Leadership Spotlight: Adrienne Dixson Paul
The Ori Learning Leadership Spotlight Series is dedicated to showcasing outstanding educational leaders who are making a positive impact in their respective districts and the education world.
Introduction
Adrienne Dixson Paul currently serves as Assistant Director at Broward County Public Schools in Florida.
In her role, Adrienne drives district-wide initiatives focused on Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), professional learning, and organizational development. She is a recognized systems expert, leveraging over 20 years of experience to foster excellence and equity in K-12 education. Adrienne is deeply committed to creating and sustaining high-performing educational environments that prioritize student success.
Adrienne’s leadership style emphasizes collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and innovative problem-solving. She excels at inspiring teams, building partnerships, and aligning district operations with strategic goals to achieve measurable outcomes. As a dedicated leader, Adrienne has been instrumental in promoting a culture of trust, high expectations, and continuous improvement across diverse school communities.
How did you become an educational leader?
I became an educational leader by following a path driven by a deep commitment to making a difference in my community. I began my career as a special education and reading classroom teacher, and I quickly realized that while the work was challenging, the opportunity to positively impact students’ lives was incredibly rewarding. I became interested in the systems I could help develop and improve to support students and the entire community.
As I moved into roles that involved coaching and development, I saw how essential strong, visionary leadership was to creating sustainable change. This realization led me to pursue formal training in educational leadership and to seek positions where I could contribute to systemic improvements at a larger scale. Over time, I took on district-level responsibilities in professional learning, MTSS, and organizational development, all of which aligned with my goal of fostering environments where every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Each role I’ve taken on has deepened my understanding of how interconnected systems are within education and has reinforced my belief in collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement. My journey has been one of both personal and professional growth, rooted in a passion for equitable, high-quality education for all students.
What's a lesson about leadership that you've learned or been reminded of recently?
I was recently reminded of the importance of the “Law of Connection” – a term coined by John Maxwell in his book “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership.” In this law, Maxwell emphasizes that “leaders touch a heart before they ask for a hand,” meaning that building genuine relationships with others is foundational to effective leadership.
In my role, it’s easy to focus on data, strategy, and systems, but I was recently reminded of how critical it is to invest in authentic connections with my team and stakeholders, particularly during turbulent times in leadership. When I took extra time to understand individual strengths, motivations, and challenges, I noticed a significant boost in morale, collaboration, and overall productivity.
Maxwell’s insight reminded me that leadership is as much about inspiring and supporting people as it is about implementing systems. It’s a lesson in empathy and connection that I strive to incorporate daily to foster a stronger, more unified team.
What's one book that has had a profound impact on you as a leader? Why?
One book that has had a profound impact on my leadership is “The Truth About Leadership” by James Kouzes and Barry Posner. This book resonates with me because it refines leadership down to timeless principles that are both practical and deeply impactful.
Kouzes and Posner’s emphasis on credibility, the power of trust, and leading with integrity really reinforced my approach to leadership. Their insights remind me that leadership is not just about managing tasks but inspiring people, building trust, and creating a culture where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. This book continues to shape how I approach challenges and support others, reinforcing that genuine leadership begins with a foundation of trust and authenticity.
So far in your career, what have you found most challenging as a leader?
What I have found most challenging as a leader is building the next generation of leaders, or the “next bench,” while balancing tried and tested fundamentals with innovative and visionary ideas for the future. It’s not easy to blend the stability of proven methods with the need to evolve and adapt to new challenges. Ensuring that future leaders are equipped with both the wisdom of past successes and the creativity to innovate is a delicate process. It requires cultivating a culture that values tradition while also encouraging forward-thinking ideas, which can sometimes create tension. However, when done well, it sets the foundation for sustainable growth and transformative progress.
Of all the challenges the educational world faces today, what is one area you are most passionate about and would like to make an impact in?
Of all the challenges the educational world faces today, one area I am most passionate about is preparing students to become visionary leaders and compassionate citizens who care about their communities. I believe it’s essential for students not only to excel academically but also to develop a sense of purpose, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to making a positive impact.
In my work, I focus on creating opportunities that help students envision a meaningful future, understand the power of their contributions, and foster a sense of social responsibility. By empowering students to lead and encouraging them to value community and connection, we’re not only preparing them for successful careers but also shaping individuals who will be positive, engaged citizens. I’m dedicated to advancing programs and systems that support this vision, because when students are equipped with leadership skills and a heart for service, they’re better prepared to create a brighter future for us all.
What are you most proud of during your time as a leader?
What I’m most proud of in my leadership role is building a strong Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) that truly serves the needs of our students, schools, parents, and the community. This system wasn’t just about creating a framework but building a collaborative approach that aligns resources and support for students at every level. Seeing how MTSS has empowered teachers to address student needs more effectively, equipped parents to be more engaged, and connected the community to our schools has been incredibly rewarding. It’s a comprehensive, sustainable system that I believe will continue to benefit everyone involved for years to come.
Finally, if you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?
If I could give one piece of advice to a young leader, it would be this: stay grounded, remain humble, connect with both elders and youth, and always know your “why.” Grounding yourself and staying humble allows you to learn from every experience and person you encounter. Building connections with elders brings wisdom, while engaging with youth offers fresh perspectives, helping you grow as a balanced leader. Most importantly, always keep sight of your purpose—your “why”—as it will serve as a compass, guiding you through challenges and ensuring that your leadership has meaning and impact.
For more articles in the Leadership Spotlight series, you can read our interview with Dr. Gwen Coffey. We discuss the role of mentorship in her journey to becoming an educational leader, the power of pivoting when faced with challenges, and the importance of educational equity.
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