Meet Chris Loeffler, a former fifth-grade teacher turned Head of Lower School at a private Quaker school in Wilmington, Delaware. His story isn’t just about climbing the leadership ladder – it’s about transforming from someone who “liked his relationship with worry” into a confident leader who inspires his entire school community.
Like many educators stepping into leadership, Chris found himself at a crossroads. He was moving from the classroom into an assistant principal role, and one big question kept nagging at him:
“Will I be good at this job? Do I have any idea what I’m doing?”
The honest answer? No. And Chris knew it.
That’s why he did something most new leaders don’t do – he actively sought out support before he even needed it. After hearing about The Ruckus Maker Mastermind on the Cult of Pedagogy podcast, Chris knew this was exactly what he needed.
But here’s where it gets interesting…
Chris had tried other professional development opportunities before. He’d done innovative teaching groups and considered getting another master’s degree in leadership. But something was missing.
“I didn’t really want to go back and do another masters for leadership. I didn’t feel like it would help me the way I wanted,” Chris shared.
What was holding him back from joining the mastermind? The same thing that holds back many talented educators – imposter syndrome.
“Why should I even be there? I can’t believe they’re letting me in. I have zero leadership experience,” Chris recalled thinking.
But here’s what makes Chris a true Ruckus Maker – he jumped in anyway.
And that decision? It changed everything.
The Power of Sustainable Leadership Development
Chris discovered something powerful in The Ruckus Maker Mastermind – a community where he could both learn and contribute.
“You put yourself out there in the group, and you say something that you think is valuable, and then somebody says…
‘That’s a really different way to think about it. Thanks for sharing.’
That always feels great.” Chris shared.
This wasn’t just about having a group to bounce ideas off of. It was about finding a trusted circle of leaders from all different types of schools who could help him navigate the messy parts of leadership that no textbook could prepare you for.
The results?
Seven years later, Chris isn’t just surviving in leadership – he’s thriving. He recently moved from interim to official Head of Lower School, a moment that brought unexpected joy and validation:
“When the faculty clapped for me when our head of school announced it… I didn’t expect to feel the way I did. I didn’t expect them to respond the way they did.”
But perhaps the most touching validation came from an unexpected source – a former student he’d taught 13 years ago reached out on LinkedIn to congratulate him, calling him a “LEGEND.”
From Worried Leader to Confident Ruckus Maker
Today, Chris approaches leadership with three guiding principles he developed during his mastermind journey:
- Be present
- Be curious
- Be creative
“If I could do those things every day, then I would be okay. Then I would be doing my job really well,” Chris explains.
The transformation is clear.
Instead of worrying about whether he belongs in leadership, Chris now leads with confidence, knowing he has a community of fellow Ruckus Makers behind him.
“Having a group that you can use as a sounding board, that can be your support mechanism, it’s critical to sustaining success,” Chris shares. “Because we can all have good moments. But to keep things going, to keep momentum, you need other people to help you.”
Ready to Transform Your Leadership Journey?
If Chris’s story resonates with you – if you’re ready to move beyond worry and into confident, supported leadership – The Ruckus Maker Mastermind might be your next step.
As Chris puts it: “I know I would have grown regardless… but I know I grew more because of the mastermind.”
Why wait to build the confidence you need?
Visit betterleadersbetterschools.com/mastermind to begin your own journey of sustainable leadership development.
Like Chris, you’ll discover that true leadership growth happens not in isolation, but in community with other forward-thinking educators who are ready to make a ruckus.
