Aspire2 Article Series: Voices of Change, Women Shaping International Education
Article #8 – Dr Rachel Edoho-Eket
In this edition of Voices of Change – Women Shaping International Education, we are honoured to feature Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket, a Principal, TEDx Speaker, two-time bestselling author, President of The Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals, and recognised District Administration Top 100 Education Influencer. With a career spanning classroom teaching to national leadership, Dr. Edoho-Eket is widely respected for her advocacy, instructional leadership, and commitment to sustaining joy and well-being in education. In this interview, she reflects on the mentors who shaped her journey, the impact she is most proud of, the realities of leading as a woman, and her powerful message to the next generation of aspiring leaders.
What inspired you, as a woman, to take the step into educational leadership?
My path into educational leadership was paved by the guidance of my mentors, many of whom are incredible women in leadership! As a kindergarten teacher for most of my career, I saw firsthand how a good educational experience in early childhood can help shape the life of a child. I remain inspired by women who lead with compassion, strength, and intelligence that model that you can be both kind and courageous, collaborative and compassionate. I stepped into school leadership because I believed I could make an impact, not only in my classroom, but across an entire school community. I believe that leadership has always been about building trust, positive relationships, and creating a school environment where staff, students, and families can thrive.
What achievements in your leadership journey make you most proud?
I’m most proud of all my former students, and how they continue to develop, grow, and contribute to their community! I’ve had the pleasure of attending many of their high school and college graduations over the years and are grateful for the relationships we’ve maintained over the years! Leading a National Blue Ribbon School and being named a Top 100 Education Influencer are honors I deeply appreciate! I’m also proud of the work I’m sharing in the field of education around combating burnout and helping leaders sustain joy in our roles. Finally, I am incredibly proud to serve as President of The Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals because my colleagues have entrusted me to lead and advocate for principals and assistant principals across our state and beyond.
What challenges have you faced as a woman leader, and how have you navigated them?
Like many women in leadership, I’ve navigated expectations to be everything to everyone, a nurturer, a problem-solver, and caretaker, both personally and professionally. I’ve also faced moments where I wanted to give up when the pressures to manage home and school seemed impossible to achieve. I’ve navigated these challenges by staying grounded in my values, setting clear boundaries, and surrounding myself with mentors and trusted colleagues who allow me the grace to rest and reset. Therapy, reflection, and a strong support system have also been instrumental in helping me lead with resilience over the years.
How do you feel women leaders are influencing the future of education today?
Women leaders are reshaping education by centering relationships and well-being in leadership. We are challenging outdated models that encouraged leaders to over-work and are replacing them with more collaborative and inclusive approaches. Women are also bringing critical conversations about burnout, sustainability, and mental health to the forefront, recognizing that how we treat our educators directly impacts our students. I believe women are showing the importance of being adaptable and empathetic in an increasingly challenging complex field.
What message or advice would you share with the next generation of women aspiring to lead in education?
My advice to the next generation of women aspiring to lead in education is to trust your leadership. You do not have to lead like anyone else to be effective, you need to be yourself. We each have special gifts to share with others, so be authentic. Prioritize people and relationships, set work/life boundaries, and always remember to find joy in your work. School leadership will challenge you, stretch you, and at times exhaust you, but it is also one of the most rewarding ways to serve students, staff, and families. Thank you for being a difference maker!
