Dr. Tony Price is a seasoned educator with a career spanning over three decades in K-12 education. Having served in Atlanta Public Schools and Clarke County, Georgia, Dr. Tony Price led schools to state and national recognition through initiatives such as IB authorization and the Governor’s Silver Award. Now an adjunct professor of educational leadership at Nova Southeastern University and adjunct assistant professor of history at Georgia Military College, Dr. Price brings a lifetime of wisdom to the next generation of leaders. In this interview, Dr. Price discusses mentorship, leadership evolution, and the driving forces behind his impact in education.
Throughout your decades in education, who has served as your most impactful mentor, and how has their guidance shaped your leadership philosophy?
I am fortunate to have a great wife and partner who also happens to be a great educator. I watched her up close and even worked with her for several years in the same school district. She taught me, through both words and actions, about leadership and being effective in my job. I learned that passion is the driving force, and competence, knowledge, and expertise are the ingredients that make your leadership whole and successful.
You’ve led transformative initiatives across multiple schools. How do you intentionally mentor the next generation of educators and school leaders within those environments?
You must want to work in those challenging environments to effect positive change. Demanding educational environments are not for everyone. It's for those who seek that type of mission. In fact, to me, it is a calling — something you want to do despite the tremendous obstacles you face. I don’t believe working in high-poverty districts is a learned behavior. Something inside of you drives you on a personal level, and you want to change lives for the better.
Was there a pivotal piece of advice or moment of reflection that significantly redirected your approach to leadership or school reform?
Yes. Allow your team to work closely with you. You cannot reform a school if you try to do it yourself. You must learn to trust other caring professionals to help you. The team is always better because their buy-in is crucial for ultimate success. Empower people and enable them to do their job effectively. Make school reform a total team effort.
What strategies have helped you foster sustained, meaningful relationships with both mentors and mentees throughout your career?
My strategy has been to reach out to those special people who took me under their wing and helped me become the best I could be. The world of K-12 education is relatively small, allowing you to stay connected with your mentors and mentees. Today’s technology keeps us connected. I’ve had many mentors over the years besides my wife, and I’m grateful for each of them.
As someone who has guided both students and educators, what core attributes do you believe define a trusted mentor or advisor?
A mentor should be genuine and never forget the struggles they had when starting as a teacher or administrator. Without the support of various individuals throughout my career, my chances of becoming a successful educator would have been slim. I want to help others succeed because I am required to give back, especially to those starting as new administrators.
In your transition from classroom teacher to principal and now professor, how has your mentoring style evolved to meet the needs of emerging leaders in different contexts?
I have always wanted to help others, especially when they are open to my help. As a teacher, I learned to share successful strategies. I didn’t compete with colleagues; I collaborated. As a principal and now a professor, I’ve become more open. I tell my students the real story — good, bad, or indifferent. I want them to learn from both my mistakes and my successes.
What has mentorship taught you about personal growth, as both an educational leader and lifelong learner?
Mentorship humbles you because it reminds you that you don’t know everything. It opens the door to learning. When you stop learning, you miss opportunities to grow and prosper. I’m grateful to those individuals who cared enough about me to teach me and guide me the right way.
How do you recognize untapped potential in educators or students, and what intentional steps do you take to support their development?
You must be a reasonable observer. Watch what people do, listen to what they say. Talent doesn’t always present itself traditionally. It can show up in unconventional forms. Once I see potential, I try to place people in positions where they can thrive and reach their full potential. That’s how potential becomes reality.
You’ve built programs that empowered underserved populations. What do you find most personally rewarding about investing in others’ success?
The most rewarding part is watching someone achieve success against all odds. Providing people with a means to succeed in life is incredibly powerful. It’s personal to me. Many people gave me a vehicle, and now I owe it to others. I have to pay that forward.
Do you maintain connections with former mentees and mentors, and if so, how do those relationships continue to influence your work today?
Yes, I maintain many of those relationships. I continue to mentor individuals who seek my guidance. It’s like parenting — you never stop. You just evolve into a different role. Some of my former mentors are still very much a part of my life, and I’m better for it.
Dr. Tony Price’s career in education spans from the classroom to the principal’s office to the university lecture hall, where he continues to mentor and inspire the next generation of leaders. His direction has been guided by a commitment to equity, a belief in the power of mentorship, and a deep understanding that success is never achieved alone. Whether launching programs that support underserved students or mentoring the next generation of school leaders, Dr. Price continues to shape the educational landscape with clarity, humility, and a purposeful approach.
Thank you, Dr. Price, for taking the time to share your experiences and insights.
