Leading for Communication, Culture, and Student Success with Nick Birklid

In this episode of A Matter of Principals, AWSP Deputy Director Jack Arend sits down with Nick Birklid, principal of Eatonville Elementary, to discuss leadership growth, school culture, and the importance of creating systems that support both students and staff.

Nick shares his journey from teacher and coach to principal, reflecting on how his early focus on systems evolved into a deeper understanding of communication, trust, and culture-building. He candidly discusses lessons learned from previous leadership experiences and explains how those lessons have shaped his work at Eatonville Elementary.

The conversation explores the school's efforts around inclusion, distributed leadership, staff collaboration, and supporting students receiving special education services. Nick also shares practical examples of how he creates opportunities for teachers and paraeducators to contribute to decision-making and student success.

Throughout the episode, one theme remains consistent: great systems matter, but culture is what allows those systems to succeed.

Listeners will come away with practical leadership insights about communication, vulnerability, continuous improvement, and the importance of building schools where every student feels they belong.