The New Principals Conference, June 17-18, 2025 is co-sponsored by the Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals (MAESP), the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals (MoASSP), and the Missouri Leadership Development System (MLDS).

Mike Rutherford, a nationally recognized speaker and author, will be our featured presenter on Day One.  Rutherford provides high-value training and development experiences for educators through his work as a teacher, speaker, author, and consultant. He has been the lead consultant on the Missouri Leadership Development System (MLDS) recently launched by Missouri to provide professional development for new school leaders. Mike’s work focuses on high-performance teaching and learning, leadership development, creating and leading team-based organizations, and results-based organizational improvement.   He has created and developed numerous award-winning educational programs for students, teachers, and education leaders including The Artisan Teacher™, Developing the Artisan Teacher™, The Artisan Teacher:  A Field Guide to Skillful Teaching™, Creating the Learning Centered School™, Skillful Observation and Coaching Laboratory™, LeaderNext™, and Requisites of a Leader™.   Formerly a high school chemistry teacher, coach, and middle school principal, Mike received his BA in Education from Indiana State University, his MA in Educational Administration from Fayetteville State University, and his Doctor of Education degree from Morehead State University.

Dr. Todd Whitaker, internationally recognized speaker and author, will be our featured speaker on Day Two. Whitaker has been fortunate to be able to blend his passion with his career. Recognized as a leading presenter in the field of education, his message about the importance of teaching has resonated with hundreds of thousands of educators around the world. Todd is a professor of educational leadership at the University of Missouri and professor emeritus at Indiana State University. He has spent his life pursuing his love of education by researching and studying effective teachers and principals.

Prior to moving into higher education, he was a math teacher and basketball coach in Missouri. Todd then served as a principal at the middle school, junior high, and high school levels. He was also a middle school coordinator in charge of staffing, curriculum, and technology for the opening of new middle schools.

One of the nation’s leading authorities on staff motivation, teacher leadership, and principal effectiveness, Todd has written over 40 books including the national best seller, What Great Teachers Do Differently. Other titles include: Dealing With Difficult Teachers, Ten-Minute In-service, Your First Year, What Great Principals Do Differently, Motivating & Inspiring Teachers, and Dealing With Difficult Parents.

In addition, regional Leadership Specialists from the Missouri Leadership Development System(MLDS), a two-year required program for re-certification, will lead introductory activities with the statewide cohort of new principals. Exemplary principals from across Missouri will also be on-hand to present key information in critical areas for new principals.