A new blueprint for leading schools | Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket | TEDxReisterstown

Описание: After 20 years in public education, Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket challenges the traditional, high-pressure, and often soul-crushing norms of school leadership. "A Joyful Rebellion" argues that in a system plagued by burnout, "learning loss" narratives, and urgent compliance, joy is not a luxury, it is a necessary act of resistance. Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket is a wife, mother, principal, author, speaker, and the 2025 President of the Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals. With decades as a teacher and leader in public education, she has earned the reputation as a strong instructional leader, passionate educational advocate, and dedicated mentor. As the Principal of a National Blue Ribbon school in Maryland, she is a life-long learner who strives for excellence not only for herself, but also for everyone she serves. She also serves as an adjunct professor at McDaniel College helping to support the personal and professional growth of aspiring and current school leaders.

Named as one of the Top 100 Influencers in Education by District Administration, Dr. Edoho-Eket’s belief in fostering meaningful relationships serves as the foundation for everything she does, and her highly effective teaching and leadership style continues to inspire up and coming aspiring teacher leaders. During her educational career, she has proudly served as a classroom teacher, instructional team leader, mentor teacher, Assistant Principal, and Principal. Her first best-selling book, “The Principal’s Journey: Navigating the Path to School Leadership” provides a helpful and practical blueprint for educators to follow as they transition into new leadership roles. Her latest book, "Relational Intelligence: The Key to Exceptional School Leadership" centers on the importance of trusting and authentic relationships as the driver of school success. Dr. Edoho-Eket holds a B.S. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Temple University, a M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from McDaniel College, and a Doctorate in Leadership and Professional Practice from Trevecca Nazarene University.

Short Biography

Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket is the author of the best-selling book, “The Principal’s Journey: Navigating the Path to School Leadership” and "Relational Intelligence: The Key to Exceptional School Leadership.” Named as one of the Top 100 Influencers in Education by District Administration, she has served for 20 years in public education as a highly regarded teacher and leader, and currently is the principal of a National Blue Ribbon school in Maryland. She also is an adjunct professor at McDaniel College. As the 2025 President of The Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals, she advocates on behalf of students, staff, and families to improve educational outcomes for all stakeholders.


Dr. Edoho-Eket holds a B.S. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Temple University, a M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from McDaniel College, and a Doctorate in Leadership and Professional Practice from Trevecca Nazarene University. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx