PMP475: Lessons from the First Year with Dr. Robert Kaiser

A Quick Note to Listeners:

Before this week’s episode, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke take some time to answer a listener question. This week’s question is:

What are some strategies for my own professional growth while managing so many daily responsibilities?

Listen in to hear their response!

Meet Robert Kaiser:

Dr. Robert “Rob” Kaiser brings over a decade of Tulsa Public Schools experience to his current role as Principal of McLain High. A Teach for America alum, he began in 2013 as a 4th‑grade teacher at Cooper Elementary, earning TPS District Teacher of the Year in 2015.

He then served as assistant principal and principal at Monroe Demonstration Academy, earning a Doctorate in Curriculum & Supervision from the University of Oklahoma.

Named Principal at McLain High for the 2024-25 school year, Dr. Kaiser immediately focused on attendance, student engagement, and uniforms, even launching the “Titan Transport” shuttle to reduce chronic absenteeism.

He and his wife are proud parents. Rob is committed to a mission of creating equitable, high‑opportunity pathways for every student in North Tulsa.

Previous Leadership Experience: 

Prior to serving as a high school principal, Rob Kaiser served as an assistant principal and principal at a middle school. This position taught him some valuable lessons about leadership that he has taken with him into his role as a high school principal. One of the most important takeaways for him during his tenure as a middle school principal is the phrase “put your feet where you lead”. Essentially, this means taking every opportunity you have to show up with enthusiasm for students and families in your school community. Another lesson Rob learned during his time as a middle school principal is the importance of establishing a vision for what you want your school to look like, and getting the right people in the right roles. Throughout his time as a middle school principal, Monroe Demonstration Academy saw a decrease in their suspension rate, an increase in their teacher retention rate, and developed a robust after school program. 

The First Year: 

At the time of this recording, Rob Kaiser has spent the past year as a high school principal. While reflecting on his first year at McClain High School, Rob remembers that the first three months were a whirlwind of change. Not only was he the new principal, but he also had two new assistant principals. Leading a school through a period of change is a daunting task, but Rob rose to the occasion, and ended the year feeling that the school is stronger than where they were a year ago. Over the past year, McClain High School has put on their first musical in 30 years, prepared kids for their ACT, had 12 students sign to play sports in college, and has seen many students be awarded scholarship money for college. 

Relationships, Systems, and Supports: 

Throughout his first year at McClain High School, Rob has focused on three buckets for leading change: relationships, systems, and supports. As a teacher, Rob learned from his school superintendent the importance of relationships. When he stepped into the role at McClain, Rob knew he wanted to build as many relationships as possible with the community, students, and teachers. Next, he focused on thinking through which systems the school has in place that work and which systems do not work. He states that he asked himself, “What was working in the past? How do we build on top of that?” and went from there. Finally, Rob talks about learning about the staff and teachers in his school and how they need to be supported. Using these three buckets, relationships, systems, and supports, are all vital to the success of the school. 

Advice for Leaders:

When asked what advice he would give to new leaders, Rob talks about putting your feet where you lead. He tells new leaders to be in classrooms, the lunchrooms, the hallways; to constantly show up in spaces for students. It’s not the big moments that will have the largest impact, but the little moments of showing up with enthusiasm for students that will make a huge difference. For veteran leaders, Rob advises that they establish a routine to make sure that they are taking care of themselves first. He reminds listeners that taking care of yourself allows you to be there for your students. 

Staying Connected: 

You can stay connected to Rob Kaiser via Facebook, Linkedin, or Instagram.

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