From NYC's Toughest Schools to California's Top Charter: A Principal's Journey

The Ruckus Report.

Quick take:

What if the secret to becoming a more effective school leader was … leaving school? Joe Clausi, known as the Traveling Principal, shares how stepping out of the building helped him step into his purpose.

Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker

Joe Clausi, aka The Traveling Principal, is reimagining what it means to lead schools by exploring the world — and himself — one passport stamp at a time.

Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨

Key Insight #1: Curiosity makes you a better principal

• What's broken: The traditional career path says school leaders should settle down and play it safe.
• The shift: Joe’s curiosity drove him to explore 39 countries — and that curiosity now shapes how he leads schools.
• Impact: He’s more reflective, empathetic, and able to connect with people across backgrounds.

Key Insight #2: Leadership doesn’t happen in isolation

• What's broken: Most principals grind through the work without personal growth.
• The shift: Joe intentionally seeks people, places, and moments that challenge his worldview.
• Impact: Each trip adds to his toolkit as a leader — and inspires his team to grow too.

Key Insight #3: Adventure is a mindset, not a plane ticket

• What's broken: PD is treated like a checklist, not a life-changing experience.
• The shift: Joe shows how you can bring the spirit of exploration to your daily leadership.
• Impact: His story proves that reimagining school starts with reimagining yourself.

Quotable Ruckus

“I needed to lose who I thought I was … to find who I really am.” – Joe Clausi

Your Do School Different Challenge

Ready to implement these ideas? Start here:

1. Tomorrow: Walk your campus with a traveler’s eyes — what would surprise or inspire a visitor?
2. This Month: Schedule time outside the school walls to connect with something that sparks wonder.
3. This Semester: Share one leadership lesson from your own journey with your staff — and invite theirs.

Connect & Continue

• 🎯 Get the full episode transcript: https://ruckusmakers.notion.site/Joe-the-Traveling-Principal-Joins-Danny-and-Mitch-211229bf615380ecbf96c2c10f48c1f9?source=copy_link
• 🔗 Follow Joe Clausi: https://travelprincipal.com
• 💪 Apply to the mastermind: https://www.betterleadersbetterschools.com/mastermind-application/

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