Her Story
About Harriette
Dr. Harriette Thompkins is an educational consultant and leadership coach specializing in K–12 school improvement and culturally responsive leadership. She is the founder of Intentional Leaders K–12, where she mentors principals and school leaders on decision-making, communication, instructional observation, feedback systems, and fostering student agency. Her work focuses on helping school leaders strengthen school culture, improve instructional practices, and create equitable learning environments that support both educators and students.
She began her career in education in the late 1990s as an English teacher in Birmingham City Schools, where she spent over 15 years teaching at the secondary level before transitioning into school leadership. She later served as an assistant principal and principal at Wylam Elementary School, ultimately retiring from the district after a career that included leading significant school improvement efforts. She also founded Invictus Career Institute, a charter school, before establishing her current consulting practice.
Dr. Thompkins recently earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership in 2024, further strengthening her expertise in school transformation and leadership development. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her ability to lead school turnarounds, including improving school performance from failing to proficient levels through strategic leadership, collaboration, and instructional redesign. She now dedicates her work to coaching leaders in building stronger, more responsive school systems.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Harriette
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my early experiences in education, especially working in challenging Title I school environments. Those experiences shaped my resilience and helped me grow into a stronger leader. My mother also played a major role in my journey, always reminding me: “Don’t give up, don’t quit, stay focused.” Those words carried me through every challenge and helped me persevere through difficult school transformations.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received came from my mother. She always told me, “Don’t give up. Don’t quit. Stay focused.” That advice has guided me throughout my entire career, especially during times of difficulty and uncertainty in school leadership.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering education leadership to stay grounded in purpose and resilience. This field will challenge you, especially in schools facing significant barriers, but consistency, focus, and belief in your ability to make change are essential. Don’t give up when things get difficult—stay focused and keep pushing forward.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges include addressing learning loss following the pandemic, rebuilding school culture after disruptions and mergers, and overcoming resource gaps such as technology and instructional support. At the same time, these challenges present opportunities to redesign instruction, strengthen leadership practices, and create more effective systems of support for students and teachers.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Perseverance and focus are the most important values in my life. I also value family deeply, especially time spent with my nieces, nephews, and loved ones. Staying grounded in relationships, maintaining resilience, and remaining committed to purpose guide both my personal life and professional work.
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