If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to lead a school to success (and I mean real, noticeable success), Marck Abraham has the answers. At the 2024 Making Schools Work Conference, Abraham packed so much wisdom into his session on l leading a school that even at 8 a.m., he had the audience laughing, learning and ready to transform schools.

Here are the top five lessons I took away from his talk:

1. Your Role Is Bigger Than You Think

 Abraham didn’t waste time reminding us that being a teacher or principal is so much more than just showing up for work. He shared a personal story about his upbringing in Miami, where as an athlete he got a lot of school support, and the tragic loss of two childhood friends who didn’t make it when they didn’t receive the same support and disengaged from school after being suspended multiple times.

“How dare you say you’re just a teacher?” he asked. “No, you’re a life-changer.”

His words hit home. It’s easy to get lost in the grind, but teachers and school leaders show up and have the chance to save a life — especially for students who face obstacles beyond the classroom.

2. Data Drives Change

Imagine walking into a school where only 60% of students graduate. Now, imagine leaving that same school with an 87% graduation rate, including a 93% graduation rate for Black male students. That’s what Abraham did during his time as a principal in Buffalo, New York.

It wasn’t magic, though. He used data to figure out what wasn’t working and set goals to improve it.

He also made a point to set goals that others thought were unrealistic. Setting a 90% pass rate on testing means you are fine with 10% not passing. Don’t be afraid to strive for 100% – but then make sure you take the steps needed to meet that goal.

3. Focus on Relationships

One of the most refreshing parts of Abraham’s talk was his focus on relationships. In a room filled with principals, teachers and aspiring leaders, he made it clear: School success starts with community.

Building relationships—with students, staff and the community—is the foundation for long-term success. When people work together towards a common purpose, everything else starts to fall into place.

4. No Excuses, No Exceptions

Abraham didn’t mince words: There’s no room for excuses in education.

“Remove all excuses, no exceptions,” he said. Whether it’s a teacher’s absence or a student’s misbehavior, it’s important to hold everyone accountable—yourself included.”

This isn’t about being harsh. It’s about having high expectations and the belief that everyone can meet them with the right support. When we remove excuses, we give our students the best chance to succeed.

5. Follow the Recipe for Success (But Hold the Raisins)

At one point in his talk,  Abraham shared a memorable analogy:

“If your momma gives you the recipe for potato salad, don’t throw raisins in it!”

His point? Stick to what works.

School success isn’t about reinventing the wheel. There are proven strategies out there — like the ones  Abraham used to turn schools around across the country. The trick is to follow them faithfully (and maybe keep the raisins out of your lesson plans).

Conclusion

Abraham’s talk wasn’t just another conference session. It was a wake-up call. He reminded us that the work we do matters, and we have the power to change students’ lives every day. The next time you step into your school, remember, you’re not just a teacher or principal— you’re a life-changer. Let’s make this year the best one yet and start by asking ourselves:

How will you be a life-changer this year?

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