Kristilynn Turney, Ed.D.Keynote Speaker, Salem Speakers Bureau · TEDx Ensley Ave ED 2026 I Dynamic Speaker & Presenter I Author I Transforming Schools Through Strategic Planning, Leadership Development, and School Improvement I Results-Driven Educational Leader | E

From Problem Child to Principal A Journey

10 Apr 2026 · 1 min

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In this opening segment of her YouTube talk, Dr. Kristilynn Turney recounts her transformation from being labeled a "problem child" in school to becoming the first Black principal of two suburban schools. She describes how classmates silenced her, how she was forced into a front‑row seat, and how those early experiences shaped her resolve. Turney then highlights her systemic impact, noting that under her leadership the graduation rate rose from 86.4% to 93.4% within two years—the highest in six years—positioning herself as a change‑maker who confronts bias and raises student outcomes.

Chapters

Once my classmates heard Mr. Todd tell me to shut up, they began to join in. Kristy keeps talking to me! In an effort to get me in trouble. Or I guess they didn't want to see me get that A. I've lived on both sides of the label. From, hi, I'm the problem child. Let me guess, my seat is in the front of the room, as if I'm not going to talk to those students either. To, Hello, I'm Dr. Kristilynn Turney, the first Black principal of 2 suburban schools. The difference maker, the system changer, the one who took the graduation rate from 86.4% to 93.4% in 2 years, the highest graduation rate in 6 years.