Meet the Scholar Facilitator
Tom Hoerr
Biography
Tom Hoerr has led schools for more than 30 years. He presently is the head of the New City School, an elementary school in St. Louis, Mo., which has been implementing the theory of multiple intelligences (MI) since 1988. Tom has presented workshops on MI, collegiality, and leadership throughout the United States and around the world.
Tom writes a bimonthly column, "The Principal Connection," for Educational Leadership and is a facilitator for the ASCD MI network. He is the author of three books: Becoming a Multiple Intelligences School, The Art of School Leadership, and School Leadership for the Future. He designed and led the Nonprofit Management program at Washington University and has also taught a number of graduate leadership classes. In an earlier life, he favored fine cigars and chocolates; now he works out semi-regularly.
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In His Own Words: A Leadership Reflection
What has led to your development as a leader?
I am fortunate to have worked with some very strong and talented leaders, people who taught me directly and people from whom I learned through association and observing. My doctoral advisor, who become a very good friend, was particularly skilled at observing and inferring. He and I attended meeting after meeting together and often analyzed the interactions later over a semi-cold beer and semi-warm French fries. I remember being struck by the nuances and motivations he noted that had escaped me.
And I am also fortunate to have worked with some pretty poor leaders as well. From these folks, I learned what not to do. Those lessons were a bit more painful, but no less valuable.
Finally, I am an avid reader and writer. Writing helps me clarify my ideas and exposes my thinking to other people and their feedback.
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What leadership article has inspired you?
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Scholars Quick Links
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