Mr. Cowper talks about the lessons he has learned from working with kids as a principle for over 17 years. James Cowper has been an innovative elementary administrator for 17 years. "Am I In Trouble?" - Tales from the Principal's Office - is his conversation on the work of building a culture of critical thinking in schools. Never afraid to speak his truth he inspires open and honest dialogue with students, teachers and parents. He is pursuing his Master's degree, is a graduate of Learning Forward's Academy Class and participates in the Reciprocal Learning Program with Chinese schools. "As a school leader I strive to push the limits and challenge the system of school creating positive change for kids and sometimes I get in trouble for it."

This is what a student had to say about Mr. Cowper:

“Mr. Cowper is a kind and caring adult. He brings a new approach to everything in our school and our community. He’s a great Principal and tries to change the way of things that don’t work. For example, at school when kids used to get in trouble, they’d be punished. Mr. Cowper found a better way for the kids to improve by, instead of punishing, fixing or finding a way to get around or through the trouble. He does this with other things like when he asks to talk to a student and instead of them telling them they are in trouble, he changes the way they think so that they are open to anything.” This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx