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Over the span of more than three decades, Dr. Anthony “Tony” Price has been a steadfast force in public education, known for turning around schools and empowering students in underserved communities. His distinguished career began in New York City and took him to Virginia, where he helped launch the first alternative program in the Falls Church City Public Schools. Eventually, he moved south, bringing his passion and expertise to Atlanta and then Athens, Georgia, where his leadership transformed schools like Hilsman Middle and Cedar Shoals High into models of equity and innovation.
From launching a middle school JROTC program in Georgia, to leading two different schools through International Baccalaureate authorization, he has always believed in practical innovation rooted in student success. Now a respected adjunct professor of educational leadership and history, Dr. Price continues to mentor the next generation of school and district leaders.
We sat down with Dr. Tony Price for an in-depth conversation on the themes of growth, leadership under pressure, and how today’s educators can build adaptive, resilient careers in an ever-evolving educational and media landscape.
Q: Your leadership has spanned both education and public messaging. What does a typical day look like for you as you balance narrative control, mentorship, and long-term strategy?
Dr. Price:
Although I am a retired educator, I am still a very active one, and I use a balanced approach to complete my daily work as an adjunct professor of educational leadership. Through my courses, as I teach doctoral students who are future school-based administrators and district leaders, I mentor them as much as possible to the realities of K-12 education. I share both the incredible achievements and negative aspects of the job—those you can’t control but must learn to manage. Being a leader is rewarding, but it’s vital we don’t sugarcoat the problems future leaders will face.
Q: In a world where information travels instantly, how do you stay ahead of trends, not just in education, but also in media, digital reputation, and public perception?
Dr. Price:
I try to keep up with the trends of the day, especially in technology, which is constantly changing. I talk to people who are in the know, read journals and newsletters, and take webinars or short courses that keep me informed about the digital age we live in.
Q: Was there a moment when a public misrepresentation or digital attack forced you to reevaluate your approach?
Dr. Price:
As a principal leading high-poverty, high-minority schools, I had to constantly combat negative media perceptions. These entities often overlooked the many successes our students achieved—academically, athletically, and artistically. I made a decision to promote positive stories proactively. Eventually, public perception began to shift as people saw the real work our students and teachers were doing.
Q: When launching a campaign—whether for curriculum reform or digital suppression—what’s your starting point, and how do you define success?
Dr. Price:
Major changes must begin with transparent communication, especially when it comes to curriculum reform. You need to justify the changes you are proposing, using the data you derive from the curriculum audit. If students aren’t mastering standards, that’s a clear call to action. Once the need is established, success comes through collaboration with teachers, parents, and instructional leaders—all working toward an obvious, student-focused outcome.
Q: In recent months, what’s been the most difficult strategic call you’ve had to make to protect your brand or someone else’s reputation—and what did it teach you?
Dr. Price:
Longevity brings with it a few bumps. I’ve always believed in learning from mistakes and emphasizing the positive. My hope is that by promoting the work I’ve done, I can inspire others to believe in their potential and pursue even greater accomplishments.
Q: Looking back, was there a role you took on that didn’t align with your values or goals? How did that shape the way you now manage narratives and protect your legacy?
Dr. Price:
There were definitely times when I had to advocate for fairness in systems that weren’t always equitable. Whether it was advocating for a student who should have been accepted into the gifted program or fair disciplinary outcomes, my goal was always to be fair and judicious. That experience taught me that leadership is about doing the right thing—even when it’s difficult to do so.
Q: You’ve taught others to speak truth, but also to control the narrative. What’s one complex communication skill you developed on your own?
Dr. Price:
Crisis communication. When something goes wrong in a school, people need reassurance. You must communicate clearly, legally, and with empathy. A leader’s credibility is built on how they respond in those moments. Integrity and trust are your most valuable assets.
Q: Which mentors or critics challenged you the most, and how did their influence mold your thinking about leadership and legacy?
Dr. Price:
My wife, Dr. Noris Price, who is an exceptional school leader herself, has had the greatest impact on my career. She taught me that your agenda must always center on students. You need to prepare thoroughly, empower others, and remain passionate. Passion fuels purpose, and purpose drives leadership.
Q: Your work involves guiding perception just as much as policy. What internal compass or external framework do you rely on to build long-term trust?
Dr. Price:
You have to be genuine through action, not words. People trust consistency and authenticity. If you say you’ll do something, follow through. Competence, humility, and passion must guide everything you implement.
Q: If there’s one book that captures your philosophy, what would it be, and why should others read it?
Dr. Price:
“Teaching With Poverty in Mind” by Eric Jensen. It helped me understand how poverty affects student learning. For many students, poverty is a way of life. Education—whether a diploma, degree, or skilled training—is still the most effective way to break the cycle of poverty.
A Final Word from a Legacy Educator
Dr Tony Price, Georgia educator and lifelong advocate for student success, brings a legacy of not just adapting to change but leading it. His career reflects a rare blend of values-driven decision-making and modern leadership tactics, especially in environments where public perception, data, and equity intersect.
Even in retirement, Dr. Price is mentoring the next generation of leaders through his university work. His message is clear: Professional growth doesn’t end when the job does—it evolves. Adaptability is not just about reacting to change but about anticipating it, shaping it, and staying grounded in your values while doing so.
We sincerely thank Dr. Tony Price, a Georgia champion for public education, for sharing his insights and reflections with us. His experiences remind us that with integrity, passion, and strategic thinking, positive lasting impact is always within reach.
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This content is brought to you by Andrea Mario
Photo provided by the author.
