By Anne Marie Amacher
The Catholic Messenger
DAVENPORT — A deep love for music led Ethan Connors to pursue a degree in music education. “My primary goal was to teach.” However, over time he realized he could expand his impact beyond the classroom. That sparked an interest in leadership roles within education. Now the 2005 graduate of St. Paul the Apostle School is its principal.
His journey to this point began with music. From a young age, his main instrument has been the tuba. “I’ve spent a lot of time refining my skills and have a deep understanding of the techniques and nuances of that instrument. However, as a music educator, I believe in the importance of being well-rounded. So while I have a particular affinity for low brass instruments, I’m comfortable teaching a wide range of instruments and love to explore the unique qualities each one brings to the ensemble. It’s important to me that the students I taught got a broad understanding of music, so I made an effort to be proficient in all the instruments I taught.”
Connors, a 2009 graduate of Assumption High School in Davenport, earned a degree at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa and then began his career as the band director at John F. Kennedy Catholic School in Davenport. “I taught band across multiple grade levels, from fifth through eighth grade. It was an incredibly rewarding experience because I had the opportunity to work with students at various stages of their musical development, from beginners to more advanced players. I really enjoyed seeing their growth over time, whether it was through individual lessons or group rehearsals.”
He took on additional responsibilities at JFK, which led to his position as the school’s assistant principal. “I had a range of responsibilities that included supporting both students and staff,” Connors said. “On the administrative side, I managed day-to-day school operations, such as overseeing the school schedule, coordinating student discipline and working with teachers to implement school-wide initiatives. I also played a key role in professional development, helping to plan training sessions for faculty and supporting new teachers as they navigated the school environment.”
He worked closely with students, helping to address behavioral issues, mediate conflicts and ensure a positive and safe school culture. Connors earned a master’s degree from St. Ambrose University in Davenport to deepen his understanding of educational leadership and expand his ability to support students and staff.
“I recognized that as I took on more leadership roles, particularly as an assistant principal, having a strong foundation in educational theory, school management and leadership strategies would be essential for making informed decisions and leading with confidence.”
His next position was Teacher in Charge in the Davenport Community School District. “My role was to oversee day-to-day operations, especially in the absence of a principal or during transitional periods. I was responsible for ensuring that everything ran smoothly — whether that was supporting teachers with classroom management, coordinating schedules or handling any issues that arose throughout the day. It was a position that required me to be flexible and proactive.”
Connors said this role gave him a broader view of how different schools functioned. “It involved a lot of communication with both staff and administration to make sure that the needs of the students were always at the forefront, even in situations where there was a leadership gap. The role helped me grow in terms of problem-solving and leadership, as it was both dynamic and ever-changing.”
He applied for the principal’s position at St. Paul the Apostle because “I’ve always admired the school’s commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment. After spending time in various educational roles, I’m ready to take on a leadership position where I can make a direct, positive impact on both the students and the staff. St. Paul’s mission and values align perfectly with my own and I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to its continued success,” he said.
“Additionally, I see the principal role as an opportunity to bring my leadership skills to a larger scale. It feels like the right moment in my career to take this next step and I’m enthusiastic about the vision I have for the future of the school.”
Connors looks forward to working with students, staff and the broader community to continue to promote growth, inclusivity and excellence. “I also look forward to taking a hands-on approach in shaping the school’s strategic direction — whether that’s improving student achievement, enhancing extracurricular opportunities or fostering a safe and welcoming environment for all. Building strong relationships with students and parents is something I deeply value.”
Connors and his wife Sarah and their children Cohen and James look forward to growing in the faith in the St. Paul community.
