Next cohort begins January 2027
North Star Group Coaching
You don’t have to carry it all.
A 12-week small group for principals and school leaders, at any stage, who are carrying it all and ready to stop doing it alone.
30 minutes, just you and me. No pressure.
Does this sound like you?
You got the job because you were a great teacher. Now you make hundreds of heavy decisions a day, mostly by yourself.
- You say yes to staff, parents, and the district, and everything lands on your desk.
- You stay late, take it home, and still feel guilty.
- You know you should delegate, but it’s faster to just do it yourself.
- There’s a conversation you’ve been putting off.
You’re not alone. Many, many principals are right where you are.
I’ve been there
I thought the more I did, the better I was.
As a new principal, I said yes to everything, and it nearly burned me out. What changed everything was bringing other people into the decisions and the ownership. I didn’t need every answer. I needed better questions.
That’s what I help principals do now, after more than 30 years in education, including as a principal and an Assistant Superintendent.
Darlene Messinger
What changes in 12 weeks
You’ll know what’s yours to carry
And you’ll hand off what isn’t.
Your team owns more
They’ll make decisions you used to make alone.
You’ll have the hard conversations
The ones you’ve been putting off, before they build up.
You won’t be doing it alone
You’ll have a small group of principals who understand your world.
How it works
Every session follows The Mirror and the Map, the approach I use with every client: first we see your situation clearly, then we build one concrete next step.
1. A free coaching conversation
30 minutes with me. It’s a real coaching session, not a sales call, and we decide together if the group is the right fit.
2. Six live sessions on Zoom
90 minutes, twice a month, with up to 8 principals. You’ll watch real coaching, take your own turn, and leave each session with one practice to try. Days and times are chosen with the group.
3. Keep growing in the North Star Network
When our 12 weeks end, your first month in the North Star Network is free.
“Being part of the North Star has helped me lead with greater clarity and confidence. The support and resources within our group are uplifting and grounded in practical, meaningful guidance.”
Roberto, Veteran Principal, North Star Network Founding Member
Investment
$1,500
For the full 12 weeks, including a free month in the North Star Network.
It can be paid by your district, your school, or you, and we’ll talk through what works for you in your coaching conversation.
Not sure it’s right for you?
That’s what the free coaching conversation is for. We’ll decide together, and there’s no pressure either way.