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Tuesday, July 1, 2025 2:27 PM

At Seven Miles an Hour, This Train Conductor Is Pushing the Limit

After retiring as a long-time high school principal, Michael McDonough has traded his administrative hat for the conductor’s cap—leading the mini-train at Houston’s Hermann Park. In a recent Texas Monthly piece, he reflects on his new chapter, sharing how the simple joy of greeting families, waving his conductor’s hat, and hearing children’s laughter has become the most rewarding part of his day. 


Friday, October 20, 2023 9:00 PM

Former HISD principal: Superintendent Mike Miles has created a 'culture of fear'

In a Houston Chronicle opinion piece, retired HISD principal Michael McDonough shares a candid reflection on the district's current climate under Superintendent Mike Miles. Drawing from nearly two decades of leadership experience, McDonough describes a growing “culture of fear” where passionate educators feel silenced and morale is deteriorating.

He urges the community to pay attention to the warning signs—when those who care most about students stop speaking up, it’s time to listen.


Sunday, May 21, 2023 9:37 PM

Exploring Leadership - M. McDonough's Reflections on Leadership

The Exploring Leadership blog is a thoughtful, experience-driven space where Michael McDonough reflects on the complexities, challenges, and small victories of leadership in today’s educational landscape. Written with authenticity and insight, the posts tackle everything from building trust and fostering collaboration to navigating difficult conversations and growing through vulnerability. Whether you're a new leader or a seasoned administrator, this blog offers relatable stories and practical takeaways to help you lead with heart, clarity, and purpose.


Tuesday, May 30, 2017 11:00 AM

Tic-Tac-Toe Your Way to Teacher Choice: A New Model for PD

In their EdSurge piece, Michael McDonough introduces a refreshing approach to professional development: a “Tic‑Tac‑Toe” choice board that shifts the learning power to teachers. By offering elective “Chit Chats,” hands‑on “Make & Take” sessions, learning lunches, and even a Twitter challenge, they turned the typical one‑size‑fits‑all PD model upside down. 

This personalized design not only re-engaged teachers as learners but also mirrored the student-centered strategies they aim to bring into classrooms.


Thursday, April 27, 2017 9:26 PM

McDonough: State lawmakers must reject cuts that imperil access to AP courses

In a thoughtful Houston Chronicle opinion, veteran educator Michael McDonough urges Texas lawmakers to reject proposed budget cuts that threaten public schools. Drawing from his years as an HISD high-school principal, McDonough highlights the real-world consequences of slashed funding—larger class sizes, fewer support services, and the loss of quality educators—especially in underserved communities. With state coffers flush, he argues trimming education isn’t just shortsighted, it’s unacceptable.


Thursday, April 30, 2015 11:00 AM

Incoming: Tackling the Transition to High School

In a  AMLE article, educational leaders Michael McDonough highlights the importance of supporting students as they move from middle to high school. The authors emphasize that this pivotal shift—if left unmanaged—can affect student confidence, academic engagement, and long-term success.


Committee to Elect Michael McDonough
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