Removing toxicity from the workplace through Strong and Evident Positive Culture

Inspiring Teachers, and Transform Student Lives with Proven Leadership Strategies

~EDUCATION, CREDENTIALS, AND AWARDS~

National Blue Ribbon School Award (2012)

Presidential Award of Excellence in Elementary Math and Science (2010)

National Distinguished Principal Award (2018)

Benjamin’s Visit to Principal Reads’s Office—Again

A trip to the principal’s office is something students do not necessarily look forward to. After all, it usually means someone did something wrong. But does it have to?

Author Jon Konen’s Benjamin’s Visit to Principal Reads’s Office—Again starts like all his other visits to the principal’s office. Benjamin misbehaves in class, and his teacher send him to the principal’s office for a “discussion.” But this time, it’s different. They just sit there. Benjamin hears the principal make phone calls to students’ parents about their children’s positive behaviors and achievements. And they exercise! Maybe these visits aren’t as scary as you might think.

Benjamin’s Visit to Principal Reads’s Office is an entertaining children’s story, but its lessons go beyond children. Parents and educators will learn about alternatives to punishment that can help students who have behavior issues. And they work. When something works, everyone benefits.

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Meet Jon Konen:

Your Partner in Educational Excellence

Jon L. Konen is a dedicated educational leader with a passion for creating safe, motivating, and innovative learning environments. With a Master's in Educational Leadership and endorsements in superintendency, Jon has served as a Superintendent, Principal, Curriculum Director, and Teacher across Montana's school districts.

His accolades include the National Distinguished Principal Award (2018), No Kid Hungry National Breakfast Hero (2019), and leading a National Blue Ribbon School (2012). As a prolific writer and speaker, Jon has published over 100 articles on platforms like Teacher.org, authored children's books, and hosted podcasts like the Wildcat Principal Podcast and Devil’s Advocate Superintendent Podcast.

Whether through workshops on trauma-informed classrooms, bully prevention strategies, or empowering teachers to innovate, Jon's mission is simple: Build trusting relationships that elevate students, staff, and communities.

Keynote Speaking & Workshops:

Engage your team with sessions on school culture, behavioral strategies, and leadership development

Consulting Services:

Personalized guidance on curriculum, instruction, and assessment, combatting toxicity, and building strong school cultures.

Online Courses & Resources:

Access my Tier 3 Behaviors and SEL course, or explore free articles on topics like managing stress, remote learning, and empowering students.

Podcasts & Publications:

Dive into my insights through podcasts featuring school leaders and seniors, or read my latest book, How to Empower Teachers to Differentiate, Innovate, and Inspire (District Administration, 2025).

How I Can Help You Thrive

Drawing from real-world experience and proven strategies, I offer tailored solutions for educators, administrators, and districts:

Review

Clients' Testimonials

I have had the opportunity to work with and know Jon Konen for the past five years, and I can state without hesitation that he is a relationship-first leader in the truest sense of the term. Whether interacting with students, staff, parents, or community members, Jon consistently prioritizes trust, respect, and authentic connection as the foundation for all effective work in education. What distinguishes Jon is that he models exactly what he builds. If the goal is a positive school climate and culture, he demonstrates it daily through his presence, communication, and decision-making. If the focus is best practice within an instructional framework, Jon does not simply speak in theory, he actively shows what it looks like in practice. His leadership is visible, accessible, and grounded in real-world application. Through both his role as Superintendent of the Stevensville School District and his work with Jon Konen Consulting LLC, Jon brings clarity and confidence to complex challenges. If you are unsure how to approach an issue or have questions about implementation, Jon is always willing and genuinely eager to model, demonstrate, and support the work. His openness, expertise, and commitment to continuous improvement make him an exceptional educational leader and consultant.

Tony Biesiot Superintendent Darby School District #9

Collaborating with Jon gave me such insight on classroom management and how to fine tune lessons to ensure student engagement! He broke down my lessons and gave me valuable feedback so I could improve upon different lesson segments for even more engagement and interaction! Jon was always excited and passionate about instruction and not only encouraged me to be a more effective teacher but also has supported me numerous times in how to be a better administrator. Jon is easy to work with, listens to concerns, and gives personalized feedback that helps every educator and administrator be the best they can be!

Roxanne Benjamin Elementary Principal Fort Benton, MT

I had the honor of serving as one of Jon’s mentors for school administration, and he is truly an exceptional educator and human being. Jon cares deeply about children’s education and their overall well-being. He brings integrity, empathy, and expertise to his work. Jon is creative and proactive in empowering students and teachers to embrace leadership. He is an effective educational consultant whose success in cultivating positive school cultures reflects his dedication and visionary approach.

Jeff Blessum Retired School Administrator

Our educators left Jon's professional development event not just inspired but equipped with practical, high-impact SEL strategies that can be implemented in Montana classrooms tomorrow. Jon’s warm delivery and authentic understanding of our unique school landscapes made the ideas feel incredibly accessible and grounded. It was a refreshing presentation that provided teachers with a toolkit to support student well-being effectively.

Jenny Combs Executive Director Cooperative

I've had the privilege of knowing Jon Konen for over a decade. I met him as a principal in a district when I was offering professional development training about trauma-informed strategies in the classroom. Since that moment, Jon has invited me into other districts where he has worked. He's focused on student relationships. He sees the student before the test scores, before the grades, and before the educational standards. He values creating safety in a school setting for everyone - students, teachers, and parents alike. Jon's energy and love for humans is contagious. His commitment to healthy environments is exactly what the education system needs. Again, I'm privileged to know him and enjoy seeing the changes he makes every day in the lives of his students.

Stacy Nation

Working with Jon Konan has always felt less like “consulting” and more like being in the room with someone who genuinely listens, asks the right and real questions, and refuses to take shortcuts when it comes to kids, teachers, and culture. Jon brings support without ego, wisdom without judgment, and a steady presence that makes hard work feel doable. I trust his thinking, his integrity, and his follow-through. I consistently recommend him to leaders because he is the guy that I go to when I am in need of growth, tangible solutions, and deeply personal inspiration and connection. Jon is the real deal and I am thrilled to call him my friend.

Brian Miller MS Principal Great Falls, MT

I am a strong believer in professional development and in surrounding school leaders with people who genuinely make them better, which is why I intentionally sought out Jon Konen to mentor principals in my district. Jon was an outstanding mentor, he was responsive, thoughtful, and consistently available when my administrators needed guidance or support. He brings a rare combination of deep knowledge, practical experience, and a servant heart to his work, and it shows in the way he listens first and then offers clear, helpful advice. My principals trusted him quickly, valued his perspective, and grew as leaders because of his mentorship. Jon cares deeply about people, schools, and doing the work the right way, and his only agenda is helping others succeed. I cannot recommend him highly enough, and I am confident he will add tremendous value to any district or leadership team he works with.

Stephen Schreibeis Glendive Public Schools Superintendent

Jon Konen is an exceptional educator and leader whose depth of experience as a teacher, mentor, and school administrator is matched only by his genuine commitment to people. His mentorship has profoundly shaped the way I view education, particularly the importance of investing in students and staff and intentionally building a positive, student-centered school culture. Jon has played a significant role in my own development as both a teacher and a principal, consistently challenging me to grow while providing unwavering support. He is the first person I turn to for guidance and perspective, knowing that he has either walked the path himself or will connect me with the right resources to move forward. Jon’s influence extends far beyond any single role. He elevates the people and systems around him, leaving a lasting impact on schools and the communities they serve.

Michael Wilson Cascade Schools K-12 Principal

Working with Jon Konen has been an outstanding experience in my professional growth as a leader. Jon teaches a wide array of specific and actionable strategies that can be used to help your school grow in the right direction. Jon takes the time to get to know your school's needs and tailor his approach to make the best fit for his consulting services. He takes the time to understand your goals and delivers practical, actionable solutions that actually move the needle. Throughout the engagement, Jon was responsive, thoughtful, and easy to work with, making complex challenges feel manageable. His insights added immediate value, and the results exceeded expectations. I would highly recommend Jon Konen Consulting to any school district or individual school looking for knowledgeable, trustworthy, and results-driven consulting.

Sarah Riech High School Principal Gilpin County School District Blackhawk, CO

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