For over 30 years international school leaders, teachers, and counselors have come together for PTC professional learning experiences. Each day of every program begins with a “pearl of wisdom,” a “nugget of knowledge,” or a “gem of inspiration” from one of the participants. We are delighted to offer our readers around the world these powerful stories, insights, and strategies, all dedicated to our shared mission of ever more and better learning for our children.
In this Pearl, Marcela shares how leadership is built through everyday moments of connection rather than grand gestures. Reflecting on the demands of school leadership, she explains how constant meetings and competing priorities made her less available to the people who mattered most. To address this, she and her associate principal created "Principals on Wheels," taking their work into shared school spaces where informal conversations with students and staff could happen naturally. These brief interactions strengthened relationships, increased trust, and gave them deeper insight into the school's culture. As Marcela concludes, "Go to your people and make yourself available because every five minute conversation we say yes to adds another marble to the jar of trust."
Professional positions cited were the ones held at the time of recording. The positions and schools of those quoted may have since changed.
Marcela Andrea Diaz Revueltas is the Principal/Head of Section of Colegio Karl C. Parrish in Colombia.
