Nicholas Collins: Middle School Principal

On today’s show, I have Nicholas Collins who is a middle school principal in southeastern Wisconsin.

Nicholas and I chat about his career path to becoming a principal, what he thinks people misconceive about his career, what he wished parents knew about his role, social media and the effect it has on a children’s school day, how he handles difficult situations (that occur nearly EVERY day), advice he’d give to aspiring principals and so much more.

Excited for you to tune in and hope you enjoy!

Nicholas Collins | Middle School Principal in Southeast Wisconsin

Show notes

In today’s episode, you’ll find out:

How he became an Assistant Principal.
Advice he would give to anyone who wants to work as a principal.
One thing people misconceive about his job.
The biggest struggle he’s experienced in his career as a principal.
What he wishes parents knew about his role.
His thoughts on social media and cell phones in schools.

Nicholas grew up on a dairy farm, and was 1 of 5 kids, with great parents and family around him every day. He wouldn’t trade his childhood for anything. He grew up in a strong Christian home and established the morals and work ethic he has today.

He graduated from UW-Stevens Point with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology & Education, minor in Spanish. He taught Science & Literature at Whitefish Bay Middle School for 8 years and lived in Franklin, WI for those 8 years. He was then hired as Assistant Principal in Sheboygan, WI and held this position for 3 years and promoted to Principal in the same school moving into his 4th year and we have lived in neighboring village of Kohler for those 3 years. He’s been blessed to be married to my beautiful and intelligent wife Laura for almost 10 years and she has been an amazing mother to our two kids Lyla (6) and Wyatt (3).

He enjoys playing rec basketball, 4-man sand volleyball, snowboarding, exercising any way he can, fishing with his kids, Sci-Fi movie and book lover, eating & making great food, making cheese when he has the time, enjoying craft beer, and spending time with his family every day.

Key takeaways from this episode

I fell in love with middle school from day 1. – Nicholas Collins

I found myself more and more drawn to working and building the capacity of adults. Leading other teachers, creating programs and curriculum. – Nicholas Collins

There's never a boring day. Ever. - Nicholas Collins Click To Tweet

Over half of my student population is below the poverty line. – Nicholas Collins

If cell phones and social media didn't exist, my job requirements would shrink by 25%. - Nicholas Collins Click To Tweet

As soon as 7 am hits, I basically surrender myself to the school. – Nicholas Collins

In the world of inequality for kids, that phone may be the only thing that each family member has. - Nicholas Collins Click To Tweet

You know your kid, but you shouldn’t trust your kid completely. You need to check their phones. – Nicholas Collins

Cell phones really don't have to be in the classroom or on them, ever, during school. - Nicholas Collins Click To Tweet

You have to be on from7:40 am to 3 pm. You don’t get a break. – Nicholas Collins

I wanted to impact more people. I wanted to impact an entire school. - Nicholas Collins Click To Tweet

You have to be flexible and willing to prioritize. – Nicholas Collins

The number 1 thing I want parents to know is that I care about their kids. - Nicholas Collins Click To Tweet

Links to resources

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