael Conklin, Principal of Eldred Junior/Senior High School and a dedicated educator with over 14 years of experience, including roles in teaching, special education, and school leadership. As a “girl dad” of three and a passionate principal, Conklin discusses his holistic approach to leadership—balancing high expectations, mental health support, and student empowerment. He shares the importance of relationship-building, innovative programs like SmartPass and Hope Squad, and fostering a school environment where every student is known and supported.