I am a results-driven educational leader, author, and consultant with over 30 years of experience transforming K–12 schools and districts across rural, suburban, and urban settings. My mission is simple: help students thrive by building systems that develop great educators, support school leaders, and improve outcomes for every learner. I've served as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent
, and superintendent, successfully leading school turnaround efforts, major capital construction projects, and district-wide academic initiatives. I’ve trained aspiring leaders, launched instructional coaching models, and strengthened family and community engagement across diverse populations. As the author of Breaking the Cycle of Failed School Reform: What Five Failed Reforms Tell Us, I bring a reflective and systems-level approach to school improvement. I also support educators and school systems through leadership development, strategic planning, and equity-centered consulting.
🔹 Specialties include:
Strategic Planning & District Transformation
Instructional Leadership & School Turnaround
Leadership Coaching & Talent Development
Construction & Facilities Oversight
Federal Program Administration (Titles I, II, III, IV)
Equity & Access for Underserved Communities
🔹 Now accepting consulting engagements to support school leaders, districts, and educational organizations in the areas of system design, leadership coaching, program evaluation, and policy development.
📩 Visit: drjohntharp.com/blog or message me here on LinkedIn to connect.
