Karl Koehler, New Principal

When Karl Koehler applied to the Houston A+ Regional Principal Leadership Academy (RPLA) in 2009, he knew that, if he were accepted, he would engage in a six-week summer intensive learning experience with his cohort that would expose him to best practices in leadership. He also knew he would complete a year-long residency with a mentor principal and undertake an action research project. What Karl did not know is that he would become the principal of Atascocita Middle School (AMS) in the Humble Independent School District in January 2010.

Prior to becoming the building principal, Karl was an assistant principal at AMS and fortunate enough to be placed on his home campus for his residency experience. During the fall 2009 semester, Karl applied what he had learned in the summer intensive to help improve the school, using Critical Friends Group Protocols and the quality resources he had acquired.  Karl made instant impact, and his efforts at the school were highlighted in a local newspaper.

Aside from applying his RPLA learning at the school site, Karl closely shadowed his mentor principal, Thyrun Hurst. As the semester moved forward, Karl consistently self-assessed and reflected on his residency experience. When Mr. Hurst became the principal at a new school opening in the district, Karl applied for the AMS principal’s position and was selected. He began his journey as a new principal on January 4, 2010.

Karl credits the RPLA experience to his being ready to serve Humble ISD as a confident and decision-driven principal. He has deepened his knowledge of assessment, systems-thinking, and curriculum alignment.  Karl continues to learn with the cohort and meet with his coach weekly to deepen and refine his leadership skills as he grows into the principalship. Humble ISD is a strong supporter of A+ and the RPLA, and its selection of Karl to become one of their essential emerging leaders is a testament to our partnership.