Schools need bold, fearless, and innovative leadership more than ever, but school leaders have been back on their heels for at least the past two years and have allowed others to hijack our narrative, something we ought to be directing. We now find ourselves intimidated by the loudest parents, the most partisan school boards, the most over-the-top media figures, and the most cynical politicians. Sadly, we've had to consistently play defense while the heroic work of our teachers, administrators and staff members has been largely ignored and certainly unappreciated. The national teacher shortage should surprise no one. Lack of support, lousy pay, and a casual disregard for the value of our teachers has left current and potential teachers discouraged and uninspired. We need to stand up for our folks, demonstrate boldness, recapture the message, encourage the beaten down, and embolden those who genuinely care about the future of our kids!