Former K-12 teacher, principal, and systems leader.

Always a coach.

I’m Chris Cook, founder of Reservoir Unlimited.

The PrincipalEd Coach is the pseudonym for my professional practice because the phrase encapsulates my experienecs and identity.

My journey as a Northeastern University and Harvard University trained professional has taken me through diverse educational settings, from innovative charter schools to public IB World schools, from regional education to higher education, from non-profit to private youth enterpreises. I worked as a teacher, athletic director, principal, and assistant superintendent, creating environments where students, teachers, and communities thrive.

Today, as an administrator at Northeastern University, I lead workforce and economic development programs that bridge education and industry.

Coaching has always been at the heart of my work. For two decades, I’ve coached youth and high school sports, instilling resilience, teamwork, and a growth mindset in every athlete. In every role, I’m driven by the belief that with support, even with very high expectations, and with technical and adaptive coaching, individuals and teams can achieve extraordinary results.

The PrincipalEd Coach

  • Teacher

    At a nationally recognized high-performing school, I created vibrant classrooms where students excelled in English Language Arts and History. I prioritized academic rigor, ethical growth, and a supportive environment that inspired individual and cohort learning growth.

  • Athletics

    For 20 years, I’ve coached across multiple sports and age groups, emphasizing high rep and enthusiastic practice environments, built upon growth mindset. I’ve cultivated environments where individual athletes thrive, and do so in service of team excellence.

  • Principal

    After training as a principal in Boston and at Harvard, I led high schools in diverse settings, including innovative charter schools and public IB World schools I’ve led amidst social momements, political swings, and COVID-19. Across all roles, I prioritized connection, community engagement, and systems that empower students.

  • Systems

    I have consistently driven impactful initiatives across education, athletic and workforce development in k12, higher education and regional services environments. I connect people, strategies, and structures to create meaningful, scalable impact and change.

Always The PrincipalEd Coach

Coaching has been central to every role I’ve held in my career. As a teacher, I applied coaching principles to inspire confidence, growth, and resilience in the classroom. On the field, I’ve coached youth and varsity sports for two decades, building skills, teamwork, and character. As a principal and systems leader for more than 15 years, I mentored staff, guided strategic decisions, and empowered teams to excel. Whether with students, athletes, or professionals, I’ve always approached leadership as a coach—focused on fostering growth, culture, and the pursuit of excellence.