The People Behind the Work
Leadership Rooted in Experience
The People First Principal brings together experienced school leaders who understand the realities of leading in today’s schools.
With backgrounds across a range of roles and school settings, the team is committed to supporting principals, school leaders, and district teams in building trust, strengthening communication, and creating cultures where educators feel valued and supported.
Nicholas Grimshaw
Founder | School Principal | Leadership Coach
Nick Grimshaw is an experienced school principal and educator who has worked in a variety of roles across both middle and elementary school settings.
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As a building leader, Nick has focused on creating teacher-centered cultures where educators feel supported and empowered to pursue their professional goals while providing the highest level of student instruction.
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His experience includes facilitating curriculum design and revision, building shared vision across staff, and leading initiatives that strengthen both culture and instructional practice. Nick has also integrated multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) into school-wide intervention plans and implemented data-driven approaches to support student success.
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Throughout his work, a consistent focus has remained: supporting both educators and students through strong, people-centered leadership.
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Nick’s mission is to help current and aspiring school leaders develop the skills and practices needed to unlock the full potential of their school communities.
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He is a member of NJCSS, NJPSA, ASCD, and AMLE, and has completed a Solutionary micro-credential through the Institute for Humane Education.
Derek Warren
School Principal | Leadership Coach
Derek Warren is a school principal and leadership coach who helps educators thrive through clarity, connection, and purpose-driven practice.
He brings a whole‑person approach to coaching, grounded in the belief that leaders serve best when they are centered, supported, and equipped with their own oxygen mask first.
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With a blend of relational leadership and practical systems thinking, Derek helps leaders and aspiring leaders build sustainable habits, strengthen communication, and create school cultures where people feel valued and supported.
Through The People First Principal, he partners with educators to lead with humanity, clarity, and confidence.
