PMP444: Leading with Simplicity and Harmony with John Marinucci
Apr 16, 2025
A Quick Note to Listeners:
—- The Question of the Week is supported by Summer Pops Math Workbooks.
Principals, when students practice math over the summer, math scores go up. What’s your summer math plan this year? A great way to start is by ordering FREE summer workbook samples at Summer Pops Workbooks.com. —-
Before this week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answer a listener question with a five minute response.
The question is: How did your leadership style evolve over the course of your principalship and how did it impact the way you manage human capital?
Listen in to hear their response and thank you for doing what matters!
John Marinucci currently serves as the Principal of St Francis College, a role he has held since 2019. St Francis College is a contemporary Catholic school located in Logan City, on the southern edges of Brisbane, Australia. The institution is deeply rooted in Franciscan values, emphasizing simplicity and harmony in its educational approach.
Before his appointment as Principal, John was the Head of Campus for grades 7 to 12 at St Francis College. His leadership experience also includes significant roles at Carmel College in Thornlands and St Mary’s College in Ipswich. John holds a Master of Educational Leadership from the Australian Catholic University, a Bachelor of Business Accountancy from the Queensland University of Technology, and a Diploma of Teaching from Mt. Gravatt College of Advanced Education, now a part of Griffith University.
Outside his professional life, John enjoys crosswords, sudoku, camping, and spending quality time with his wife and three adult children.
John’s career reflects a deep commitment to educational leadership and the nurturing of future leaders within the Catholic education system. His contributions continue to shape and inspire the community at St Francis College and beyond. Something that listeners may be surprised to learn about him is that he spoke Italian at home, so when he started school, he only had a vocabulary of about six English words.
Relationship Building:
When asked what inspired his current work, John cites a love for the relationship building that comes with working in education. He has spent 35 years on and off working in education. At one point in his career, John left the field of education, but decided to come back because he missed the relationships he was able to build with young people through his work. Unquestionably, John is committed to serving students and families from all kinds of cultural and religious backgrounds. Currently, his school serves five of the eight poorest communities in Queensland.
Franciscan Values:
The values that John’s school is rooted in are called Franciscan values, emphasizing simplicity and harmony in its educational approach. One way that his school approaches the values of simplicity and harmony is through teaching students how to get along with people who are not like them. John says that students at his school have about twenty different faiths among them, which contributes to the students learning to be tolerant of people who are different from them. Another way that John’s school practices simplicity and harmony is by increasing parents’ involvement by celebrating student achievement. John emphasizes that things can be complex, but not complicated, and discusses the practice of seeking to make things simpler, not easier.
Time Management:
When thinking about tips he has for school leaders on time management, John points out that he, like many school leaders, has a tendency to overcommit. Nevertheless, John states that he tries to keep his days balanced. He carves out time before and after school each day for work so that he can dedicate his time during the school day to staff and students. Furthermore, John makes sure to take time each morning going for a walk with his dog, and he uses that time for meditation or to plan his day.
Advice for New Leaders:
As he considered what advice he would give to a new leader, John offered several pieces of sage advice. First, John talks about the importance of always treating people with dignity and respect. He states that genuinely caring about people helps foster a culture of trust and respect. Second, John emphasizes that leaders need to embrace change and see it as an opportunity for growth. Third, he tells listeners that they should always communicate the bad to people, as they will always find out what is going on, and it should come from you. John reminds listeners that hard conversations are really crucial conversations. Next, John says that young leaders must find a mentor who can guide you along the way. Finally, he reminds new leaders of the importance of really getting to know the people who work for you.
Advice for Veteran Leaders:
John’s advice to veteran leaders is to constantly remind yourself that you’re making a difference. He also discusses using the holiday break as a way to examine and evaluate why he does this work. Constantly setting new goals helps reignite his passion and keeps him motivated in his work for the long haul.
Staying Connected:
Listeners can stay connected to John via Linkedin or through email: jmarinucci05@gmail.com
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Catching Up
Apr 14, 2025
Happy Monday, friends! This week for Monday Matters, Jen and Will are taking some time to catch up and talk about the exciting work we have been doing recently.
Jen talks about a presentation she gave recently. By the time this recording comes out, she will have returned from speaking at national school boards association with some of her colleagues. They are presenting about their social worker cohort, an idea dreamed up by Jen’s superintendent and brought to life by Jen and her colleagues. Essentially, this program is for teachers who want to get a masters in social work. This ensures that graduates from the program will have the classroom experience that is critical for guidance counselors and social workers for understanding school based interventions. The social worker cohort program was a resounding success; the program had over a hundred applicants and 25 ended up going through the program. The masters program itself is rigorous, and at the end of the program the students will be guaranteed job placement as a social worker within the school district. Listen to the episode to hear all the amazing details about this program!
Will talk about his new book, Whose Permission Are You Waiting For? An Educator’s Guide to Doing What You Love. He talks about wanting to share with listeners why he wrote this book. When summarizing why he wrote the book, Will says that he has spent the last several years coaching high-achieving school leaders. As he was coaching leaders, he found himself giving advice on similar themes. Eventually, Will says that he realized he should write down the advice he keeps giving to leaders, recognizing that other leaders he is not coaching may be struggling with the same issues as the leaders he is coaching. Drawing on his experience, and the experience of others, Will wrote 20 different chapters that will help transform the work and lives of school leaders. Tune in to hear more about Will’s new book or purchase your copy here.
ENCORE FRIDAY – PMP270: Gaining Buy-In & Building Leadership Teams with Jen Schwanke
Apr 11, 2025
Welcome back to Encore Friday! This week’s episode is one from 2021, a conversation with Jen Schwanke about gaining buy-in and building leadership teams. Tune in to hear us answer the following questions from principals:
How do you gain ‘buy-in’ among staff vs just ‘setting expectations’ when it comes to structuring or implementing new programs to support student learning?
How do you start a leadership team? Ask for volunteers? Invite specific people??
Listen in to hear the entire episode, or follow this link to read the original blog post. Thank you for doing what matters!
PMP443: Why Every Student Deserves a Pathway with Dr. T.J. Vari
Apr 09, 2025
A Quick Note to Listeners:
—- The Question of the Week is supported by Summer Pops Math Workbooks.
Principals, when students practice math over the summer, math scores go up. What’s your summer math plan this year? A great way to start is by ordering FREE summer workbook samples at Summer Pops Workbooks.com. —-
Before this week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answer a listener question with a five minute response.
The question is: How can we build stronger partnerships with community organizations?
Listen in to hear their response and thank you for doing what matters!
T.J. Vari is the Senior Director of Product Strategy at MaiaLearning and a former Deputy Superintendent, Principal, Assistant Principal, and High School English Teacher. He spent 20 years in public education before transitioning to the position he currently holds. His master’s degree is in School Leadership and his doctorate is in Innovation and Leadership. He holds several honors and distinctions, including his past appointment as President of the Delaware Association for School Administrators and the Paul Carlson Administrator of the Year Award. He teaches educational leadership courses at the master’s and doctoral levels.
T.J’s passion is college and career readiness. He has co-authored 6 books, including his latest two 7 Mindshifts for School Leaders and Invest In Your Best. He is a national presenter on school leadership and college and career readiness, and he’s the co-founder of TheSchoolHouse302, a leadership development institute.
A Post-Secondary Plan for Every Student:
Dr. Vari strongly believes that it is important to ensure that every student has a post-secondary plan. It is important for educators to recognize that this is an equity problem: privileged kids are talking about their post-secondary plans very young whereas other kids are not. One method that helps students create a post-secondary plan is advisory periods, ensuring that there is space in the student day to do some work making post-secondary plans. T.J. calls educators to think about how they are intentionally introducing these conversations with their students.
Helping Students Reach Their Best Outcomes:
As a coach and leader of leaders, Dr. Vari says that the answer to helping students reach their best outcomes is through school leadership. He often works with school leaders to build their capacity to change things. This work is important because the education system was never built to do what is best for all students. The education system, as it works currently, was built to dole out privilege. It takes a leader who is willing to challenge the status quo and is willing to make change happen for the system to benefit all students. T.J. coaches leaders to read about change in order to understand management and change models. He emphasizes that change is not going to happen naturally, leaders need to learn how to make change happen if they want everyone of their students to benefit from school.
Tensions in Leadership – Decision Making:
T.J. discusses why examining and reflecting on one’s motivations can be a helpful practice when it comes to decision making. His personal philosophy is that “Somebody’s going to have to go first, so it might as well be me”. There are a lot of people waiting around for someone to tell them to change instead of actually changing. The job of a leader is to make incremental changes each day that will eventually lead to massive change. Part of making that change in education is asking what kids really need to be successful in life. One big area that educators need to focus on is helping students learn how to read. A lot of people who are in trouble in this country either do not read well or cannot read at all. Another need that students have is a need to feel valued and that they have a purpose. This need can be met through using career exploration as a part of SEL. Understanding what students need in order to be successful can make decision making for leaders easier in the long run.
Advice for New and Aspiring Leaders:
Dr. Vari offers up three pieces of advice for new and aspiring school leaders. The first is time blocking. Every leader has a vision for what their day is supposed to look like. Time blocking allows leaders to use their time for a specific task. In order to successfully time block, everything needs to go on the calendar, and leaders should try to block their whole day or even their whole week out in advance. The second piece of advice T.J. offers is the strategy of reverse time blocking. To do this, leaders need to take out what was going to be in a calendar block and put what actually happened there. This requires a time of reflection each week to figure out what is derailing the leader’s schedule. T.J. emphasizes that reflection is what will help leaders improve how they are using their time. Finally, T.J tells leaders to ask themselves if they should really be the person to do all the things in their calendar. This helps determine what tasks can be delegated to other people on your team and will allow leaders to fill up their calendars with the things they really want to be doing.
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Introducing a New PD Offering from Jen Schwanke
Apr 07, 2025
Hi, friends. This week for Monday Matters, Jen and I are taking some time to talk about an exciting new offering from Principal Matters, led by Jen Schwanke! Based on her book, The Principal’s Guide to Conflict Management, Jen will be leading a 3-hour masterclass on June 3rd, 2025, at 11 am EDT. This dynamic virtual training equips school leaders with practical strategies to transform conflict from a dreaded challenge into an opportunity for growth. Through interactive workshops and reflective sessions, participants will learn to shift their mindset towards embracing conflict, understand its various forms, and master a three-step “Anticipate, Analyze, Act” cycle for effective resolution. The program addresses common school conflicts, emphasizes empowering others to manage disputes, and even explores personal accountability in conflict situations, providing attendees with immediate, actionable tools to build a positive and resilient school environment. Register at https://williamdparker.com/guide/. Listen in to hear more about the masterclass. We look forward to learning and growing with you!
ENCORE FRIDAY – PMP299: 10 Lessons from a 2nd Year in School Admin with DJ Klein
Apr 04, 2025
Happy Friday, friends! This week, we are re-releasing an episode from 2022, an interview with a rockstar leader DJ Klein. DJ Klein has been featured on the podcast several times throughout the years and he is still doing the same phenomenal work in 2025 that he was doing in 2022. Listen in to hear the full episode or follow this link to read the original blog post. Thank you for doing what matters!
PMP442: Keys to Successful Schools with John Mihalyo
Apr 02, 2025
A Quick Note to Listeners:
—- The Question of the Week is supported by Summer Pops Math Workbooks.
Principals, when students practice math over the summer, math scores go up. What’s your summer math plan this year? A great way to start is by ordering FREE summer workbook samples at Summer Pops Workbooks.com. —-
Before this week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answer a listener question with a five minute response.
The question is: What are some strategies that foster parent involvement in the school?
Listen in to hear their response and thank you for doing what matters!
John Mihalyo, founder of Elementary Advancement Solutions, is a seasoned education professional with over 20 years of administrative experience and 15 years as a Catholic school principal. He has a proven track record in supporting Catholic and faith-based school leaders in leadership, advancement, and enrollment. John has successfully collaborated with leaders across multiple states, establishing himself as a respected authority in education.
His accomplishments include founding two Advancement Offices and securing over $1.8 million in funding. Additionally, he led a $6 million renovation project and increased school enrollment by 24% as a principal. Through Elementary Advancement Solutions, John partners with schools to develop customized strategies, leveraging his expertise to help them achieve their goals. While in college, John played tennis and later coached a state championship team. He resides with his family in Apex, North Carolina.
Previous Work:
John has worked as an administrator in both public and Catholic schools. One experience that he is immensely proud of is his work in a struggling Catholic school. When he took over, enrollment was down and the building was falling apart. Through his experience at this school, he learned that families are often hungry for a vision, and, if you can show them where the school is going, they’ll work with you to achieve that vision. John states that the experience led him to develop a passion for the business side of education and inspired the work he does currently.
School Identity and Culture:
Identity and culture are the hub for all other outcomes of successful schools. John describes culture as the way we do things, while emphasizing that culture does not mean the way we always do things. He encourages school leaders to meet with their team and define the core set of values that will guide all future decisions. When defining those core values, it is important for schools and leaders to be realistic. They should not define their core values as what they want them to be, but rather what they are today. Doing so will help leaders keep themselves on track towards meeting their goals.
The Hub of Identity and Culture:
A key point John impresses on listeners is that they do not always have to look at other schools to be a great school. Once, when John was at a conference, he attended a hospital management lecture. He was impressed by the organization of the hospital and decided to take some of their practices and apply them to his work. Another point that John emphasizes is that everybody in a school should have some kind of leadership role, students and teachers alike. When it comes to the hub of identity and culture within a certain school, John states that there are five things (or ‘spokes’) that indicate that a school is thriving and has students that are growing. Those five spokes are:
Community Engagement
Individual Student Growth
Workforce
Operational Vitality
Leadership
Advice for Leaders Trying to Implement Change:
One piece of advice that John offers for school leaders trying to implement change is focusing on building your school brand. He defines the school brand by what people say about your school when your back is turned. Another recommendation that John makes for leaders of struggling schools is to be honest and be willing to listen. In fact, he recommends that leaders do twice as much listening as they do talking. When tackling problems, John tells leaders that they need to really peel back the layers of problems and get to the root of the problem. Lastly, John reminds leaders that the transition period of change is what people do not like about change. If people can get through the transition period of change, then good change will happen.
Parting Advice & Staying Connected:
As a parting piece of advice, John discusses using the word ‘ambassador’ rather than ‘volunteer’ when seeking community engagement during school events. Engagement is something that people will be proud of and will foster a sense of excitement among people about getting involved.
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Tips on Maintaining Sanity
Mar 31, 2025
Welcome back to Monday Matters! This week Jen Schwanke and Will Parker are sharing some lessons learned from doing PD with school leaders. They talk about some of the strengths that leaders who are women bring to the table, as well as strengths that leaders who are men bring to the table. During their conversation, Will and Jen discuss an article from the Harvard Kennedy School called “The Advantage of Women”. A few highlights from their discussion of the article are:
Studies show women are more likely to use collaboration
Bring more creative and sustainable solutions
More willing to seek solutions that benefit everyone
More able to grasp complexities of issues
More effective conflict attributes than men
Less ego-driven
More empathetic
More willing to recognize other’s pain
More willing to apologize
More tuned in to trust
More willing to be called upon to mediate disputes
ENCORE FRIDAY – PMP292: The Profile of a School Leader with Garth Larson
Mar 28, 2025
Happy Friday! This week’s encore episode is one from 2022 with Garth Larson. He chats with Will Parker about guiding leaders and helping them build their leadership. Listen in to hear the full conversation or check out the original blog post to learn more!
PMP441: Ease the Pain – Guidance for Safety and Regulation with Dr. Bethany Bilodeau
Mar 26, 2025
A Quick Note to Listeners:
—- The Question of the Week is supported by Summer Pops Math Workbooks.
Principals, when students practice math over the summer, math scores go up. What’s your summer math plan this year? A great way to start is by ordering FREE summer workbook samples at Summer Pops Workbooks.com. —-
Before this week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answer a listener question with a five minute response.
The question is: How do you support and develop your teachers who struggle with classroom management?
Listen in to hear their response and thank you for doing what matters!
Meet Bethany Bilodeau:
Dr. Bethany Bilodeau, an expert in human behavior with a Doctorate of Arts in Leadership, has a remarkable career that began teaching high school biology in Guam. She has designed innovative programs to help students achieve academic success and holds numerous certifications in behavioral therapies. She has been recognized with multiple awards, including the 2024 Business of the Year in education and Business Excellence award for Social Equity. Her upcoming guidebook, Ease the Pain in the Classroom: A Guide for Safety and Regulation, is set to launch in 2025.
Bethany says that something listeners might be surprised to learn about is that she did not have a great educational experience for her first eight years of school. Eventually, a personal family tragedy made Bethany realize she wanted to turn her life around and opened her eyes to helping kids who are struggling. Her personal philosophy is that all kids deserve the chance to be successful.
Who She serves:
Most of the students Bethany works with are ones who have the most challenging behaviors. Her company, the Behavior Bootcamp, provides support to school districts for students who have significant behavior problems. Dr. B states that her organization works with students who are classified as tier 3 and beyond. They primarily work with this population and reintegrate them back into the classroom within 3 months, with a 92% success rate.
Areas Taught:
Dr. B’s organization teaches educators how to make students feel physically and emotionally safe. They emphasize areas such as establishing trust, mirroring/labeling, and illusions of control. Bethany discusses how the ability to present empathy and confidence through her body features plays a significant role in helping build trust with kids very quickly. She often teaches educators about the “stance of safety”, which was developed by working with some of the best body experts to learn to read body language and determine how to interact with a student. Some of the body language emphasized for the “stance of safety” includes: thumbs pointed up to convey confidence, head tilted left to convey empathy, and the posture of your knees and feet to convey that you are listening. Dr. Bilodeau also talks about how she always finds something that she genuinely loves about the student she is working with and focuses on that gift. Once the student feels that love, their behavior will start to change.
Mindfulness:
Practicing mindfulness plays a significant role in both Dr. B’s personal life and the way she works with learners. She and her children meditate every single day. In the classroom, Bethany says that it is important for students to first feel safe and regulated before they begin to work on meditation. At first, students may find meditation a little silly, but with practice it becomes something that students look forward to each day. Dr. B recommends that if any listeners would like to try to practice meditation, they should start with a minute at a time and work up from there.
Words of Advice:
When asked “what advice would you give if you were talking to someone who is stepping into a season of challenge or change?”, Dr. Bilodeau gives two pieces of advice. The first is that you have to feel safe and regulated in order to take risks. The second is that in order to change and grow, you have to embrace challenges and risks.
For her final piece of advice to listeners, Bethany says that if you want to break the cycle of problematic behavior in a child you have to receive them back to school with empathy and care.
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Dear Colleague Letter
Mar 24, 2025
This week on Monday Matters, Jen and I talk about some of the responses to the “Dear Colleague” letter sent out by the US Department of Education Office for Civil Rights. Sent to educators across the country, this letter has generated a multitude of responses from teachers, principals, and superintendents alike. If you would like […]
ENCORE FRIDAY – PMP303: Intro to the Teacher’s Principal with Jen Schwanke
Mar 21, 2025
Happy Friday! This week’s encore episode is one from 2022, in which I interview Jen Schwanke about her book The Teacher’s Principal: How School Leaders can Support and Motivate Their Teachers. Jen shares a ton of great takeaways in this episode; I learned a lot from her as I listened back to this it! Give […]
PMP440: TRUST Principles for Professionalism with Dr. Nason Lollar
Mar 19, 2025
A Quick Note to Listeners: —- The Question of the Week is supported by Summer Pops Math Workbooks. Principals, when students practice math over the summer, math scores go up. What’s your summer math plan this year? A great way to start is by ordering FREE summer workbook samples at Summer Pops Workbooks.com. —- Before […]
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Remembering Faces
Mar 17, 2025
On this week’s installment of Monday Matters, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke have a conversation about leaving your legacy and making your mark. Some topics covered in the conversation are: Listen in to hear the full conversation! Below is a piece written by William D. Parker about the topics discussed in this episode: Remembering Faces […]
ENCORE FRIDAY – PMP268: Equity, Equality and Systems with Enid Lee
Mar 14, 2025
“These are the times for stepping forward with courage.” – Enid Lee. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are three things that make our country and our schools strong. I believe that it is vital to engage in conversations about these things in a time when our government in the US is cracking down on DEI. For […]
PMP439: Rebel Educator – Classrooms of Imagination and Impact with Tanya Sheckley
Mar 12, 2025
A Quick Note to Listeners: —- The Question of the Week is supported by Summer Pops Math Workbooks. Principals, when students practice math over the summer, math scores go up. What’s your summer math plan this year? A great way to start is by ordering FREE summer workbook samples at Summer Pops Workbooks.com. —- Before […]
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Reflections
Mar 10, 2025
This week on Monday Matters, Will and Jen are doing something they have not done before: talking about books they’re currently reading. Will talks about reading the book, The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese. Jen recently finished a book called Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May. Listen […]
ENCORE FRIDAY – PMP281: Paradoxes of Leadership with Dr. Tim Elmore
Mar 07, 2025
Welcome back to Encore Friday! This week’s episode from the archives is PMP281: Paradoxes of Leadership with Dr. Tim Elmore, originally released in 2022. In it we discuss his book, The 8 Paradoxes of Great Leadership: Embracing the Conflicting Demands of Today’s Workplace. Listen in to hear Dr. Elmore talk about the complexities of leadership […]
PMP438: Living on the Leadership Edge with Margaret Coates
Mar 05, 2025
A Quick Note to Listeners: —- The Question of the Week is supported by Summer Pops Math Workbooks. Principals, when students practice math over the summer, math scores go up. What’s your summer math plan this year? A great way to start is by ordering FREE summer workbook samples at Summer Pops Workbooks.com. —- Before […]
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker- Decision Making
Mar 03, 2025
Happy Monday! This week, Jen and I cover the topic of decision making for school leaders. Specifically, we consider the question: What goes in to the thought process when a leader has to make a decision? Some of the pieces of the decision making process we cover are: Listen in to hear our full answer […]
ENCORE FRIDAY – PMP321: Lessons in the Leadership Journey with Shenita Perry
Feb 28, 2025
Happy Friday! This week’s encore episode is one from 2022. In it, Will Parker interviews Shenita Perry about her unique leadership experiences and the lessons she learned along the way. Listen in to hear the full conversation or check out the original blog post here!
PMP437: Partners in School Innovation with Dr. Derek Mitchell
Feb 26, 2025
A Quick Note to Listeners: —- The Question of the Week is supported by Summer Pops Math Workbooks. Principals, when students practice math over the summer, math scores go up. What’s your summer math plan this year? A great way to start is by ordering FREE summer workbook samples at Summer Pops Workbooks.com. —- Before […]
MONDAY MATTERS – Warming Your Hands and Learning Lessons
Feb 24, 2025
By William D. Parker When we lived in the basement, Daddy would wake up long before the rest of us. He would stir the remaining coals in the wood stove, adding fresh sticks to the barrel-sized belly and stoking it until the new wood caught fire. As we crawled out of our beds, we would […]
ENCORE FRIDAY – PMP368: Buildership with Robyn Jackson and Jen Schwanke
Feb 21, 2025
It’s Encore Friday! This week’s episode is an interview from 2023 with Jen Schwanke and Robyn Jackson. Listen in to hear them discuss topics like: You can also check out the original blog post for this episode here. Thank you for doing what matters!
PMP436: Achieving Remarkable Outcomes with Dr. Amanda Austin
Feb 19, 2025
A Quick Note to Listeners: —- The Question of the Week is supported by Summer Pops Math Workbooks. Principals, when students practice math over the summer, math scores go up. What’s your summer math plan this year? A great way to start is by ordering FREE summer workbook samples at Summer Pops Workbooks.com. —- Before […]
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – AI in Schools
Feb 17, 2025
For this week’s Monday Matters topic, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke talk about AI in schools. While neither of them are experts on the subject, they acknowledge that AI is something that impacts everyone in the education world. Some of the points they address in this conversation are: Now It’s Your Turn: What are some […]
ENCORE FRIDAY – PMP358: Inspired to Be Faithful with Timothy Alexander
Feb 14, 2025
It’s Friday and that means it’s time for another encore episode! This week’s episode from the archives is PMP358, an interview with my friend Timothy Alexander. Timothy’s story is moving and inspirational. Give this episode a listen or check out the original blog post from 2023 to learn more about him!
PMP435: Empowering Teen Learners with Dr. Wilnic Gideon
Feb 12, 2025
A Quick Note to Listeners: —- The Question of the Week is supported by Summer Pops Math Workbooks. Principals, when students practice math over the summer, math scores go up. What’s your summer math plan this year? A great way to start is by ordering FREE summer workbook samples at Summer Pops Workbooks.com. —- Before […]
MONDAY MATTERS – What is your one word for 2025?
Feb 10, 2025
In this week’s Monday Matters, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke talk about their word for 2025. Upcoming Events If you’re going to be in St George, Utah, February 12-14, 2025, let Jen know as she’s speaking at the Utah Association of Elementary School Principals. Word for 2025: Jen’s word for 2025 is equanimity – defined […]
ENCORE FRIDAY – PMP202: Transforming School Cultures with Dr. Anthony Muhammad
Feb 07, 2025
It’s Friday and that means it is time for an encore episode! This week’s encore episode is on from 2020, featuring Dr. Anthony Muhammad. Check out the original post here, or listen to the episode wherever you get your podcasts! This episode is full of great advice for leaders and is as relevant today as […]
PMP434: Power Engage with Carlos Johnson
Feb 05, 2025
A Quick Note to Listeners: —- The Question of the Week is supported by Summer Pops Math Workbooks. Principals, when students practice math over the summer, math scores go up. What’s your summer math plan this year? A great way to start is by ordering FREE summer workbook samples at Summer Pops Workbooks.com. —- Before […]
MONDAY MATTERS – Time Spent and 5 Areas of Trust
Feb 03, 2025
In this week’s episode of Monday Matters, Will and Jen talk about time spent and 5 areas of trust. Upcoming Events: If you’re going to be in St George, Utah, February 12-14, 2025, let Jen know as she’s speaking at the Utah Association of Elementary School Principals. Will has some upcoming PD in Columbus, Ohio. […]
ENCORE FRIDAY – PMP273: How to Manage When Someone is ‘Stirring the Pot’
Jan 31, 2025
Happy Friday! This week I am sharing out an old episode from 2021. In it, Jen and I answer a listener question about managing people who ‘stir the pot’ – teachers or faculty who gossip or cause drama. Check out the original blog post now to learn more about the episode! Thank you for doing […]
PMP433: The Benefits of Building Trust with Brent Jaco
Jan 29, 2025
A quick note to listeners: Before this week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answered a listener question in a 5-minute response. —- The Question of the Week is supported by Summer Pops Math Workbooks. Principals, when students practice math over the summer, math scores go up. What’s your summer math plan this year? A […]
MONDAY MATTERS – Your Well-Being and Meet Cherith Aven, OKED Run Club
Jan 27, 2025
In this week’s check-in, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker discuss habits and intentions surrounding commitments to your well-being as a leader. Both of them share reflections on seasons in life, challenges we face in our personal and professional lives, and ways to stay present in our mindsets and practices. You can stay connected with our […]
ENCORE FRIDAY – PMP283: How to Be a Transformative Principal with Jethro Jones
Jan 24, 2025
Happy Friday! This week, the episode I have chosen to share from the Principal Matters archive is PMP283: How to be a Transformative Principal with Jethro Jones. We talk about self-care and growth for leaders, along with the challenges that school leaders face on a day-to-day basis. Click on the link above to read the […]
PMP432: Be the Shift with Joshua Yeager
Jan 22, 2025
A quick note to listeners: Before this week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answered a listener question in a 5-minute response. —- The Question of the Week is supported by Summer Pops Math Workbooks. Principals, when students practice math over the summer, math scores go up. What’s your summer math plan this year? A […]
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Crucial Conversations vs. Super Star Phrasing
Jan 20, 2025
I’ve been thinking about some of the tensions leaders feel when trying to guide improvement among students and teachers. In a recent interview with David Yeager, author of 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People: A Groundbreaking Approach to Leading the Next Generation―And Making Your Own Life Easier, we discussed how good classroom […]
ENCORE FRIDAY – PMP304: You’re the Principal, Now What? Revisited Part 1
Jan 17, 2025
Happy Friday! This week we are re-releasing an archival episode, from 2022, where Jen Schwanke joins me to discuss her book, You’re the Principal, Now What? Check out this link to read the original blog post about PMP304 or listen in wherever you get your podcasts. Thank you for doing what matters!
PMP431: Connecting Leaders with Ross Romano and Jen Schwanke
Jan 15, 2025
A quick note to listeners: Before this week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answered a listener question in a 5-minute response. —- The Question of the Week is supported by Summer Pops Math Workbooks. Principals, when students practice math over the summer, math scores go up. What’s your summer math plan this year? A […]
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen and Will – Impact vs Impression
Jan 13, 2025
In this week’s Monday Matters, Jen and Will talk about the challenge of the work of any educator, in knowing you are making a meaningful impact, not just a good impression. Upcoming Events If you’re going to be in St George, Utah, February 12-14, 2025, let Jen know as she’s speaking at the Utah Association […]
ENCORE FRIDAY – PMP197: 10 Tips for New Assistant Principals
Jan 10, 2025
Hello listeners! This Friday marks the first Friday that Principal Matters is starting to share out some archival content. We have over 400 episodes worth of content! That is a lot of content for listeners to work through, so we are sharing some old episodes in hopes that new and old listeners alike will find […]
PMP430: Culturizing for Impact with Cale Birk
Jan 08, 2025
A quick note to listeners: Before this week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answered a listener question in a 5-minute response. The question is: How can leaders feel heard and ensure that responses lead to meaningful change, rather than seeming like a waste of time? Listen in for our response and thank you for […]
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen and Will – What is Monday Matters?
Jan 06, 2025
In this week’s episode, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker discuss the new weekly show providing listeners some current updates on professional development they are offering to educators. They also discuss topics they come across when coaching or serving education leaders. In the weeks ahead, they plan to talk about topics like: What’s Coming Up in […]
PMP429: Finding Solutions with Jeff Jones
Jan 01, 2025
A quick note to listeners: Before this week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answered a listener question in a 5-minute response. The question is: What strategies help maintain focus on long-term vision and direction in the face of daily challenges? Listen in for our response and thank you for doing what matters! Meet Jeff […]
PMP428: What’s Happened in 2024 and What’s Next for Principal Matters?
Dec 23, 2024
Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year! We are sharing our weekly episode early this week to avoid intruding on your holidays. In this episode, Will and Jen both share some favorite Christmas memories. Listen to the end, however, for some heartfelt aspirations and hopes for the New Year. We would love to hear from you. […]
PMP427: The Fulcrum Position in Education with Olina Banerji
Dec 18, 2024
A quick note to listeners: Before this week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answered a listener question in a 5-minute response. The question is: How do leaders know when to protect staff from initiatives (buffer) and when to connect to initiatives that are handed down to them? Listen in for our response and thank […]
PMP426: What Makes a Great Principal with George Couros
Dec 11, 2024
A quick note to listeners: Before this week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answered a listener question in a 5-minute response. The question is: How do you navigate bureaucracy, especially with frequent shifts in focus that make previous efforts seem irrelevant? Listen in for our response and thank you for doing what matters! Meet […]
PMP425: The Power of Engagement with Dr. Kenny Rodrequez
Dec 04, 2024
A quick note to listeners: Before this week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answered a listener question in a 5-minute response. The question is: How do you handle the tendency to catastrophize, which can drain energy and focus? Listen in for our response and thank you for doing what matters! Meet Kenny Rodrequez Dr. […]
PMP424: Principal as Mentor and Coach with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker
Nov 27, 2024
A quick note to listeners: Before this week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answered a listener question in a 5-minute response. The question is: What strategies work best when dealing with others who are resistant to growth? Listen in for our response and thank you for doing what matters! The Principal as a Mentor […]
PMP423: Extinguishing Fires Within Assessment and Grading Reform with Garth Larson
Nov 20, 2024
A quick note to listeners: Before this week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answered a listener question in a 5-minute response. The question is: What are the best practices for improving communication and fostering a sense of ownership among staff? Listen in for our response and thank you for doing what matters! Meet Garth […]
PMP422: Pathway for Mindful Teachers with Danielle Nuhfer
Nov 13, 2024
A quick note to listeners: Before this week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answered a listener question in a 5-minute response. The question is: How can I use time effectively while also making time for self-care? Here’s a free resource Will refers to by Michael Hyatt: https://assessments.fullfocus.co/lifescore/ Also, check out Will’s book, Pause. Breathe. […]
PMP421: Smarter Budgets, Smarter Schools with Nate Levenson and Jen Schwanke
Nov 06, 2024
A quick note to listeners: Before this week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answered a listener question in a 5-minute response. The question is: How can I exercise my voice as a ‘guardian’ without coming off as ‘challenging’? Will refers to a resource The 5 Voices: How to Communicate Effectively with Everyone You Lead […]
PMP420: Mentoring Mindset with David Yeager
Oct 30, 2024
A quick note to listeners: Before this week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answered a listener question in a 5-minute response. The question is: How do you help teachers keep their ‘Why’ in the forefront of their minds? Listen in for our response and thank you for doing what matters! David Yeager, PhD, is a […]
PMP419: Energy Bus for Schools with Dr. Jim Van Allan and Will Parker
Oct 23, 2024
A quick note to listeners: Before this week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answered a listener question in a 5-minute response. The question is: How do you create schedules for observing teachers in advance? Listen in for our response and thank you for doing what matters! Meet Dr. Jim Van Allan Dr. Jim Van […]
PMP418: Maintaining Your Passion with Wes Cottongim
Oct 16, 2024
A quick note to listeners: Before this week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answered a listener question in a 5-minute response. The question is: What are some best practices in other school buildings to “flatten the walls of the school”? Where did you start on this journey/process? [The idea of flattening the walls means […]
PMP417: How To Design Smarter Schedules with David James
Oct 09, 2024
A quick note to listeners: Before this week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answered a listener question in a 5-minute response. The question is: How do you manage displacement conversations after teachers find out they are not returning? Listen in for our response and thank you for doing what matters! Meet David James David […]
PMP416: Every Student Has a Name with Will Parker and Jen Schwanke
Oct 02, 2024
A quick note to listeners: Before this week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answered a listener question in a 5-minute response. The question is: What’s the best way to find a ‘balanced’ leadership team when interviewing? It’s hard sometimes to go ‘deep’ and really see who people are in a formal interview. Will mentions […]
PMP415: Reclaiming Purpose with Frederick Buskey
Sep 25, 2024
A quick note to listeners: Before this week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answered a listener question in a 5-minute response. The question is: We are entering a new quarter. If boundaries need to be reset, what do you suggest? Listen in for our response and thank you for doing what matters! Meet Frederick […]
PMP414: Managing Your Priorities with Mark Shellinger
Sep 18, 2024
A quick note to listeners: Before this week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answered a listener question in a 5-minute response. The question is: How do you drill down the big buckets in assigning key responsibility areas to the individual involvement of the team? Example: Testing can be led by 1 but is a […]
PMP413: The Art of Transformational Coaching with Elena Aguilar
Sep 11, 2024
A quick note to listeners: Before this week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answered a listener question in a 5-minute response. The question is: How do I identify the people I can trust to support me or assign positions of management? Listen in for our response and thank you for doing what matters! Meet […]
PMP412: The Principal’s Journey with Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket
Sep 04, 2024
A quick note to listeners: Before this week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answered another listener question in a 5-minute response. The question is: What would you say is the most high-leverage action new principals can take when they begin? Listen in for our response and thank you for doing what matters! Dr. Rachel […]
PMP411: Collaborative Response with Kurtis Hewson
Aug 28, 2024
A quick note to listeners: Before this week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answered another listener question in a 5-minute response. The question is: I’d love to know more about how to set boundaries that help with individual self-care. Listen in for our response and thank you for doing what matters! Kurtis Hewson is […]
PMP410: Innovation in Leadership with Bobby Dodd
Aug 21, 2024
A quick note to listeners: Before this week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answered an exit-ticket question in a 5-minute response. The question is: Reflection on my own leadership strengths and weaknesses: How do they correlate with my current team? Additional ways to grow as a leader. Listen in for our response and thank […]
PMP409: Ready for Real Life with Andrew McPeak
Aug 14, 2024
A quick note to listeners: Before this week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answered a listener question in a 5-minute response. The question is: How do I coach a veteran (relatively) effective teacher who is reluctant to implement something new? Listen in for our response and thank you for doing what matters! Andrew McPeak […]
PMP408: De Facto Leadership with Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan and Dr. Jen Schwanke
Aug 07, 2024
Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan is the founder and owner/operator of Dr. Karen, LLC, a company focused on empowering therapists and educators to design interventions that support language, literacy, and executive functioning. She has a doctorate in Special Education and Director of Special Education and Assistive Technology credentials from Illinois State University, as well as a master’s […]
PMP407: Supporting Teacher Growth with Justin Baeder and Jen Schwanke
Jul 31, 2024
This week Jen Schwanke hosts guest educator Justin Baeder, author and veteran instructional leader, and takeaways from his newest book Mapping Professional Practice: How to Develop Instructional Frameworks to Support Teacher Growth (2022), a book co-authored with Heather Bell-Williams. Justin shares his practical takes on accountability and the careful dance of driving school improvement. Discover […]
PMP406: Thinking Inclusive with Tim Villegas
Jul 24, 2024
Tim Villegas is the Director of Communications for the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education. He is also the founder of Think Inclusive, which is the blog, podcast, and social media handle of MCIE. He has 16 years of experience in public education as a teacher and district support specialist. His focus now is on how […]
PMP405: Building Capacity in Your Leadership with Anne-Marie Maw
Jul 17, 2024
Anne-Marie Maw is an educator who has worked in schools for over 25 years as a classroom teacher and school leader across a range of schools in Australia. Currently, she is the principal of St. Agatha’s Primary School in the northeast suburbs of Brisbane which is the capital city of the state of Queensland in […]
PMP404: Managing Expectations and Accountability with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker
Jul 10, 2024
This week, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker tackle a question from an education leader: “As a principal, how can you monitor and ensure adherence to expected standards and outcomes in a way that is supportive rather than punitive, and fosters a culture of accountability?” Key Points from Jen Schwanke: Insights from Will Parker: Practical Systems […]
PMP403: Be the Change with Principal Baruti Kafele and Dr. Jen Schwanke
Jul 03, 2024
If you’ve not yet heard of Principal Kafele, this podcast captures him in a conversation with Dr. Jen Schwanke—a conversation that gets to the heart of why he is one of the most distinguished and transformational speakers and leaders of our generation. A highly-regarded urban educator in New Jersey for over twenty years, Principal Baruti […]
PMP402: Building Trust with Dr. Todd Dain
Jun 26, 2024
Dr. Todd Dain has significantly shaped education over a 30-year career, currently leading Shawnee Mission South High School in Overland Park, Kansas, since 2015. With a foundation in education from Emporia State and Baker University, he’s held roles as a teacher, coach, and administrator. His leadership is acknowledged beyond the school through his involvement in […]
PMP401: Inspiring and Developing Others with Northwest Rankin High School Admin Team
Jun 19, 2024
In this week’s episode, I talk to Lewis Bradford and three of his administrative team members, Jessica Hodges, Benny Bullock, and David Jones at Northwest Rankin High School in Flowood, Mississippi. On October 23, 2023, I was privileged to visit Northwest Rankin High School. Afterward, I invited Lewis to record a podcast episode together, and […]
PMP400: Celebrating 10+ Years of Principal Matters
Jun 12, 2024
In this week’s episode, Dr. Jen Schwanke and I celebrate 400 episodes of the Principal Matters Podcast. We stroll down memory lane, reminiscing about 10-plus years of producing Principal Matters content. This podcast was created as an outlet for lessons I learned as an assistant principal and principal. Over the years, it has become a […]
PMP399: Boundary Setting for Leaders and Educators with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker
Jun 05, 2024
Hello, Friends! It’s Will Parker here from Principal Matters: The School Leader’s Podcast. We’re excited to announce that we’re approaching our 400th episode! Can you believe it? To make this milestone even more special, we’d love to hear from you. If this podcast has inspired, helped, or encouraged you, would you consider sharing your thoughts […]
PMP398: Leveraging Executive Internal Communication for Stronger Brands with Brittany Keil
May 29, 2024
Hello, Friends! It’s Will Parker here from Principal Matters: The School Leader’s Podcast. We’re excited to announce that we’re approaching our 400th episode! Can you believe it? To make this milestone even more special, we’d love to hear from you. If this podcast has inspired, helped, or encouraged you, would you consider sharing your thoughts […]
PMP397: Maximizing Feedback to Teachers with Molly Dexter, Brandon Mawhorter, and Kathleen Beckham
May 22, 2024
Hello, Friends! It’s Will Parker here from Principal Matters: The School Leader’s Podcast. We’re excited to announce that we’re approaching our 400th episode! Can you believe it? To make this milestone even more special, we’d love to hear from you. If this podcast has inspired, helped, or encouraged you, would you consider sharing your thoughts […]
PMP396: Leadership Approaches to Conflict Resolution with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker
May 15, 2024
Will You Help Us Celebrate?? Hello, Friends! It’s Will Parker here from Principal Matters: The School Leader’s Podcast. We’re excited to announce that we’re approaching our 400th episode! Can you believe it? To make this milestone even more special, we’d love to hear from you. If this podcast has inspired, helped, or encouraged you, would […]
PMP395: Embracing MESSY Leadership with Alyssa Gallagher and Jen Schwanke
May 08, 2024
A few words from William D. Parker Hey everyone, William D. Parker here from Principal Matters: The School Leader’s Podcast. With over 1.4 million downloads and a decade of content for school leaders, our resources are always available for you at williamdparker.com. As we dive into May 2024, I’m reminded of the craziness this time […]
PMP394: Lessons from a First Year Principal with Tomas Macaluso
May 01, 2024
In this episode, we explore the remarkable journey of Tomas, principal of North Valleys High School in Reno, Nevada. Beginning his career as a CTE teacher, Tomas spent a decade before transitioning into administration. His path is one of dedication and innovation, marked by achievements like establishing a signature academy and leading as the Past President of NACTE. Discover how Tomas's four pillars - self-care, high expectations, student connection, and personal growth - shape the culture at North Valleys. Join us as we uncover his leadership philosophy, centered on creating a school environment reminiscent of Disneyland, where every student feels valued and eager to learn.
PMP393: Turnaround Leadership with Dr. Tameka Hyland
Apr 24, 2024
Dr. Tameka D. Hyland is a transformative educational leader. As principal of Sherman Avenue Elementary, she and her team raised its grade from D to C and scored the second highest reading scores in Mississippi within two years. As the executive principal at Vicksburg High School, her team not only increased the graduation rate to […]
PMP392: Small Steps to Big Joy with Kim Strobel and Jen Schwanke
Apr 17, 2024
Hi, Friends. William D. Parker here. As you listen to this week’s show, you’re going to hear a powerful conversation Dr. Jen Schwanke has interviewing author and educator Kim Strobel. Kim Strobel is a motivational powerhouse, inspiring lives and organizations as a keynote speaker, leadership consultant, and happiness coach. Overcoming personal adversities, she embarked on […]
PMP391: Hiring Tips from the Field with Principal Beau Brannon
Apr 10, 2024
Beau Brannon has served as principal of Union High School Freshman Academy, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, since the summer of 2022. Previously, he served four years as its assistant principal. A 2008 Muldrow High School alum, he ventured into college football at the University of Tulsa, then pursued his passion for education, earning a bachelor’s in […]
PMP390: Mindshifts for Leaders with Dr. T.J. Vari
Apr 03, 2024
Dr. T.J. Vari is the Deputy Superintendent of the Appoquinimink School District. T.J. is a former middle school assistant principal and principal and former high school English teacher. His master’s degree is in School Leadership and his doctorate is in Innovation and Leadership. He holds several honors and distinctions, including his past appointment as President […]
PMP389: Building a Systems Transformation Pathway with Naheed Bardai
Mar 27, 2024
Naheed Bardai is the Principal of UWC Atlantic and arrived in south Wales in August 2021 from Upper Canada College in Toronto, where he was head of upper school for six years. Before that, he served as dean of students and senior school principal during his 10 years at the Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa, […]
PMP388: How Do You Know if You’re Making the Right Decision? – with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker
Mar 20, 2024
In this week’s episode, Dr. Jen Schwanke and William D. Parker delve into the complexities of decision-making, particularly in leadership roles. Both share insights and strategies to navigate the often murky waters of making the “right” decisions. Continuous Learning and Humility Will emphasizes the importance of humility in leadership, advocating for a mindset of constant […]
PMP387: Accountability – A Dirty Word or Essential? with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker
Mar 13, 2024
In this week’s episode, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker talk about the word accountability. In education, this word can be perceived as both positive and negative. On the negative side, education has been the target of a lot of political discourse, beginning for many modern U.S. educators in the 1980’s with the report a Nation […]
PMP386: Connecting Every Student to Caring Adults with Melissa Barlow
Mar 06, 2024
Melissa Barlow is in her eleventh year as Principal of Yukon High School in Yukon, Oklahoma. In her past two decades as an educator, she has taught both middle-level and high school science and math, as well as serving in the role of assistant principal. Barlow obtained her bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University and […]
PMP385: Capturing Kids Hearts with Flip Flippen
Feb 28, 2024
Flip Flippen is a New York Times best-selling author, social entrepreneur, psychotherapist, and the founder and chairman of Capturing Kids’ Hearts, one of the largest educator training and team development companies in North America. Flip and his wife Susan were named Ernst & Young Entrepreneurs of the Year, making them the first couple to ever […]
PMP384: Anticipate, Analyze, and Act with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker
Feb 21, 2024
In this week’s episode Will Parker and Jen Schwanke discuss more about Dr. Schwanke’s new book, The Principal’s Guide to Conflict Management. Jen asked leaders to consider a circle to anticipate, analyze and act as an ongoing movement – a way to visualize how approaching conflict. Anticipate Anticipate the adult, student, parent and self conflict […]
PMP383: The Principal’s Guide to Conflict Management – Jen’s new book!
Feb 14, 2024
Conflicts are inevitable. The question is how do you manage them in healthy ways with the appropriate mindset, anticipation, analysis, and action? This week, Dr. Jen Schwanke shares takeaways with William D. Parker from Jen’s new book, The Principal’s Guide to Conflict Management. Listen-in as Jen explains how to approach conflict with courage. Learn the […]
PMP382: Profoundly Impacting Learning Culture with Dan Kelley
Feb 07, 2024
Daniel Kelley is an Associate Teaching Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy at the University of Rhode Island. He previously served as the principal of Smithfield High School in Smithfield, RI. During his tenure, he successfully implemented sustainable change initiatives that profoundly impacted the school’s learning culture. Dan’s contributions to education extend to national leadership […]
PMP381: Maximizing the Superpowers of each Individual with Jim Wichman
Jan 31, 2024
Jim Wichman is the founder of Inspired Edification, LLC, a seasoned educational administrator with over 25 years of experience. Jim has a rich history of service in both urban and rural public school settings. Coming from a background of poverty and even experiencing homelessness, Jim is a strong advocate for centered, respectful, and value-driven education. […]
PMP380: Dynamics of Building Leaders vs District Leaders with Will Parker and Jen Schwanke
Jan 24, 2024
This week Jen Schwanke and Will Parker discuss the dynamics involved in building leadership vs district leadership. Although still a principal at heart, Jen has served in the role of Deputy Superintendent now for three years. Will asked her to reflect on the following: A few highlights include: We also discuss some takeaways from Patrick […]
PMP379: Systems Leader vs People Leader with Will Parker and Jen Schwanke
Jan 17, 2024
In this week’s episode, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker discuss the difference between systems leadership and people leadership. Here’s a quick summary: Leaders need to understand both. As one of Jen’s advisors told her, “If there is no route for the bus, it doesn’t really matter what people are on it.” In other words, we […]
PMP378: Surfing the Crest of New Waves with Mark Geraets
Jan 10, 2024
Mark Geraets, is an education leader with a career spanning 40 impactful years. Born in New Zealand as the youngest of seven to Dutch immigrant parents, Mark’s university education journey began at 16, as the youngest student at Teacher’s College. By 30, he assumed his first principal role in Whakatane, NZ. Venturing abroad, he taught […]
PMP377: Conversations that Matter with Jennifer Abrams
Jan 03, 2024
Jennifer Abrams is an international educational and communications consultant for public and independent schools, universities, and nonprofits. She trains and coaches teachers, administrators, and others on new teacher/employee support, having hard conversations, collaboration skills, and being your best adult self at work. In her over two decades at Palo Alto Unified School District (Palo Alto, […]
PMP376: Year in Review – Where Are You Growing? with Will Parker and Jen Schwanke
Dec 27, 2023
In this week’s episode, Will and Jen flip the mic, and Jen interviews Will about his experiences with Principal Matters as his full time work in the past six months of 2023. They discuss the emotional ups and downs of the new work, the stats from the previous year, and lessons learned in goal setting […]
PMP375: She Leads with Dr. Rachael George and Dr. Jen Schwanke
Dec 20, 2023
A few quick words from Will Parker: Hi, Friends! You’re going to be listening to an interview hosted by Jen Schwanke with our guest, Rachel George, the author of the book, She Leads: The Woman’s Guide to a Career in Educational Leadership, co-authored with Majalise Tolan. You’re going to love this conversation about Rachel’s background […]
PMP374: Accelerating Student Voice with Dr. James Flynn
Dec 13, 2023
Dr. James Flynn has been a teacher, coach, Assistant Principal, Principal of the Grades 3-6 Intermediate School in Burlington City, Principal of Burlington City High School, and is currently the Director of Planning/Research, Evaluation, Operations, and State and Federal Programs for the Burlington City School District, Burlington, New Jersey. Jim’s principal practice included a number […]
PMP373: Increasing Your Impact with Donna Hayward
Dec 06, 2023
Donna Hayward began her professional career as a high school mathematics teacher after earning her Bachelors and Masters degrees from Smith College. Inspired by her own high school principal, Donna completed her Sixth Year through UCONN and served as Assistant Principal/ Principal of Rocky Hill High School for a decade. During this time, she markedly […]
PMP372: The Power of Principal Mindfulness with Dr. Rob Russell and Dr. Dustin Miller
Nov 29, 2023
In this week’s episode, Dr. Jen Schwanke hosts an episode interviewing Drs. Rob Russell and Dustin Miller, with lessons from a recent article they authored on The Power of Principal Mindfulness. Rob Russell, Ed. D., is an assistant principal at New Albany High School in New Albany, Ohio. He is a former science teacher. His […]
PMP371: Simplicity in Leadership Does Not Equal Easier with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker
Nov 22, 2023
As a child, I had the privilege of observing my grandparent’s farming responsibilities, so this week’s conversation with Jen Schwanke is important to me personally and professionally. In it, we discuss a documentary about traditional farming methods, and we draw connections between producing healthy soil and cultivating strong school cultures. How might the story of […]
PMP370: Middle School Superpowers with Phyllis Fagell
Nov 15, 2023
Phyllis L. Fagell, LCPC, is a school counselor in Washington, DC, a therapist who works with children and teens in private practice, and an author and journalist. She is the author of Middle School Matters: The 10 Key Skills Kids Need to Thrive in Middle School and Beyond – and How Parents Can Help, and […]
PMP369: Connecting Through Conversation with Erika Bare and Tiffany Burns
Nov 08, 2023
Erika Bare has been an educator for over 20 years, currently serving as the Assistant Superintendent in the Ashland School District in Oregon. A special education teacher by training, she is passionate about supporting all students through individual supports to reach their limitless potential. Tiffany Burns loves working with kids. In her two decades in […]
PMP368: Buildership with Robyn Jackson and Jen Schwanke
Nov 01, 2023
Hi, Friends. Will Parker here. A quick shout-out to Dr. Jen Schwanke and Dr. Robyn Jackson who agreed to record this special edition of Principal Matters where Jen hosts the show. In this conversation, you’ll find helpful lessons for your leadership as they discuss topics like: I heard Robyn Jackson present this summer at the […]
PMP367: Head and Heart, A Principal’s Tools with Jen Schwanke
Oct 25, 2023
In this episode, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke, talk about her recent article, “Heart and head: A Principal’s Essential Tools,” written for the ASCD Education Leadership magazine. Check it out here. Jen started the conversation by sharing a piece she read about chefs and their essential tools. Many chefs pointed to gadgets, but one chef’s […]
PMP366: Navigating Leadership Drift with Cale Birk
Oct 18, 2023
Cale Birk is a former teacher, high school principal, and District Head of Innovation from British Columbia, Canada. In 2015, one of his schools was named one of the first Model PLC Schools in Canada. Feeling like he was only scratching the surface with collaboration, Cale wrote the book PLC 2.0 – Collaborating for Observable […]
PMP365: Likable Leadership with Lisa Parry
Oct 11, 2023
Lisa Parry is a veteran English teacher (1994-present) and K-12 principal (2018-present) who is proud to lead a 2021 National Blue Ribbon Elementary School and a 2020 ESEA Distinguished Elementary School. In 2022, her colleagues recognized her as South Dakota Region 1 Principal of the Year. Some of the most gratifying work she has done […]
PMP364: Not Missing Out on Your Best Kept Secrets with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker
Oct 04, 2023
In today’s episode, Will Parker shares poignant takeaways from a summer hiking trip with his son, Jack, applying those insights to the realm of school leadership. The discussion centers on the importance of being present, connecting with students, and celebrating even the small moments. Afterward, Will and co-host Jen Schwanke talk about applying those lessons […]
PMP363: Building Stronger, Authentic Relationships with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker
Sep 27, 2023
This week Will Parker and Jen Schwanke respond to a listener question submitted several months ago but still relevant today for leaders: “I’ve been a loyal listener of the Principal Matters podcast and value the insights from both William and Jen. As a new principal of a small school with 125 students and 9 teachers, […]
PMP362: Be The Driving Force with Dr. Don Parker
Sep 20, 2023
Dr. Don Parker is a leading voice in professional development and educational transformation. Since beginning his educational journey in 1997, Dr. Parker has served in diverse roles, from teaching in Chicago’s inner-city schools to mentoring future educators as an Adjunct Professor at National-Louis University. As a former principal at both Posen School and Lincoln Avenue […]
Bonus: Principal Matters Update from Will Parker
Aug 27, 2023
Hi, Friends. Will Parker here. I am sharing this bonus episode to inform Principal Matters listeners about some new updates. First of all, we have a new website. For 10 years, I have been using the same website, and this week we are excited to launch a new place where you can find all the […]
PMP356: Escaping the Black Hole of Urgency with Dr. Frederick Buskey
Aug 09, 2023
Frederick Buskey lives in Cullowhee, North Carolina, and helps assistant principals live and lead better by teaching them how to escape the black hole of urgency. Building on 32 years of K-12 and higher education leadership experience, Dr. Buskey provides simple frameworks and tools to help school leaders spend less time putting out fires and […]
PMP353: How to Provide Meaningful Feedback in Observations with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker
Jul 18, 2023
In this episode, Jen Schwanke shares insights from a new Quick Reference Guide she authored for ASCD on Teacher Observation and Feedback. You can find the resource here. As the author of this new guide, Jen explains why she chose to focus on growth, positivity and relationship building as motivations for better observation feedback. As […]
PMP350: T.E.A.M: Together Everyone Achieves More with Bryan Miltenberg & Gary Karlson
Jun 28, 2023
Bryan Miltenberg is the proud principal of Aquebogue Elementary School in Riverhead, New York. He’s been a teacher, dean, and middle school assistant principal, and has presented and published on topics including school climate and culture, instructional technology, self-aware leadership, inclusivity, time management, and co-teaching partnerships. Against all logic, he remains a suffering lifelong Mets […]
PMP348: Staying on the Path with Will Parker & Jen Schwanke
Jun 14, 2023
This week Jen Schwanke joins Will Parker as they explore what happens when we lose focus on the important goals and outcomes involved in serving others
PMP347: Becoming Better Leaders with Robyn Hamasaki
Jun 07, 2023
Will Parker and guest Robyn Hamasaki discuss ways that school principals can be better leaders to their school communities in this week's episode of the PMP.
PMP346: Equity for Multilingual Learners, Part 2 with Carlene Thomas
May 31, 2023
Last week, we met Carlene Thomas. This week, she returns to answer more questions from school leaders searching for solutions for Multilingual Learners. Carlene Thomas is the CEO and founder of an educational consulting company that advocates for equity for multilingual learners (MLs) and specializes in support for bilingual education and English as a second […]
PMP345: Equity for Multilingual Learners with Carlene Thomas
May 24, 2023
Carlene Thomas is the CEO and founder of an educational consulting company that advocates for equity for multilingual learners (MLs) and specializes in support for bilingual education and English as a second language (ESL) programs. Carlene also currently serves on the executive board for the National Association for English Learner Program Administrators (NAELPA), coordinating with […]
PMP339: Digging Deeper into the 3 R’s with Jen Schwanke
Apr 12, 2023
This week Will and Jen share updates from their work, travel, and lives. They also discuss lessons related to the three R's in this week's episode of the PMP.
PMP338: Supporting RTI with Jen Schwanke & Will Parker
Apr 05, 2023
This week’s discussion topic came to us in a question from a listener: As a prospective administrator (and someone who is coming from an elementary music background) what should I know about the RTI process and more specifically what should an assistant principal know about the RTI process? How would an AP go about overseeing this […]
How to Help Others Grow with Mary Beth Bowling and Amy Nall, Part 2 – PMP331
Feb 15, 2023
In this episode, Mary Beth and Amy continue to share ways they have engaged their teachers and leaders with ongoing learning, including with Principal Matters.
How do you set and reach goals? with Jen Schwanke – PMP329
Feb 01, 2023
Setting goals is a practice that I’ve used to help me grow in my own work. Not only is goal setting important in your professional life, but in your personal life as well. It helps you visualize where you want to be at the end of each year and gives you something to work towards […]
Peer Driven PD with Michael Alpert – PMP328
Jan 25, 2023
Michael Alpert is a Crystal Apple Award Winning educator, and has worked in both small, rural districts and large, suburban districts in the Portland metro area, even serving overseas as a teacher and Central Administrator in Prague, Czech Republic. Mike is also a founding board member of Ex Novo Brewing Co, a benefit corporation donating […]
The 7 Levels of Intimacy in Leading with Jason Jedamski – PMP 326
Jan 11, 2023
Will Parker discusses the seven levels of intimacy in leading and the importance of connectedness with guest Jason Jedamski in this weeks episode of PMP.
PMP324: How Do I Learn Subject Areas Not My Own? Listener Questions with Jen Schwanke
Dec 14, 2022
This week, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke are tackling some listener questions. The question they are covering this week is: "Do you have any tips on becoming well versed in becoming knowledgeable about content areas other than my own and scheduling classroom observations?"
PMP317: Discipline with Dignity with Jen Schwanke
Oct 26, 2022
This week, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke tackle the topic of discipline in schools. Specifically, they discuss how to discipline with dignity as school leaders.
PMP316: Recalibrate Your Culture with Jimmy Casas (Part 2)
Oct 19, 2022
This week, Will Parker and Jimmy Casas continue their conversation about Jimmy’s newest book, Recalibrate the Culture: Our Why...Our Work...Our Values.
PMP315: Recalibrate Your Culture with Jimmy Casas
Oct 12, 2022
In this weeks episode of Principal Matters Podcast, Will and Jimmy Casas discuss Casas' newest book is Recalibrate the Culture: Our Why...Our Work...Our Values.
PMP 313: Ideas for Teacher Recruitment and Retention with Kristi Kirschner and Danny Massey (Part 2)
Sep 28, 2022
This week Kristi and Danny share more ideas about teacher recruitment with Will as well as ways they are working for retention of highly effective teachers.
PMP312: Ideas for Teacher Recruitment and Retention with Kristi Kirschner and Danny Massey
Sep 21, 2022
Schools across the U.S. continue to respond to teacher shortages. On September 1, the White House announced recruitment partnerships to addresses the challenges. Groups like the National Center for Grow have partnered with states including California, Florida, Missouri, North Dakota, Texas, West Virginia and Wyoming, to design apprenticeship programs to help shape policy and provide […]
PMP311: Politics and Advocacy for School Leaders with Jen Schwanke
Sep 14, 2022
In this week’s episode, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke share some thoughts on how to remain focused on service to your school communities while also remaining aware of what is happening in politics and advocacy that may also be affecting your school.
PMP308: Leading with a Humble Heart with Zac Bauermaster
Aug 24, 2022
Zac Bauermaster currently serves as principal at Kissel Hill Elementary School, located in the Warwick School District in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
PMP306: Courageous Leadership with Sapna Hopkins
Aug 10, 2022
This week, Will interviews Principal Sapna Hopkins. Listen to the entire show for her inspiring personal story and journey in education. Plus, learn ways she is engaging her new school community that can motivate any school leader with ideas for connecting your story with your core values and school mission. Sapna Hopkins is the principal […]
PMP305: You’re the Principal, Now What? Revisited Part 2
Aug 03, 2022
This week Jen Schwanke and Will Parker continue conversations about ways school leaders can prepare for the school year – especially those who may be early career education leaders. Relying on strategies from her book You’re the Principal! Now What?: Strategies and Solutions for New School Leaders, Jen shares how to tackle the most common […]
PMP304: You’re the Principal, Now What? Revisited Part 1
Jul 27, 2022
What priorities must you keep in mind as you start a new school year? In this week’s episode, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke draw on years of experience to provide ideas and takeaways – especially with new principals in mind. Relying on lessons from her book You’re the Principal! Now What?: Strategies and Solutions for […]
PMP303: Intro to The Teacher’s Principal: How School Leaders Can Support and Motivate Their Teachers
Jul 20, 2022
This week Jen Schwanke gives a sneak-peek into her newest book, The Teacher’s Principal: How School Leaders Can Support and Motivate Their Teachers, coming out this summer. Jen explains: Why she wrote the book The importance of purpose, priorities, patterns Negatives and positives and responses External threats to teacher motivators We also discuss why one-size […]
PMP302: Ideas for Principal Reboot Over Break
Jul 13, 2022
In this episode, Jen Schwanke and I discuss ways that principals can reflect over summer break. We begin with the questions: What makes you anxious? Is your anxiety about the coming school year because of lack of knowledge? If so, breaks are important times to dig deeper into some of the areas you may not […]
PMP301: How to Respond to Negativity with Jen Schwanke
Jul 06, 2022
Jen Schwanke, ASCD author and veteran educator, joins me in this episode to answer listener questions. Question #1 “How do you or would you mediate negative relationships between staff members in your building and the county/district office personnel to ensure it does not negatively impact the students/programs/initiatives in your school building?” Jen’s response: When a […]
PMP300: Celebrating a Milestone & Lessons Learned with Dr. Jeff Springer
Jun 29, 2022
In December 2015, Principal Matters: The School Leader’s Podcast began from my home on my laptop with a borrowed microphone during a Christmas Break when I had time to research how to start a podcast. Six years later, we have reached the milestone of 300 episodes with more than 750,000 downloads to date. In this […]
PMP299: 10 Lessons from a 2nd Year in School Admin with DJ Klein
Jun 22, 2022
Daniel (DJ) Klein is an Assistant Principal at Ocean Springs High School, in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. For longtime Principal Matters listeners, you may recognize the name DJ Klein from two previous episodes: First, on June 4, 2020, DJ joined me when for PMP197 when we recorded an episode discussing ideas to keep in mind as […]
PMP298: 5 Sticky Core Values for Leaders with Daniel Bauer
Jun 15, 2022
In this week’s episode, I am joined again by my friend Daniel Bauer, education leader, podcaster and author of the book Mastermind: Unlocking Talent Within Every School Leader. We explore how he applies his 5 “sticky” core values and how these can help leaders achieve goals and outcomes. Danny has built an incredibly successful organization supporting […]
PMP297: Applying the Strangest Secret with Daniel Bauer
Jun 08, 2022
A couple of weeks ago, I was on a call with my friend Daniel Bauer, education leader, podcaster and author of the book Mastermind: Unlocking Talent Within Every School Leader. He had included me in an email sharing about his favorite recording of all times: The Strangest Secret by Earl Nightingale https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbBHR_CD56M I had taken […]
PMP296: The Post I Didn’t Want To Write
Jun 01, 2022
I enjoy the sounds of morning. Yesterday, as I sat on my back porch sipping coffee, I could hear the patt-pattering of a woodpecker in the Cottonwood tree. Three squirrels were scampering along the back fence, chasing each other with furtive jumps from fence to tree limbs. A cardinal sang out his morning song with […]
PMP295: A Mastermind on Leaving a Legacy
May 25, 2022
This school year I had the privilege of connecting with leaders from schools in the great state of Ohio through a series of Zoom meetings. We worked through twenty sessions together covering leadership content, including lessons from my newest book, Pause. Breathe. Flourish.: Living Your Best Life as an Educator. In our final session for […]
PMP294: Ensuring Staff and Student Voice with Brent Kline
May 18, 2022
Brent Kline is Principal of Palo Alto High School, in Palo Alto, California. His previous administration roles include four years at Santa Cruz High School. He began his education career as a teacher in Clovis, California, and he served as a teacher and principal at Mariner High School, Everett, Washington for more than two decades. […]
PMP293: Lessons in Change, Bonus Episode with Garth Larson
May 11, 2022
Last week Garth Larson was a guest on episode 292 as he shared the Profile of a School Leader. During our pre-show conversation, we reflected on the lessons both of us had learned in our work during the pandemic. Afterwards, I asked Garth if I could share the back-and-forth as a bonus episode for a […]
PMP292: The Profile of a School Leader with Dr. Garth Larson
May 04, 2022
Garth Larson, Ed.D is the Co-Founder and CEO of FIRST Educational Resources. Garth has previously worked as the Director of Learning for the Winneconne Community School District in northeast Wisconsin, was an elementary principal in two separate buildings and started his career in education as a high school speech and English teacher. In 2011, Garth […]
PMP291: Growing Leadership Teams with Dr. Keri Launius
Apr 27, 2022
Dr. Keri Launius has worked in PreK-16 education for over 22 years. With experiences from classroom teacher, campus principal and district administration, she has had ample opportunities to learn and grow as an educator. She began her career as a high school teacher and spent close to a decade teaching in Texas Public Schools. Working […]
PMP290: Teacher Pipeline Ideas & Solutions with Jen Schwanke
Apr 20, 2022
This week Jen Schwanke and William D. Parker talk about how principals and education leaders can recruit and retain high quality teachers: Learn about efforts school districts are using involving supporting employment funnels from local universities, substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, and student-teacher interns. Discover how you can leverage duty stipends and arrival/departure times as incentives for […]
PMP289: Supporting School Communities District-Wide with Jen Schwanke
Apr 13, 2022
In Jen Schwanke’s new role as an Deputy Superintendent and in dissertation work, she has been learning a lot about supporting school communities district-wide. In this week’s episode, she explains some of the main responsibilities important to embrace in supporting educators: Why you cannot forget what it feels like to be a teacher or principal. […]
PMP288: Better Strategies for Drop-Out Recovery with Dr. Warren Glen
Apr 06, 2022
Warren J. Glen has twenty years of experience in post-secondary education. His journey in higher education has enhanced his expertise to administer grants, manage deliverables, and mentor and motivate young scholars. Currently, he is the area sponsor for the Ohio Department of Education community schools of northeast Ohio. Dr. Glen previously oversaw the Northeast Region […]
PMP287: Chasing the Show with Pete Hall
Mar 30, 2022
Veteran school administrator and educational consultant Pete Hall channels his experiences as a school principal, life coach, and small-business owner into manageable lessons for continuous growth, personal improvement, and positive mindset. Hall served 12 years as a principal in three schools, each earning awards for academic performance, growth, and student achievement. He currently works as […]
PMP286: We’re Not Broken with Eric Garcia
Mar 23, 2022
Eric Garcia is a Washington, D.C.-based journalist focused on politics and policy and currently the senior Washington correspondent for The Independent. His first book We’re Not Broken: Changing the Autism Conversation, which the Washington Post called “outstanding,” was published August 3, 2021. He previously worked as an editor at the Washington Post and the Hill […]
This week I’m taking a break from posting so that I can enjoy more time with family during Spring Break. I hope you are doing the same if you are on break this time of year. I’d also love to hear updates from listeners, so please send me an email at will@williamdparker.com or find me […]
PMP285: Retention for a Change with Principal EL, Dr. TJ Vari and Dr. Joseph Jones
Mar 09, 2022
How do you transform school culture so that you keep high quality teachers? Today’s guest include three education leaders: Dr. Salome Thomas-EL, Dr. TJ Vari and Dr. Joseph Jones. These men are school and district leaders in Delaware, and have keynoted and provided professional development at many state and national conferences. Their team has been […]
PMP284: Triumph over Tragedy with Timothy Alexander
Mar 02, 2022
Timothy Alexander is a bestselling writer, award-winning speaker, and life coach who thrives at the intersection of character development, counseling, and mentorship. After a life changing car accident in 2006 left him paralyzed from the neck down, Timothy has embodied a “never give up” spirit that inspires educators to do the impossible in their schools […]
PMP283: How to Be a Transformative Principal with Jethro Jones
Feb 23, 2022
Jethro Jones is the founder of Transformative Principal, which provides leadership development, weekly masterminds, and one-on-one coaching for school leaders across the nation and internationally. In 2017, he was recognized as Digital Principal of the Year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. He has turned his years of experience and learning into books, […]
PMP282: Building ‘Parentships’ with Dr. Kyle Palmer
Feb 16, 2022
Kyle Palmer is currently Executive Director of Human Resources for the Center School District of South Kansas City, MO. Before this transition, Dr. Palmer spent the previous ten years as principal of nationally recognized Lewis and Clark Elementary in Liberty, MO. Kyle began his career as a 4th grade teacher in Ankeny, Iowa in 2000. […]
PMP281: Paradoxes of Leadership with Dr. Tim Elmore
Feb 09, 2022
Dr. Tim Elmore is the founder and CEO of Growing Leaders. His work grew out of 20 years of serving alongside Dr. John C. Maxwell. Elmore has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, USA Today, Psychology Today and he’s been featured on CNN’s Headline News and Fox and Friends. Tim has written […]
Last month I had the privilege of presenting in a virtual event to a group of assistant principals and aspiring school leaders at Pecos Barstow Toyah ISD in Pecos, Texas. As part of a series we have been doing together this school year, I shared a session on the ‘Hat of Communication’ that is so […]
PMP279: Support, Empower, Engage with Chris Jones
Jan 26, 2022
Dr. Christopher Jones has been an educator in Massachusetts for 22 years. He has just finished his 14th year as a building administrator. True to his “why” of improving the educational experience for as many people as possible, he is currently the Principal of Whitman-Hanson Regional High School in Whitman, Massachusetts. Chris is passionate about […]
PMP278: Encouraging & Motivating Staff with Jen Schwanke
Jan 19, 2022
In a recent article Jen Schwanke published with ASCD, First Engage Teachers: A Principal’s Role in Cultivating Staff Motivation, Jen makes the following assertion: “When principals foster a staff’s collective belief in themselves, their staff will incorporate that positive esteem toward their own motivation and engagement to work with students.” How does this looks when […]
PMP277: Lessons in Leadership from a Colonial Midwife
Jan 12, 2022
Last week a principal wrote to tell me he was short 25 teachers or staff as he ended his first week back in the new semester. Another principal wrote that he spent his first morning back from Christmas break finding coverage for 9 classes without teachers. Just today in my own community, one of our […]
PMP276: 2021 Year in Review & 2022 Goal Setting
Jan 05, 2022
This morning I read a gripping opinion post in Education Week by Lisa Mead, a principal in upstate New York, whose piece titled A Principal’s Assessment: ‘We’re Not OK’. She shared what I’ve heard from many principals this past year: 2021 was in many ways harder than 2020. Among the many important ideas she shared, […]
PMP275: 6 Literacy Levers, Part 2 with Brad Gustafson
Dec 22, 2021
What would happen if you asked your team, ‘What question would you predict I’m going to ask in a meeting?’ Brad Gustafson poses this scenario in Part 2 of our conversation about literacy. Educators know literacy is essential to student learning. Brad reminds principals what role school leaders play in helping grow a culture of […]
PMP274: 6 Literacy Levers with Brad Gustafson
Dec 15, 2021
This week we share the first of a two-part series with Dr. Brad Gustafson. Listen-in as we discuss rethinking leadership perspectives on literacy, helpful tips and questions principals should be using, and helpful feedback on Brad’s own struggles and successes as a lead learner for his school. Brad Gustafson is an award-winning principal, best-selling author, […]
PMPEncore197: 10 Tips for New Assistant Principals
Dec 08, 2021
This week I’m sharing one of the most popular episodes from the Principal Matters archives. If you know a new or aspiring assistant principal, please pass this along. These tips are also good reminders for anyone leading others. – Thank you for doing what matters! ~ Will Here’s a recap… June 4, 2020: A couple […]
PMP273: How to Manage When Someone is ‘Stirring the Pot’
Dec 01, 2021
This week William D. Parker and Jen Schwanke answer the question: What do you do about a teacher who likes to ‘stir the pot’ about other teachers? Feedback includes suggestions on: Having open, honest, clear communication Addressing ‘stirring the pot’ for what it is Distinguishing between stirring and asking good questions Addressing resistance, gossip, tattling, […]
PMP272: Thankfulness & Answers about Emotional and Behavior Supports for Students
Nov 24, 2021
This week Jen Schwanke joins Will Parker to discuss stories of gratitude from former teachers and educators in their lives. Will references this recent video from the singer Adele paying tribute to her teacher that will warm your heart: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hfb6CSDkWYQ Also, they address these questions from a principal: “How do I provide resources for kids with […]
PMP271: Answering Questions on School Discipline with Jen Schwanke
Nov 17, 2021
This week Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answer the principal question: “How do you structure discipline so that punishments fit the crime?” We talk about how the word discipline, instead of punishment, carries an important distinction for how we approach consequences for students. In addition, we provide feedback on several areas, including: 1. Set high […]
PMP270: Gaining Buy-In & Building Leadership Teams with Jen Schwanke
Nov 10, 2021
This week Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answer principal questions: How do you gain ‘buy-in’ among staff vs just ‘setting expectations’ when it comes to structuring or implementing new programs to support student learning? How do you start a leadership team? Ask for volunteers? Invite specific people?? Listen in for feedback on building trust, building […]
PMP269: Leadership at Every Level with Janelle McLaughlin
Nov 03, 2021
Janelle McLaughlin, is an Education Consultant for Advanced Learning Partnerships working with districts all across the United States. She is a former curriculum director for Manchester Community Schools in Indiana. Prior to that role, Ms. McLaughlin spent 14 years as a classroom teacher. Her experiences range from job-embedded coaching for teachers and administrators, to leading […]
PMP268: Equity, Equality and Systems with Enid Lee
Oct 27, 2021
Enid Lee is a front-line educator, an anti-racist professional development specialist, leadership coach, writer and community builder. She began her joyful journey as a teacher on the Caribbean island of Antigua about 5 decades ago. She has taught in Canada and the United States. Today Enid consults internationally on equitable education with particular emphasis on […]
PMP267: Answering Questions on Grief and Behavior with Jen Schwanke
Oct 20, 2021
This week, Jen Schwanke, joins me as we respond to more listener questions. Jen Schwanke is an author and education leader from Dublin City Schools in Dublin, Ohio. Question: How do you manage leading a school through the grief of losing a teacher to COVID? Here are some of the points we cover in response: […]
PMP266: Principal Questions on Curriculum and Goals with Jen Schwanke
Oct 13, 2021
Jen Schwanke joins me this week as we respond to listener questions. Jen Schwanke is an author and education leader from Dublin City Schools in Dublin, Ohio. We have two questions from a listener who wrote for feedback as an opportunity is opening to apply for a site principal position. LISTENER QUESTION 1: “After several years […]
PMP265: Unlocking Talent Within Every School Leader with Daniel Bauer, Part 2
Oct 06, 2021
This week I have the privilege of sharing Part 2 of a conversation with Daniel Bauer about his new book, His new book, Mastermind: Unlocking Talent Within Every School Leader. Danny’s new book reimagines what professional development for school administrators looks like in order to meet the needs of all school leaders who currently feel isolated […]
PMP264: Unlocking Talent Within Every School Leader with Daniel Bauer
Sep 29, 2021
This week I have the privilege of sharing a conversation with Daniel Bauer about his new book, His new book, Mastermind: Unlocking Talent Within Every School Leader. Danny’s new book reimagines what professional development for school administrators looks like in order to meet the needs of all school leaders who currently feel isolated and overwhelmed. […]
PMP263: Cycles of Self-Reflection in Leadership
Sep 22, 2021
This past month, we sent our third daughter to college. More than a year ago, she began to explore the possibility of studying abroad. As a result of months of apply to schools, virtual meet-ups, and 5,000 miles of travel, she is now a student at Aberystwyth University in Wales. Sending off another Parker child […]
PMP262: Revisiting the Hats You Wear in School Leadership
Sep 15, 2021
A few weeks ago, I was invited to provide some virtual professional learning with a wonderful group of aspiring and assistant principals from Pecos Barstow-Toyah Independent School District, in Pecos, Texas. As a part of our time together, I shared content from my book Principal Matters, including “8 Hats” that school leaders wear. For the […]
PMP261: Your Friendships, Legacy, Laughter and Well-Being
Sep 08, 2021
In last week’s podcast episode, I shared the second part of a keynote presentation I provided on August 12, 2021, to the Archdiocese of Louisville for a welcome-back ceremony of educators from thirty nine Pre/K-8 elementary schools and nine high schools collectively serving 18,000 students. In Part 3 of this keynote series, you will learn […]
PMP260: Reflecting on Your Influence – Keynote Series #2
Sep 01, 2021
In last week’s podcast episode, I shared the first part of a keynote presentation I provided on August 12, 2021, to the Archdiocese of Louisville for a welcome-back ceremony of educators from thirty-nine Pre/K-8 elementary schools and nine high schools collectively serving 18,000 students in six counties. In Part 2 of this keynote series, you […]
PMP259: 10 Areas of Self-Care in the School Year Ahead
Aug 25, 2021
On Thursday, August 12, 2021, I had the privilege of providing a keynote from my book Pause. Breathe. Flourish.: Living Your Best Life as an Educator at the Archdiocese of Louisville welcomed back ceremony for the new school year. Although my teaching and administration work has been for public schools, Superintendent Mary Beth Bowling, invited […]
PMP258: Bridging Academic and Social Gaps with Trevor Goertzen
Aug 18, 2021
Trevor Goertzen was recognized in 2020 as a National Digital Principal of the Year. He currently serves as the Principal of Spring Hill Middle School in Spring Hill, Kansas, and is an adjunct professor of Educational Technology for Harding University. Trevor recognizes the personal impact that technology can provide by bridging academic and social gaps […]
PMP257: Leading with SOUL for the New School Year
Aug 11, 2021
Seven year ago, our son Jack was diagnosed with a rare disease. Kawasaki causes an inflammation of blood cells in young children. If untreated, it can lead to heart damage or death. He was hospitalized for two weeks. During that time, my wife and I sat many days watching medical teams work to bring down […]
PMP 256: Disruptive Thinking with Eric Sheninger
Aug 04, 2021
Eric Sheninger is an Associate Partner with the International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE). Prior to this, he was the award-winning Principal at New Milford High School. Under his leadership, his school became a globally recognized model for innovative practices. Eric oversaw the successful implementation of several sustainable change initiatives that radically transformed the […]
PMP255: Reconstructing Place and Space, Part 2 with Jen Schwanke
Jul 28, 2021
This week, Jen Schwanke, author and education leaders, shares the second half of a conversation on Reconstructing Place and Space. With credit to Dr. Miller, director of the EdD in Educational Administration and an assistant professor – clinical in the Department of Educational Studies at The Ohio State University, Jen probes into several questions his […]
PMP254: Reconstructing Place and Space with Jen Schwanke
Jul 21, 2021
This week, Jen Schwanke, author and education leader, shares thoughts on why education leaders should consider how ‘place and space’ play a role in learning outcomes. With credit to Dr. Miller, director of the EdD in Educational Administration and an assistant professor – clinical in the Department of Educational Studies at The Ohio State University, […]
PMP253: 10 Lessons from a First Year Assistant Principal with D.J. Klein
Jul 14, 2021
One year ago, June 4, 2020, D.J. Klein was a guest on the Principal Matters podcast when we shared advice for his first year as a school administrator. You can hear the 10 Tips for First Year Assistant Principals we discussed by listening to PMP:197. One year later, D.J. Klein has finished his first year […]
PMP252: Bomb-Proof Constructive Feedback with Chris Zervas
Jul 07, 2021
Leadership requires relationships, understanding others, and negotiating through conflicts. This week I am privileged to share a conversation from Chris Zervas about his book, Bomb-Proof Constructive Feedback. Chris Zervas helps busy leaders improve their communication, leadership and employee engagement to impact their organization’s bottom line. Chris’s trainings have helped organizations increase efficiencies, productivity, and retention […]
PMP251: You Can Do Hard Things, featuring Samantha Bartrom
Jun 30, 2021
This week marks the end of June 2021, and just today I heard from a principal friend, Andrew O’Farrell, West Islip Unified School District in Massapequa, New York, who is enjoying his first week of summer vacation. Other schools across the U.S. have been enjoying break since the end of May. Wherever you are, I […]
PMP250: Principal Reboot, Part 2 with Jen Schwanke and Mastermind Members
Jun 23, 2021
In this episode, Jen Schwanke, principal of Indian Run Elementary in Dublin, Ohio, and author of two books on school leadership, joined me for a conversation with two principals from the Principal Matters Mastermind community: Samantha Bartrom, Principal of Coastal Academy in Oceanside, California, and Erin Igoe, Assistant Principal at Piedmont High School in the […]
PMPEncore028: Four Reasons Your Vacation Matters
Jun 16, 2021
This week’s post is an encore episode I shared a few years ago. Since I’m hoping you can enjoy some well-deserved vacation this summer, I thought I would remind you why your time away from school may help you better serve your school. Regardless of whether someone is an educator or not, or whether your vacation […]
PMP249: Principal Reboot with Jen Schwanke and Mastermind Members
Jun 09, 2021
On May 27, 2021, Jen Schwanke, principal of Indian Run Elementary in Dublin, Ohio, and author of two books on school leadership, joined me for a conversation with two principals from the Principal Matters Mastermind community: Samantha Bartrom, Principal of Coastal Academy in Oceanside, California, and Erin Igoe, Assistant Principal at Piedmont High School in […]
PMP248: Inspiring and Leading Learning with Latrese D. Younger
Jun 02, 2021
Latrese D. Younger is an instructional lead learner in Virginia. Her passion is English language arts and she believes that she will always be a teacher at heart. Latrese has a servant mindset, spirit, and attitude that she believes helps keep her grounded. She resides with her son, husband, and English bulldog. In her spare […]
PMP247: Leading Through ‘Unfinished Learning’ with Kimberly Miles
May 26, 2021
Dr. Kimberly Miles is the Principal of East Gresham Elementary in Gresham, Oregon. A former elementary teacher and reading coach, she transitioned into a district instructional coach before becoming a principal. She has eleven years experience in school leadership, and is a turnaround principal – having led a school community that has seen marked improvement […]
PMP246: Challenges and Solutions Leading Post-Pandemic
May 19, 2021
During the fall semester, I invited listeners to some virtual meetings to share protocols for re-opening their schools. We formed a free Re-opening Mastermind and met once a week for six weeks to brainstorm and collaborate. Just a few days ago, I hosted a meeting to re-connect with some of these same leaders in a […]
PMP245: Handling Schools with Care with Joy Kelly
May 12, 2021
Joy Kelly is the co-author of the new book, Handle with Care: Managing Difficult Situations in Schools with Dignity and Respect, co-authored with Jimmy Casas. Joy has more than twenty-five years of educational experience in public and parochial schools as a teacher, coach, mentor, associate principal and principal. In 2015, she was named the Iowaa Associate […]
PMP244: Being a Hope Giver with Marita Diffenbaugh
May 05, 2021
Marita Diffenbaugh is honored to serve as principal of Elevate Academy North, a public Career Technical charter school for students in 6th-12th grades. She has served as a teacher, administrator, and has provided leadership support for districts, schools, and classrooms. As a partner with Elevate Academy Inc., Marita is connecting education with industry and community […]
PMP243: Grace in the Journey with Jessica Wee
Apr 28, 2021
Jessica Wee is the Principal of Rainbow Centre Yishun Park School in Singapore. She has previously served in the school as Vice Principal before taking over principalship six years ago. Rainbow Centre School serves 400 students with autism and multiple disabilities.The school aims to nurture young persons with disabilities (aged 7-18) into adults who are […]
PMP242: Leading from Xi’an International School with Brittainy Harris and Paul Wendler
Apr 21, 2021
Brittainy Harris has been working at Xi’an International School, located in China, since 2010. With her undergraduate degree in education, she landed at this American-based international school (that was founded in 1996 with the help of Shaanxi Provincial Bureau of Education) and began to teach multicultural students in a 4th grade classroom for a total […]
PMP241: Lessons from an All Girls School with Loredana Borello
Apr 14, 2021
Loredana Borello is the Principal of Brescia House Secondary School in Johannesburg, South Africa. Brescia House School is a Catholic Ursuline All Girls Independent School from K-12. As a principal, she is passionate about empowering and educating girls to take up their place as leaders in society, equipped with courage and compassion. She also is […]
PMP240: Self-Care Lessons with Seán Óg Ó Duinnín
Apr 07, 2021
Seán Óg Ó Duinnín is Principal of Scoil Mhuire, a small Irish language medium school in Ballingeary, Co. Cork, Ireland since 2006. In his time there, he has seen many developments of physical facilities with the support of Cork Education and Training Board and implemented a Restorative Practices approach to school-based relationships. He recently completed […]
PMP239: The Principal Experience Here & Abroad with Toirdealbhach Ó Lionáird
Mar 31, 2021
As schools re-open across the globe, Principal Matters listeners have been sharing common experiences and lessons learned, including in Ireland. Toirdealbhach Ó Lionáird serves a principal of Coláiste Ghobnatan, a second level high school in southwest Ireland. With 235 students, he has been the Principal there since 2017 and Deputy there since 2012. In addition, […]
PMP238: Lessons from an Australian Primary School with Anne-Marie Maw
Mar 24, 2021
“Students are at the heart of all we do,” says Principal Anne-Marie Maw. “If you’re ever struggling with what to do, put the students at the heart of your decision, and it will always make the decision easier.” This week I’m sharing the beginning of a new series on lessons from principals across the globe, […]
PMP237: Tips for Finding the Right Fit in Your Leadership
Mar 17, 2021
As co-host and Principal Jen Schwanke explains, the system we live in requires us to make some of the biggest decisions of life with our gut feelings. The good news is that you do not have to rely on gut feeling to find the right fit in leadership. What are steps you can take to […]
PMP236: What to do When You Feel Restless in Leadership
Mar 10, 2021
Spring time brings new opportunities. For some educators, it is a time of year when you may start feeling a little restless. Perhaps you will be considering new candidates for openings at your school. Or maybe you will be looking at new possibilities for your own leadership journey. In a previous podcast episode, Jen Schwanke […]
PMP235: Leading Re-Entry in a Pandemic with Andrew O’Farrell
Mar 03, 2021
Andrew O’Farrell has been the Principal of Beach Street Middle School in West Islip, New York since 2009. Prior to becoming a principal, Andrew was an assistant principal of Lindenhurst Middle School. Andrew began his journey in education as a Social Studies teacher and then became the Dean of Students at Dyker Heights Intermediate School […]
PMP234: Connecting Students to Caring Adults with TJ Warren
Feb 24, 2021
This week, I had the privilege to interview TJ Warren, Director of Programs for Stand in the Gap Ministries. Located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Stand in the Gap is an organization committed to impacting the lives of orphans, widows and prisoners in partnership with generous donations from individuals, churches and businesses as well as various foundations. […]
PMP233: Multiplying Excellence in Your School with Emily Paschall
Feb 17, 2021
This week I have the privilege of interviewing Emily Paschall about her new book, Eyes on Culture: Multiply Excellence in Your School. As you know, culture drives the outcomes of your school, and Emily unpacks ways to not only live your own excellence, but to multiply excellence in others. In her book, you will learn: […]
PMP232: Looking for a New Education Position
Feb 10, 2021
Winter is a time of year for frigid temperatures across much of the U.S. It is also a time of year when principals look ahead. Many education leaders may also be considering new positions as they think about the final semester and plan for next school year. This week, Jen Schwanke, Principal of Indian Run […]
PMP231: Keeping Your Promises on Your Anti-Racism Journey
Feb 03, 2021
When I was a little boy, I remember sitting in a small theater with my family where we watched the 1977 release of the first Star Wars movie. It was a pivotal moment. The visual effects and music were like nothing I had ever seen or heard. The characters were funny and endearing. Afterwards, I pretended […]
PMP230: Managing Decision-Fatigue with Jen Schwanke
Jan 27, 2021
What do you do when every decision is a new one? How do you keep perspective amidst decision-fatigue? This week, Jen Schwanke, Principal of Indian Run Elementary in Dublin, Ohio, joins me for a conversation about leading through a pandemic. Welcome back Jen! Jen Schwanke is the author two books on education leadership. She provides […]
PMP229: Facing Your Giants with Samantha Bartrom
Jan 20, 2021
In the book David and Goliath (Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants) by Malcolm Gladwell, the author presents two ideas in the introduction of his book. First, he says that much of what we consider valuable in our world arises out of ‘lop-sided’ conflicts – the act of facing overwhelming odds creates moments […]
PMP228: Strategic Leadership During Times of Uncertainty
Jan 13, 2021
Years ago, when I was transitioning from assistant principal to high school principal, my superintendent gave me an assignment to map out goals for the next three years of my school. What was helpful about this assignment was the long-term planning required. Determining where I wanted my school to grow in the next three years […]
PMP227: Me, Myself and Bob. 7 Lessons from the Rise and Fall of VeggieTales
Jan 06, 2021
Have you ever had a dream you’ve been unable to fulfill? Phil Vischer was born in Muscatine, Iowa, in 1967. He grew up mesmerized by Disney films, Star Wars, and later by MTV. Phil also came from a family that was deeply religious. As he grew up, he longed to see media created that would […]
PMP226: Year in Review and Power of Masterminds with Jeff Springer, Part 2
Dec 30, 2020
This past semester, Dr. Jeff Springer has helped me facilitate the weekly book study portion of our Principal Matters Mastermind. In this week’s podcast episode, we share Part 2 of a conversation about the benefits of Masterminds for education leaders. Dr. Springer’s dissertation was on the power of play at the secondary level. As we […]
PMP225: 4 Wishes for Your Much-Deserved Break (Plus Will’s Bonus Christmas Hymns)
Dec 22, 2020
As you are wrapping up the semester, I wanted to send this note of encouragement. This semester you have managed school in ways you never have before. Some of you have served students who have been at home all semester. Others have been in-person or in hybrid models. Whatever your circumstance, I have heard from […]
PMP224: The Power of a Mastermind with Jeff Springer
Dec 16, 2020
This past semester, I had the honor of leading a Mastermind with principals from across the U.S. Like eating a meal with family members each week, a Mastermind is a way for consistent growth with people you trust and admire. Dr. Jeff Springer has helped facilitate the Principal Matters Mastermind by leading our weekly book […]
PMP223: A Fighter Pilot’s Lessons for Leaders, Part 2
Dec 09, 2020
In last week’s episode, Colonel Brad Ruttman shared lessons from his military experience that may also apply to education leaders. This week, he unpacks more of his “Pocket-List for Leading a New Command” as well as some of his favorite leadership quotes. Meet Colonel Brad Ruttman Col. Brad Ruttman is a 21-year veteran of the […]
PMP222: A Fighter Pilot’s Lessons for Leaders
Dec 02, 2020
Leadership is tactical, operational and strategic. These are three words Colonel Brad Ruttman has learned as the framework for understanding how to help others accomplish their goals. In this week’s episode, I had the privilege of learning lessons from a fighter pilot that also apply for all leaders, including in education. Meet Colonel Brad Ruttman […]
PMP221: Designing Leadership Outcomes with Jethro Jones
Nov 25, 2020
This week I’m honored to talk to Jethro Jones about his new book, SchoolX: How principals can design a transformative school experience for students, teachers, parents – and themselves. Five years ago, I had the privilege to talk to Jethro Jones, host of the Transformative Principal Podcast, about my first book. That conversation began a friendship […]
PMP220: Aspire in Leadership with Joshua Stamper
Nov 19, 2020
This week I had the privilege of being interviewed by Joshua Stamper for his podcast, Aspire: The Leadership Development Podcast. When our mutual friend, Jimmy Casas, from ConnectEdd.org, encouraged us to talk about my new book, I was in for a real treat. Not only did we discuss Pause. Breathe. Flourish.: Living Your Best Life […]
PMP219: Pause. Breathe. Flourish. Part 2 with Jen Schwanke
Nov 11, 2020
This week Jen Schwanke continues asking me questions about my new book Pause. Breathe. Flourish. Living Your Best Life as an Educator. Jen Schwanke is the principal of Indian Run Elementary and author of two books, You’re The Principal, Now What? and The Principal Re-Boot: 8 Ways to Revitalize Your School Leadership. In Part 2 of our conversation, […]
PMP218: Reflections on Pause. Breathe. Flourish. with Jen Schwanke
Nov 04, 2020
When Jen Schwanke and I sat down to talk about my new book this week, Jen turned the microphone to ask me some questions. Jen Schwanke is the principal of Indian Run Elementary and author of two books, You’re The Principal, Now What? and The Principal Re-Boot: 8 Ways to Revitalize Your School Leadership. Here […]
PMP217: 57 Years Together, A Tribute to My Parents
Oct 28, 2020
This year’s pandemic has made it difficult to see my parents as they live a long distance and are both in a vulnerable age group. Instead of posting about education this week, I want to share some personal reflections here instead. It was Sunday, October 27, 1963, 57 years ago at the time of this […]
PMP216: A Principal’s Toolbox with Justin Thomas
Oct 21, 2020
Although it is so important to understand your “why” in leadership, it is also imperative to understand “how” to effectively do your work. This week’s guest, Dr. Justin Thomas, provides practical feedback from his years as an elementary principal with several takeaways from his new book, A Principal’s Toolbox: Real Talk on Tackling School Leadership […]
PMP215: Reflections from Pause. Breathe. Flourish. with Sonia Lopez-Morales
Oct 14, 2020
During the summer, several principals from across the nation joined me for a Re-Opening Mastermind to collaborate, explore, brainstorm and support one another during the difficult days of planning for a new school year. As I was wrapping up the final content for my newest book, I shared an advance copy of my new book, […]
PMP214: Pause. Breathe. Flourish. Part 2, Review with Dr. Jeff Springer
Oct 07, 2020
This week I was interviewed again by Dr. Jeff A. Springer, Ed.D., Educational Leadership Coach – Spring Strategies, LLC, and 2013 TASSP Texas State Principal of the Year, as we explored the final chapters from my new book, Pause. Breathe. Flourish.: Living Your Best Life as an Educator. Listen to the podcast episode for more […]
PMP213: Pause. Breathe. Flourish. A Review with Dr. Jeff Springer
Sep 30, 2020
This week I talk with Jeff A. Springer, Ed.D., Educational Leadership Coach from Spring Strategies, LLC, and 2013 TASSP Texas State Principal of the Year. In this episode, Dr. Springer turns the table and interviews me about my new book, Pause. Breathe. Flourish. Living Your Best Life as an Educator. In his endorsement of the […]
PMP212: Strategies for Helping Gen Z Students with Dr. Tim Elmore
Sep 23, 2020
When this pandemic began, many of us were asking what lessons we may learn from something none of us ever experienced before. Dr. Tim Elmore began asking similar questions to survivors of the Great Depression and other crises experiences. The result? He has just published his latest book, The Pandemic Population: Eight Strategies to Help […]
PMP211: Reflections on Reopening Schools, Part 2, with Jen Schwanke
Sep 17, 2020
As you are re-engaging with your school community, what lessons are you learning as you walk through this new journey with your staff, students, parents and community? This week, Jen Schwanke joins me again to share what she’s been learning during re-opening school. Jen is the Principal of Indian Run Elementary in Dublin, Ohio. She’s […]
PMP210: Re-opening Reflections with Jen Schwanke
Sep 10, 2020
This week I reconnected with Principal Jen Schwanke, Principal of Indian Run Elementary, author and education consultant, for reflections on what re-opening has looked like for her school in Dublin, Ohio. Together we explored some lessons she’s already learning that may be helpful for your leadership. Listen to the entire podcast episode for even more […]
PMP209: Supporting Students from Immigrant Families in a Pandemic
Sep 03, 2020
Last week I talked a high school principal who told me she has already referred more students than normal to therapists and counselors for social emotional supports for this time of year. I imagine you are more aware than ever the anxiety surrounding the start of school for so many families. In addition, you have […]
PMP208: New School Year Celebrations and Challenges
Aug 27, 2020
This is the time of year when the green stalks of corn begin to brown and yellow, and the once moist kernels begin to harden into dry grain. If you’ve ever shucked corn, you may know the difference between the sweet smell of corn-on-the-cob versus the drier, dusty smell of corn harvested in the fall. When […]
PMP207: Equity in Education During a Pandemic
Aug 20, 2020
Last week I was in a conversation with a principal from South Carolina, a member of a Mastermind for Reopening Schools that I have been leading. Each week more than a dozen principals join me from across the U.S. to discuss the specific scenarios unique to their own school communities while beginning the new semester […]
PMP206: Growing Through a Mastermind with Anthony Fisher
Aug 13, 2020
Especially during difficult times, leaders need support from other leaders. Each week this past year, I have been hosting virtual one-hour conversations with select groups of school leaders through Principal Matters Masterminds. Together we have studied books, provided times for self-reflection, and allowed leaders to take turns in “hot-seat” opportunities. The result? I have built […]
PMP205: Preparing the Start-of-School Year in a Pandemic
Aug 06, 2020
Jenny is a returning student at her high school. She has a part-time job which keeps her up late most nights. When her school opens this fall, she knows remote-learning is the option until her building opens again. She calls the school but gets a busy signal. Then she uses her iPhone to log into […]
PMP204: We are all Pioneers and Tweeners this school year!
Jul 30, 2020
This week I did my first in-person meeting with a group of fellow-school leaders as they plan for the beginning of a new school year. The team of administrators sat in a room with tables at appropriate distances, and we wore masks. Whenever I wear a mask, my glasses become foggy. So I held my […]
PMP203: Cultivating PLAY in Leadership with Jeff Springer
Jul 23, 2020
One of the biggest challenges for the a new school year is deciding how to mitigate concerns for safety while ensuring ways to still actively engage, support, and reach students. In this week’s podcast episode, Dr. Jeff Springer shares takeaways from his research on the power of P.L.A.Y. in schools and offers suggestions for school […]
PMP202: Transforming School Cultures with Dr. Anthony Muhammad
Jul 16, 2020
As you think about your own leadership, I’m curious if you give yourself the kind of scrutiny you may give your own team members? In other words, are you allowing the kind of self-reflection where you first identify your own areas of needed growth before asking others to grow? These are the thoughts and questions […]
PMP201: Rebooting for the Summer with Jen Schwanke
Jul 09, 2020
On March 17, 2020, many schools across the U.S. began responding to the global pandemic of COVID-19 with school closures. Most school leaders were scrambling to figure out how to keep school communities safe while adjusting to a new norm. Jen Schwanke, Principal of Indian Run Elementary in Dublin, Ohio, was no exception. While her […]
PMP200: Looking Back at Distance Learning with Jen Schwanke
Jun 25, 2020
Now that the dust has settled from distance learning, school leaders are asking: what worked, and what didn’t work? How did you stay connected to people, or what important milestones did you miss? In this week’s podcast episode, Principal Jen Schwanke shares reflections on ways school leaders can look back at lessons during distance or […]
PMP199: Panel Discussion on Equity & Racism, Part 2
Jun 18, 2020
Last week, my guests William Stubbs, Marlena Gross-Taylor, and Don Parker shared feedback on their personal and professional reflections around equity, racism, and inequalities. They each gave suggestions to help you decide how to respond in your own school community. In Part 2 of this discussion, they dive even deeper as they share several strategies, […]
PMP198: Panel Discussion on Equity and Racism, Part 1
Jun 11, 2020
No community has been immune to conversations surrounding equity, racism, and inequalities. As Marlena Gross-Taylor, one of the guests on this week’s podcast episode explains, these conversations have been going on for at least four hundred years. It seems this time, however, communities have reached a tipping point – with vast majorities of Americans expressing […]
PMP197: 10 Tips for New Assistant Principals
Jun 04, 2020
Starting a new school year is like preparing for a marathon. The journey begins with training long before the race begins. And once the race starts, you need a lot of endurance for the road ahead. School leadership is the same. As you enter summer, the ways you “condition” in the weeks ahead may help […]
PMP196: Generation Optimism with Juan David Campolargo
May 28, 2020
Even in uncertain times, it is good to remember that positive ideas can come from even the most difficult situations. Juan David Campolargo, a seventeen-year-old high school student from Chicago, is no stranger to difficulty. Immigranting to the U.S. from Venezuela at age 14, he began to learn English for the first time, and over […]
PMP195: Instruction from a Distance with Jena Nelson
May 21, 2020
During school closures and remote learning, maintaining connection with students has been an enormous puzzle to solve. When 8th grade teacher Jena Nelson, from Deer Creek Middle School in Edmond, Oklahoma, switched to online delivery, she looked at this new difficulty as a new opportunity. Digging into her arsenal of costumes from her previous years […]
PMP194: Lessons from Leading in New York with Principal Patrick McLaughlin
May 14, 2020
School leaders share a common bond – whether you lead in an urban, suburban or rural setting. During the last two months, I’ve also been thinking a lot about another common bond all school leaders now share: caring and serving from a distance. Whether your school is public, charter, or private – you wear many […]
PMP193: Taking a Music Break from COVID-19
May 07, 2020
I don’t know about you, but it seems like every waking hour has been spent adjusting to a new normal, and the idea of relaxing almost seems unkind when you think of all the sacrifices people are making during times like this. In Oklahoma, school leaders have been managing distance learning for more than a […]
PMP192: Leading from a Distance, Part 2 with Jen Schwanke
Apr 30, 2020
When storms roll across my home state of Oklahoma, residents here have a few common reactions. First, we listen to the weather station. Oklahoma has the best storm-tracking radar systems in the world. Second, we check our storm closets or shelters to make sure we have a good place to hide if severe weather turns […]
PMP191: Reflections on Leading from a Distance
Apr 23, 2020
If you’re like me, you’re probably still adjusting to a new normal. Each morning I still wake up, walk the dog, or go for a run around the neighborhood. I login to my email and check my calendar for the series of meetings via Zoom or Google Meets. But life still doesn’t feel normal yet. […]
PMP190: 5 Tips for Running the Uncertain Leadership Roads Ahead
Apr 16, 2020
This morning I was running a three-mile track around my neighborhood. As I passed the houses and occasional drivers, I felt a sudden kinship to my neighbors I’m not sure I’ve felt before. We don’t just share the same zip-code; we now share a common experience. And this experience spreads beyond our cities and states. […]
PMP189: Building Bridges to Reach Students with Dr. Don Parker
Apr 08, 2020
When Don Parker was a Dean of Students, he knew his students were struggling – especially those with high risk factors. Don’s passion became simple and challenging: Find the best ways to help students be more successful. Through his doctoral dissertation and his practice as a school administrator, he narrowed his focus to two approaches: […]
PMP188: COVID-19 Update, Principal Reboot, Finding Balance Continued
Apr 01, 2020
This week I had the privilege of capturing a few minutes with Chris Legleiter, Principal of Leawood Middle School, Blue Valley Schools, just outside Kansas City, Missouri. The state of Kansas has closed buildings for the rest of the school year, and like principals around the world, Chris is learning what it means to still […]
PMP187: Reboot for Principals, Part 2
Mar 25, 2020
As schools across the nation continue closures because of the Coronavirus pandemic, this week’s episode includes an update from listener, Terrence Simmons, Assistant Principal at Floyd Elementary, in Nye County, Nevada. Their team has already launched distance learning for their students, and the district website serves as a great resource for parents wanting guidance and […]
PMP186: Reboot for Principals with Jen Schwanke
Mar 18, 2020
Throughout the world, schools are managing the challenges of school closures in response to news of the spreading corona virus or COVID-19. As a school leader, you are expected to manage difficulties, but sometimes you are managing in uncharted territory. Also in the midst of helping others, what can you do to make sure you’re […]
PMP185: The Power of Sharing Your Own Story
Mar 11, 2020
What stories have shaped your own leadership journey? I recently finished reading, Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover. If you’re unfamiliar with the book, Tara Westover grew up in a rural Idaho with parents who embraced radical ideologies, including not giving their daughter a birth certificate, not vaccinating her, and not providing her with any […]
PMPEncore151: Hiring High Quality Educators, Part 2
Mar 05, 2020
Why is hiring such an important part of your responsibility as a principal? First and foremost, because the students, teachers, and community members deserve high quality education experiences. And secondly, because the people in your school often reflect on your own leadership. Although we cannot judge ourselves by the way others behave, school leaders are […]
PMPEncore150: Hiring High Quality Educators, Part 1
Feb 27, 2020
One day the teachers at Indian Run Elementary, in Dublin, Ohio, organized a “Flash TACO bar” – a spontaneous buffet meal where they shared great food and fun together. As principal of the school, Jen Schwanke reflected on the joy and creativity of her teachers: they not only love teaching but they also enjoy working […]
PMP184: 5 Voices for Leading Teams with Jeremie Kubicek
Feb 20, 2020
It goes without saying that in order to lead you must have followers. But taking others to a destination doesn’t just mean accomplishing all the to-do’s on your checklist. Leadership requires relationships. And meaningful relationships do not happen by accident; they are intentional and purposeful. Part of building meaningful relationships involves understanding yourself and the […]
PMP183: Gen Z Unfiltered, Part 2 with Andrew McPeak
Feb 12, 2020
“When is a time you have used grit, and what lesson did you learn?” This is just one of 100 questions you find included in the Table Talk Cards that come as a bonus with the book Generation Z Unfiltered: Facing Nine Hidden Challenges of the Most Anxious Population by Dr. Tim Elmore and Andrew […]
PMP182: Generation Z Unfiltered with Andrew McPeak
Feb 06, 2020
Students today face newer and different challenges than students of the past. Although many of the skills or values they need to be successful remain the same regardless of time and place, they also have unique challenges that make them one of the most anxious generations in history. If we “take the filters” off our […]
Encore099: Collaborating for Results – Interview with Dr. Judi Barber
Jan 30, 2020
I am digging into the archives of Principal Matters to bring you an episode from January 2018, when I had the privilege to interview Dr. Judi Barber. First, let me tell you a story. During the previous Christmas break of 2017, I had taken my family to see the newest Star Wars movie. In the […]
PMP181: Finding Your Swing – How Leadership & Teamwork Go Hand-in-Hand
Jan 23, 2020
This week I had the privilege of spending an afternoon with a team of new assistant principals. As we talked about their first semester, they shared the lessons they’ve learned in time management, communication, and problem solving. They are finding their unique places on new teams, understanding their new roles for the first time, and […]
PMP180: Tipping Points and Why Small Things Matter
Jan 16, 2020
What does it take for small actions to produce big results? Over Christmas break, I listened to the audio-version of Malcolm Gladwell’s Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference and learned some value lessons we can apply to our schools. Let me quickly summarize by saying that Gladwell painstakingly details the phenomenon […]
PMP179: Special Edition – Principal Matters 2019 Year In Review
Jan 08, 2020
Last week my family and I traveled back to Tennessee to see my parents and extended family. My parents both turned 79 this past year. Life has slowed down a lot for them now. One of my mother’s favorite past times, for instance, is walking the woods — gathering treasures like small rocks or interesting […]
PMP178: 10 Positive Takeaways from the Past Decade
Dec 24, 2019
Just like you, I can think of many reasons to worry about the future or raise concerns about trends that have developed over the past decade. Whether that includes increases in school shootings, soaring health care costs, rises in the costs of education, the number of children experiencing trauma, growing concerns in climate change or […]
PMP177: Cha Cha’s for Making Learning Stick with LeAnn Nickelsen
Dec 18, 2019
A few weeks ago, I was sharing with a group of principals one of my favorite video-clips from the movie, The Incredibles. It’s the scene where Lucius, aka the superhero, Frozone, is watching as his city is under attack from his apartment window. He pushes a button on his remote control to open a wall […]
PMP176: Leading Through Equity with William Stubbs
Dec 04, 2019
In October 2018, William Stubbs, an instructional leadership director at Oklahoma City Public Schools at the time, entered and won the Teach for America’s Shark Tank OKC as a contestant in the city’s Shark Tank competition. He was awarded $10,000 to implement stronger partnerships and mentoring opportunties for the city’s young men of color with […]
PMP175: Middle School Matters with Phyllis Fagell
Nov 27, 2019
Do you remember what is was like to be a middle school student? For many people, memories of those years often bring back stories filled with anxiety and awkward physical, emotional, and social changes. According to Phyllis Fagell, however, those years can be good ones. “Probably what people might be most surprised to know is […]
PMP174: 10 Areas to Focus on for Growth as a Leader with Chris Legleiter
Nov 21, 2019
Every person in your school is at a different level of growth. Not just students, but teachers are also at stages of growth. Leadership is not any different. Some educators are just beginning the journey. Others are finishing their first few years, and some are experiencing years of mastery in certain strategies or subjects. Over […]
PMP173: Lessons in Leadership from Your Scars
Nov 13, 2019
When I was in college, I had a blue 1981 Toyota Celica that overheated on the long trip to Oklahoma, and the engine burned up. It was my first car. I had bought it with the money I earned over summers as a shell diver in the Kentucky Lake area. But now it was toast, […]
PMP:170 Four Lessons in Teamwork from my Son’s Hospital Stay
Oct 31, 2019
Six years ago, on October 31, 2013, my son Jack was eight years old. We had just finished an amazing day of trick-or-treating, and he asked if he could change back into his normal clothes. This was a big deal because he had been wearing a hosptial gown for almost ten days. On this Halloween, […]
PMP169: Leading into the Wind – Lessons from Dave Sandowich
Oct 24, 2019
A few weeks ago, I had the privilege to spend a few hours sailing on the Chesapeake Bay with Dave Sandowich. He commanded his 42-foot sailboat, Charis, with the skill of a man who has spent the past forty years on the water anytime when he wasn’t leading his school or his family. Dave, a […]
PMP168: Managing Your Day with Kim Marshall and Jenn David-Lang
Oct 17, 2019
If you are like most school leaders, time management can be one of the most difficult parts of your work. Most new school leaders I meet explain how overwhelming the list of to-do’s can be. What are the solutions? Well, Kim Marshall and Jenn David-Lang provide a wealth of information on resources and practices that […]
PMP167: Keeping Your Leadership Focused on Service, Not Self
Oct 09, 2019
Last week was the first time (except for a rare Christmas holiday) that I have not shared a blog post or podcast episode update in almost five years. At first, I thought it was because I’ve been so busy. Last weekend I flew to Florida for my nephew’s wedding. Then on Monday, I flew from […]
PMP166: Unique Challenges of Rural Principals and Why Your Story Matters
Sep 25, 2019
This week I’m sharing another episode from the road as I have been traveling across my state, Oklahoma, visiting principals at schools or in regional meetings. Recently, I visited Texhoma, Oklahoma, with High School Principal Connie Miller. After touring her school that serves students grades 5-12, she drove me one mile across the community to […]
PMP165: Three Lessons in Decision Making from Malcolm Gladwell’s Blink
Sep 19, 2019
Several years ago, I was standing in our school lunchroom watching hundreds of students eat breakfast. I was positioned in the middle section of the room, and the front doors of the school were about one hundred feet across the room from me. Dozens of students were entering when I saw one high school boy […]
PMP164: On the Road – Thoughts for New School Leaders
Sep 12, 2019
These last couple of week, I’ve been on the road a lot visiting schools and principals across my state. For the next couple of weeks, I plan to share some thoughts from the road – literally. This week’s episode I recorded while driving (after safely cuing my recorder before starting a long drive). 5 Takeaways […]
PMP162: Go! Community – How to Harness the Power of the Room with Danny Bauer
Aug 28, 2019
Author David Weinberger once said: “The smartest person in the room is the room itself.” In other words, the collective power of our thinking is always more powerful than working in isolation. By connecting with others, we can stretch our thinking and be motivated to take new actions. This week I’m thrilled to bring back […]
PMP161: Answers to Principal Matters Questions, Part 2
Aug 15, 2019
Last week Jen Schwanke and I answered questions from podcast listeners. Listen to Part 1 here. This week we take three more questions from principals on parenting, women in leadership, and professional growth. Here’s our feedback, or you can listen to the entire conversation on the podcast: Question 1: How do you manage being a […]
PMP160: Answers to Principal Matters Questions, Part 1
Aug 08, 2019
Recently, several questions came from Principal Matters community members. This week, Jen Schwanke, principal and author, joined me to answer several questions from principals or aspiring principals. Here are a three questions we take time to discuss and respond to: Question 1: Finding my first principal position… Hello! I have just completed my masters program […]
PMP159: Engaging Students in Shaping Their Own Stories with Jesse Haynes
Aug 01, 2019
Jesse Haynes is one of those rare people you meet in life who has dared to make his dreams come true. He is a recent graduate from the University of Tulsa who has reached audacious personal goals, published multiple books, and created podcasts with millions of downloads – just while in high school and college. […]
PMP:Encore076 Messaging Matters – How to Inspire Teachers, Motivate Students and Reach Communities
Jul 25, 2019
In 2017, Justin Baeder, from Principal Center Radio, invited me as a guest on his show to talk to me about my book Messaging Matters: How to Inspire Teachers, Motivate Students, and Reach Communities. Justin was gracious enough to allow me to repost the interview with my readers and listeners. This week I want to share that […]
PMP158: Why Telling Your Own Story Matters
Jul 18, 2019
A few nights ago I was sitting in a theater with my wife watching the movie, Yesterday, starring Himesh Patel and Lily James. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but I do want to say I was completely affected by the nostalgia and its focus on the legacy of Beatles music. In fact, […]
PMP157: Preparing for the Start-of-School Year
Jul 10, 2019
Jenny is a returning student at her high school. She has a part-time job which keeps her up late most nights. When she arrives late to school, she has already missed breakfast and she’s tardy. She stands in a long line at the counseling office until she is given her class schedule. She reads it […]
PMP156: 6 Tips for Managing School-Wide Changes
Jul 03, 2019
When my family recently visited the Rocky Mountain National Park, we enjoyed drives through snow-peaked mountains. But my 13-year old son, Jack, was most excited about hiking and climbing. One morning, we gathered the family by Shadow Mountain Lake, and began a hike along the lake that eventually led to a 3-mile ascent to a […]
PMPEncore077: Four Tips for Parents as Principals
Jun 26, 2019
Two years ago, my oldest daughter graduated from the high school where I was principal. When she headed off to college that fall, it was a mix of celebration and grief on my part. Recently, Jen Schwanke and I co-hosted two podcast episodes on Parenting as Principals. You can check them out here: Part 1 […]
PMPEncore028: Four Reasons Your Vacation Matters
Jun 19, 2019
This week’s post is an encore episode I shared a couple of years ago. Since I’m enjoying some vacation, I thought I would remind you why your time away from school may help you better serve your school. Regardless of whether someone is an educator or not, or whether your vacation time is long or […]
PMP:Encore090 Branding Your School with Marlena Gross-Taylor
Jun 12, 2019
When I was in junior high school, everyone on my basketball team wore Converse high-tops. Yes, that means I’m officially from the 70’s! I’ll never forget mine: They were the color of golden-rod, and I was so proud of them that I never wore them outside the gym because I didn’t want to scuff them up. […]
PMP155: Parenting as Principals – Do’s and Don’ts, Part 2
Jun 05, 2019
A few years ago, we had a lockdown drill at the high school where I was principal. Local police had called to say they were aware of a potential threat against our school on social media. They were locating the person of interest in a location outside the school community but wanted us to lockdown […]
PMP154: Parenting as Principals – Do’s and Don’ts, Part 1
May 30, 2019
Oklahoma has experienced its share of storms and severe weather this spring. The other day, our family was sitting in our storm closet as sirens were sounding at 6:30AM. Afterwards, I was driving my seventh-grade son, Jack, to school. As we approached the school, I began to predict how his principals would manage the morning. […]
PMP153: Maintaining Balance and Focusing on What Matters, Part 2
May 22, 2019
When Principal Jen Schwanke was talking to one of her teachers about the importance of balance, her teacher asked an honest question. “Why should I do this when you don’t?” Jen realized then that she had been modeling bad habits for her teachers. For instance, when she sent emails to teachers at 10:00 PM, she […]
PMP152: Maintaining Balance and Staying Focused on What Matters
May 15, 2019
We just celebrated Mother’s Day. This time of year is a good reminder that our families play such an important role in our lives outside of school. No matter how many principals I visit, one conversation comes up often: how to maintain balance and stay focused on what matters even while leading a school. Although […]
PMP151: Hiring & Retaining High Quality Teachers, Part 2
May 08, 2019
Several weeks ago, I had the privilege of visiting Norman High School, in Norman, Oklahoma. Dr. Scott Beck was recently named Oklahoma’s High School Principal of the Year, and I wanted to touch-base with him and tour his school. From the moment I entered the building until I left, I was impressed – not just […]
PMP:150 Hiring High Quality Educators, Part 1
Apr 24, 2019
Recently, the teachers at Indian Run Elementary, in Dublin, Ohio, organized a “Flash TACO bar” – a spontaneous buffet meal where they shared great food and fun together. As principal of the school, Jen Schwanke reflects on the joy and creativity of her teachers: they not only love teaching but they also enjoy working together. […]
PMPEncore109: The Power of One Caring Adult with Josh Shipp
Apr 17, 2019
A few years ago, I sat across my desk from a student whose father had abandoned him and left the state. A family in our community had taken in the young man, and our school had been in contact with the Department of Human Services on what to do next. That morning I had been […]
PMP:149 Managing Adult Conflicts, Part 2
Apr 10, 2019
Spring time is here, and the landscape is green with new growth. Ironically, my wife told me that by the spring of each school year, she has decided that our marriage is falling apart, our kids all need counseling, and we have chosen to the wrong places to live, work, etc. In other words, […]
PMP:148 The “Why’s” and “How’s” of Managing Adult Conflict
Apr 03, 2019
One of the biggest surprises for school new school leaders may be the conflicts that arise with adults. Whether you are encountering conflicts with parents, colleagues or community members, these situations can be difficult to manage. Even experienced principals will tell you that managing conflicts is one of their most challenging but important responsibilities. In […]
PMP:147 Providing Focused Professional Development
Mar 27, 2019
When you think about providing professional development, do you feel stressed or excited? For many principals, providing professional development can be a daunting task. The good news is that professional development can become something that is meaningful and enjoyable when you realize you no longer have to be the expert. Instead, together with your school […]
PMP:146 Good Habits for Balancing Priorities
Mar 20, 2019
Have you ever felt overwhelmed in trying to balance priorities? If you’re like me, you can probably think of more than once where student discipline, parent concerns, and teacher feedback provided you more tasks than you could complete in a day. No matter whether you are a new principal or a veteran leader, here’s a […]
PMP:145 Promoting a Culture of Trust – Part 2
Mar 13, 2019
When is the last time you heard the following words? “We do what’s best for kids.” Of course, we want school leaders to do what is best for students. But we also want to provide a place where adults feels supported and encouraged in bringing joy to students. Those priorities are not in opposition to […]
PMP:144 Building and Maintaining Positive School Culture
Mar 06, 2019
Cultivating a positive school culture is a lot like tending a garden. When you have tilled the soil, pulled the weeds, and watered your plants, your work is not finished. You will need to take the same steps again soon in order to keep a healthy environment for growth. School culture requires the same care. […]
PMP:143 Learning for ALL with Dr. Garth Larson
Feb 27, 2019
When Garth Larson was asked to move from secondary administration to become an elementary principal, he was curious if he could be an effective leader at that level. But his work in early-education combined with his years in secondary education gave him a unique perspective of the K-12 experience. Later, when he moved into a […]
PMP:Encore027 Ten Tips for Interviewing for an Education Opening
Feb 21, 2019
It’s that time of year again for hiring and job searches! Whether you are conducting an interview or being interviewed, I have found some common expectations anyone should have when walking into an education interview. If you are looking for sample questions specific to principal interviews, let me encourage you to check out the post, […]
PMP:142 Preventing Student Athlete Injury or Sudden Death – Interview with Dr. Douglas Casa
Feb 13, 2019
Dr. Douglas Casa began his study of student athletic safety in 1985 when he suffered an exertional heat stroke while running a 10K race. As he explains, “I was fortunate to receive amazing care on-site from the athletic trainer; the EMT’s in the ambulance; and at the hospital from the emergency room physicians and nurses. […]
PMP141: How Culture Drives Successful Learning Communities – Interview with Dr. Kyle Palmer
Feb 06, 2019
Recently, I had the privilege of talking to Dr. Kyle Palmer about the lessons he has learned in his years as a teacher, principal and district leader. As we talked about the successful professional learning teams his teachers have led, Kyle commented that when our hearts hurts when students fail, then we are willing to […]
PMP:Encore079 Whose Permission Are You Waiting For?
Jan 31, 2019
Next week, I have the privilege of gathering together with educators and school leaders for a Leadership & Learning Conference in Norman, Oklahoma. Guest speakers Jeff Zoul, Jack Berckemeyer, and Christine Handy will be on hand to share best practices. I’m looking forward to circling up with other educators who enjoy being life-long learners. Gearing […]
PMP:140 Strategies and Solutions for New School Leaders – Interview with Jen Schwanke
Jan 25, 2019
I’ll never forget the semester I transitioned from assistant principal to principal. Even though I had been in school administration for nine years at the time, the move to a new position brought back the old feelings of isolation. I also felt the creep of anxiety I had experienced as a new administrator almost a […]
PMP:139 Building Stronger Collaboration – Interview with Diana Lebsack
Jan 17, 2019
Great teams understand the importance of depending on one another. With the many roles of a school leader, one of the biggest challenges is moving from independence to interdependence. In other words, how do you shift from a school culture with teachers isolated from one another to a place of shared ideas and teamwork – […]
PMP:138 Middle Level Kindness Challenge – Interview with Daniel O’Donnell
Jan 10, 2019
Recently, Education Week shared a post, A Look at How Principals Really Drive School Improvement, with a summary of a study conducted by by the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research. Researchers studied over 600 elementary and secondary schools over a seven-year period “comparing student test results with surveys from teachers and students about […]
PMP:137 Reaching and Teaching Students Exposed to Trauma with Dr. Barbara Sorrels
Dec 20, 2018
One day I was walking through one of my high school buildings when I heard the sound of a teacher yelling for help. I sprinted toward the sound, and I found a teacher trying to guide a student into the hallway. He was a special education student I knew – a teenage boy whose development […]
PMP:136 Crucial Conversations for Reaching Targeted Destinations
Dec 13, 2018
I’ve been on the road a lot lately. And as I travel, I often think about how to reach my destination while also making the experience a positive one. For me, that means trying to learn while I drive by listening to helpful podcasts, audio-books, or news programs. Or sometimes it means connecting with friends […]
PMP:135 Using FOMO for Positive School Culture with Kim Coody
Dec 05, 2018
In a recent conversation with author and generation expert Dr. Tim Elmore, he shared how many students are affected by “FOMO” (Fear of Missing Out). For many young people, this condition is demonstrated by a preoccupation with wanting to constantly know what is happening with peers or social media contacts. FOMO can sometimes lead to […]
PMP:134 Creating Engaging Cultures with Dr. Tim Elmore
Nov 29, 2018
How do engage students while also understanding the unique challenges and strengths of Generation Z students? Several years ago, I was introduced to Dr. Tim Elmore through his curriculum and online resources for leadership. He is known as an expert in researching generational trends and is the author of dozens of books on developing leadership. […]
Five years ago this month, our son Jack was diagnosed with a rare disease called Kawasaki that brought our normal world to a stand still as we circled together searching for answers and praying for his healing. The disease inflames the blood vessel, and if untreated, it can be fatal. As I look back at […]
PMP:Encore043 What Can You Accomplish Together?
Nov 15, 2018
The European Space Agency’s historical comet landing of the spacecraft Rosetta in 2014 was an amazing feat. Imagine organizing a team of scientists and space engineers who design and launch a spacecraft with the goal of intersecting with a comet 500 million kilometers from Earth. Then imagine ten years later, your findings show the spacecraft […]
PMP:132 Frameworks for Managing Student Discipline
Nov 08, 2018
During my second year as a high school assistant principal, I received notice one morning that a number of students were missing items from their lockers. Upon further investigation, we discovered that in one hallway of the school, an entire row of lockers had broken into and contents were missing from several. Thankfully, we had […]
PMP:131 School Without Walls – Interview with Richard Trogisch
Nov 01, 2018
On Tuesday, September 25, 2018, I walked into a D.C. high school called School Without Walls, a four-story building interspersed with hallways full of art. I saw hand-built go-carts with bicycle parts lining a floor-way. Sky-lights hovering over walls of exposed brick created a sense of old and new. Expansions to the building allow School […]
PMP:130 Five Lessons in Resilience – Reflections from Unbroken
Oct 25, 2018
Several years ago, Oklahoma received one of the worst blizzards I had ever seen in a state that sometimes has no snow fall during winter. As our community was plunged into a blanket of white with drifts of 3-4 feet deep, roads were impassable, and schools were closed. With days of wintery weather, I finally […]
PMP:129 Why School Culture Matters – Interview with Heather Shaffery
Oct 17, 2018
This time of year, I’m on the road a lot visiting schools across my state. As I drive across Oklahoma, trees and fields have been brushed with the red and orange hues of fall. Rivers are swollen with much needed rains. And you can feel the first hints of winter’s chill in the strong prairie […]
PMP:128 Integrating Technology School-wide with Janalyn Taylor
Oct 10, 2018
How can schools integrate technology across all classrooms? Janalyn Taylor, Principal of Nance Elementary in Clinton, Oklahoma, believes that school leaders must be willing to model learning and teaching with technology in order to see teachers and students embracing its innovative uses. In a recent webinar conversation, Ms. Taylor explains how her school has embedded […]
PMP:Encore053 How Do You Respond Under Pressure?
Oct 04, 2018
When I was in high school and college, my brothers and I worked part-time diving for mussel shells in the Kentucky Lake area. We would sell them by the pound at local markets, and those shells would in turn be sold to Japanese markets. Apparently, the pearly-white cuts from those shells are unique implants for […]
PMP:127 Why Social Emotional Learning Matters – Interview with Tamara Fyke
Sep 26, 2018
Educators are talking a lot about students in trauma. Although you may not always know when students are stressed or facing a crises, research by the American Psychological Association, shows that today’s students have the same level of anxiety as psychiatric patients did in the 1950’s. Some of this anxiety is the result of increased […]
PMPEncore046: 5 Ways to Respond to Resistance
Sep 20, 2018
One of my favorite college education professors would often start class with a provoking question. As we would grapple with how to answer or support our positions, he would stand there with his large hands lifted in the air, his voice booming, “Disequilibrium is the beginning of education!” It took me a while to figure […]
PMP:125 Leaving A Legacy – What Will Others Say About You?
Sep 12, 2018
Recently, the United States mourned the passing of Arizona Senator John McCain. Before his death, Senator McCain was asked by a reporter what words he hoped to see on his tombstone. He replied, “I’ve been a small bit of American history, so I think if there’s something on my tombstone, it’ll be ‘He served his […]
PMP:124 Six Tips for Investing in Future Leaders
Sep 06, 2018
When I was a Language Arts teacher, I would walk my students through a series of practices on identifying their surroundings and writing down the details. You could try it right now. Take a moment and pause to consider the following: What are you seeing? Look up, down, around, and behind you. Are you seeing […]
PMP:123 Rowing Together – Why Your Marriage Matters for Your Leadership
Aug 30, 2018
This summer my wife and I enjoyed time away celebrating our twenty fifth wedding anniversary in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. One afternoon we drove to Emerald Bay, a cove nestled a mile below the mountain highway there. We hiked down the trail and rented a kayak. When we pushed away from shore, I was immediately struck […]
PMP:122 Packing Parachutes – Why Your Money Management Matters
Aug 23, 2018
The other day I was talking to a friend of mine who ran track in high school. When he was at his fastest, he could run a mile in 4 minutes and 30 seconds. Even though he was naturally fast, he learned to increase his speed through a strong practice his coach required: wearing a […]
PMP:121 The Power of Play – 7 Tips for Education Leaders
Aug 16, 2018
When I spotted the mud puddle, I thought it would be fun to jump it. The dirt road that ran along the edge of the field by our West Tennessee farmhouse was often traveled by trucks or tractors. And the ruts in the sandy, red dirt would fill with rain and create long stretches of […]
PMP:Encore06 – Essential Questions for a New School Year (& Predicting the Weather)
Aug 08, 2018
How are you anticipating the start of a new school year? This week I wanted to share some thoughts from a previous post as reminders for your new school year: Predicting Your School Climate Sometimes my left elbow aches. I have a scar there from when I broke it falling from a horse almost twenty years ago. […]
PMP:120 A Leader’s Spiritual Growth – Four Reasons Your Faith Matters
Aug 01, 2018
A few weeks ago, I was on an airplane with my oldest daughter, Emily, who just finished her first year of college and is enjoying summer break. Being with her brings back a lot of memories. At the time, she was staring out the window into the landscape of clouds below while we flew to […]
PMP:Bonus03 – Answers to Listener Questions + Thoughts from the Road
Jul 19, 2018
I’ve been on the road (and in planes) a lot the summer, and I have been thinking about issues and ideas I’ve been wanting to share with Principal Matters readers and listeners. This week I was on a long road trip when I was pondering some questions a listener had emailed my way. After stopping […]
PMP:119 Your Friendships – Learning to Climb Together
Jul 04, 2018
When I was in college, I had my first experience in mountain climbing. I was traveling in Guatemala for a summer missions outreach when one morning, we woke up before dawn and rode a bus to the base of an active volcano. About twenty of us had decided to begin our climb in the dark […]
PMP:118 Growing Leaders Takeaways – Crucial Conversations About Students
Jun 27, 2018
The other morning, I woke up early in a hotel room in Atlanta, Georgia. For a moment, I couldn’t remember where I was. Then it dawned on me that I was presenting that morning at a Growing Leaders Principal Roundtable event hosted by Dr. Tim Elmore. I dressed, grabbed my laptop bag and headed downstairs […]
PMP:117 Your Time – Are you Making the Most of Each Moment?
Jun 20, 2018
Balance is a popular word among life coaches and leadership authors. As important as it is to remember to invest in the meaningful areas of your life, too many people place unrealistic expectations upon themselves. Living a life of meaning does not mean being perfect. This is misperception is not only unrealistic, it is also […]
PMP:116 The Starbucks Story – Three Lessons for School Leaders
Jun 13, 2018
Recently, Howard Schultz, the owner and CEO of Starbucks announced he will be retiring as CEO of the company. This news comes after several years of stunning success for a company whose stock price rose from $7 a share during the recession to $56 a share this past week. As a part of my commute, […]
PMP:115 A Leader’s Influence – How is the Air You Breathe?
Jun 06, 2018
In 2010, I had the privilege of traveling to China for ten days on an education tour. One morning in Beijing, I headed outside the hotel before breakfast for a quick run. Later as I showered and dressed, I began to feel sick. I thought perhaps I was catching a cold or was just suffering […]
PMP:Encore027 Ten Tips for Interviewing for an Education Opening
May 30, 2018
Last week I was on the phone with a teacher who will soon be interviewing for an assistant principal opening. Just this past week, I have talked to two superintendents and a principal who have openings for principal or assistant principal positions at their schools. It’s that time of year again for hiring and job […]
PMP:114 Reflections on Your Learning: What’s on Your Playlist?
May 23, 2018
My mother-in-law has Alzheimer’s. The condition began about ten years ago when we thought she was simply becoming more forgetful. But as her short-term memory declined, we realized she wasn’t just suffering from old age. Over the years, she has lost the ability to recognize her own children and grandchildren, and she forgets whether or […]
PMP:113 Building Positive School Communities – Interview with Principal Mike Crase
May 16, 2018
When I drove into the parking lot at East Central High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, I was greeted by bright yellow arrows on the parking lot, pointing the direction for incoming and outgoing traffic. A beautiful flower bed had been built in front of the school. A friendly security staff person met me at the […]
PMP:112 Reflections for Education Leaders – How Are You Tending Your Body?
May 09, 2018
When I was little, I loved to stand in the garden as my grandparents tilled soil and put out spring tomatoes. The smell of freshly tilled dirt, the sun beating down on my back, the brush of the ground with hoes and rakes—all these memories come back to me each spring. My grandparents didn’t just […]
PMP:111 Reflections for Education Leaders & Wearing Your Air Mask
May 02, 2018
I’m a frequent flyer. The more I fly, the harder I find it is to stay focused when flight attendants are reviewing safety procedures. They could be standing right in front of me with the safety cards in hand, but I’ve heard it so many times, I usually think about something else. On the other […]
PMPEncore065: Ending the School Year with Celebration
Apr 25, 2018
Last year my student council members came to see me about an idea they had for finishing the year with positivity. These student leaders wanted to end the year was by doing something to help others. They designed an amazing idea called “BARK” week. With the school mascot being a Bulldog, the theme fit perfectly. […]
PMP:110 Six Tips for Education Advocacy
Apr 18, 2018
Last week I was walking back to my car from a visit to Oklahoma’s state capitol, when I saw a line of reporters, police, and education supporters stopped in front of me. I just happened to be on the street where Tulsa Public School Superintendent Deborah Gist and others from her community were arriving from […]
PMP:109 The Power of One Caring Adult with Josh Shipp
Apr 11, 2018
Last year I sat across my desk from a student whose father had abandoned him and left the state. A family in our community had taken in the young man, and our school had been in contact with the Department of Human Services on what to do next. That morning I had been watching a […]
PMP:108 Using Technology to Message with Parents, the Community, and Beyond
Apr 04, 2018
In 2016, a Pew Research report showed 62% of adults receive news via social media – a 49% increase from 2012. 70% of people in western countries use social networks like Facebook or Twitter. Only 30% do not rely on social media in the U.S. and that percentage continues declining. Although access to information does […]
PMP:Encore045 “Teach Like Me” Interview with Shawn Sheehan
Mar 21, 2018
On November 30, 2016, I sat down for a conversation with Oklahoma’s 2016 Teacher of the Year, Shawn Sheehan. That conversation became episode 045 of Principal Matters. In today’s post, I want to replay that conversation. At the time, Shawn had just ended a campaign season in a failed attempt to win a state Senate […]
PMP:106 Rethinking How School Leaders Help Teachers Grow
Mar 14, 2018
What kind of school environment encourages teachers to race tricycles down the hallways while also engaging in deep conversations about student learning in PLC’s? Kenny Ward, this week’s special guest, discusses how schools like his own must keep exploring ways to create cultures of learning and fun at the same time. In our conversation, he […]
PMP:105 Using Technology to Message with Students
Mar 07, 2018
In Tim Elmore’s book Generation IY, he shares data from his 2015 research showing the following trends among youth. • 75 percent post on Facebook • 73 percent shop online • 49 percent Tweet • 43 percent read an e-book He also quotes a 2010 Kaiser Family Foundation Report that “kids between eight and eighteen […]
PMP:104 Messaging with Students — Environment, Celebration, and Communication
Feb 28, 2018
Recently, Rachel Simmons wrote an article in the Washington Post called Perfectionism among teens is rampant (and we’re not helping). It is a good reminder how this generation of students faces challenges and opportunities different than ones we faced at their ages — sometimes with stress that we’ve created for them. Students today have never known […]
PMP:103 Standing Back Up When You Feel Knocked Down
Feb 21, 2018
Last Sunday my family and I were watching the Winter Olympics when the men’s 30km Skiathlon began. As the race started, Norway’s Simen Krueger fell. Snow was flying all around him as two other skiers and he crumbled into one another. As the other racers left them behind, Simen scrambled back on his feet. His […]
PMP:102 Four Essentials for Advancing in Your Leadership
Feb 14, 2018
Last week I was speaking to a group of Assistant Principals near Montgomery, Alabama, when I noticed a familiar face at a table near the back of the room. I saw a man whom I had met the day before on my ride from the airport to the conference center. Mr. Willie Lewis, a retired […]
PMP:101 Strategies for Messaging with Teachers
Feb 07, 2018
This summer my wife and I will celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. For some reason, I’ve never thought of myself as older, but I realize now that I’m preparing for this anniversary, my children may categorize me that way. My wife, however, will forever be my young bride. This reminds me of a story: An […]
PMP:100 Celebrating One Hundred Episodes of Storytelling
Jan 31, 2018
When I was ten years old, I had an old tape cassette player. It was the kind that had a built-in speaker and looked like a radio the size of small book. You know, the kind with four square buttons on top: Rewind, Forward, Play, and Record. Sometimes I’d lay on the carpet and tape […]
PMP:099 Collaborating for Results – Interview with Dr. Judi Barber
Jan 24, 2018
This Christmas break, I took the family to see the newest Star Wars movie. If you haven’t seen it, please note the forthcoming spoiler alert. In the opening scene, Jedi-in-training, Rey, has journeyed to the planet where the retired Luke Skywalker, has hidden himself away from the universe and its troubles. She climbs the heights […]
PMP098: Messaging with Teachers – The Foundations, Models, and Framework for Strong Instructional Leadership
Jan 17, 2018
When I was in high school and college, I spent a lot of time diving for shells in the lakes near my home in West Tennessee. It wasn’t as glamorous as it sounds. Lake diving is work that requires you to spend a lot of time in depths too dark to see while crawling mud […]
PMP:097 Building a Community of Messaging with Entanglement, Engagement, and Mission
Jan 10, 2018
Last month I enjoyed some time away with family in West Tennessee. When I was there, my son Jack and I hiked the backwoods behind my parents’ farm. There is a winding creek that runs behind the house. It’s filled with lily pads in the summer, and on the back end of the creek is […]
PMP:096 Wrapping up Another Year of Principal Matters + Bonus Takeaways
Jan 03, 2018
Happy New Year! As I look at the past year I am grateful for the connections, relationships and opportunities to grow personally and professionally. I wanted to say a special thank you to those of you who check out posts, listen to podcast episodes, or have read my books Principal Matters or Messaging Matters and […]
PMP:095 Encouraging Childlike Wonder in Learning
Dec 20, 2017
A few years ago, I sat in a gymnasium with bleachers filled with middle schoolers while I watched high school student Jesse Haynes, one of my own Skiatook seniors at the time, share about his new novel he published that year. “This is one of my teammates and me after winning our first tournament of […]
PMP:094 Ten Takeaways on Communication & Lessons in Teamwork
Dec 13, 2017
Just a few days ago I was presenting to principals in Wichita, Kansas. I was a little nervous because I had been having trouble with my voice from some bronchitis in my lungs. The doctor had given me some meds to combat the congestion, and my voice was returning. At the same time, I was […]
PMP:093 Why are You Leading? 4 Questions for Refocusing on Your Destination
Dec 06, 2017
When I was in college I climbed my first mountain which was an active volcano near Guatemala City. We loaded a bus the night before and arrived hours before sunrise to begin our hike in the dark. As we made it up the mountain, the pale colors of morning began to greet us. With the […]
PMP:092 Making ‘First Days’ Every Day, Using Key Responsibility Areas, and Helping Students Flourish
Nov 29, 2017
One of my favorite illustrations of the brain is not from a science magazine. It is from a Mercedes Benz advertisement. In it you see a painting of the brain with the left side showing scaffolds, numbers, and graphs–a sample of analytical thinking. The right side of the brain is painted with vivid colors, swirls, […]
PMP:091 Reflecting on Lessons in Leadership
Nov 22, 2017
One of my favorite ways to enjoy a long drive is by listening to podcasts or audio-books. And I especially find biographies a helpful way to learn lessons about life and leadership. Two audiobooks that I’ve enjoyed in my drives may sound like they have nothing in common: Seabiscuit: An American Legend by Lauren Hillenbrand […]
PMP:090 Why You Should Brand Your School with Marlena Gross-Taylor
Nov 15, 2017
When I was in junior high school, everyone on my basketball team wore Converse high-tops. I’ll never forget mine: they were the color of golden-rod, and I was so proud of them that I never wore them outside the gym because I didn’t want to scuff them up. For a thirteen year-old boy at the […]
PMP:089 Marching off the Map with Andrew McPeak
Nov 08, 2017
Recently, on a trip to Philadelphia, I was sitting in airport gate seating area, which gave me a view of the ground crews prepping planes for departure. Workers were driving baggage trains, pulling fuel trucks in and out, and loading bags on runways into planes. While I watched them, I thought about how many people […]
PMP:088 Moving from Average to Excellence in School Relationships
Nov 01, 2017
When I was in college, I was a resident advisor in the dormitory where I lived. My dorm director, Scott Boss, was a graduate student who not only supervised all the resident advisors in my dorm but also taught us leadership lessons. One day Scott was talking to the R.A.’s about ways we could better […]
PMP:087 Reflections on Disciplining with Dignity, Remembering Teachers, and Maintaining Sanity During Stressful Times
Oct 25, 2017
Recently, my twelve-year-old son, Jack, and I took a long road trip from Oklahoma to West Tennessee to visit my parents. Gran and Grandaddy live in the country–so far out they receive no cell service. It was a weekend of being unplugged. It was also a weekend to be reminded that my life is more […]
PMP:086 Now We’re Talking – Interview with Justin Baeder
Oct 18, 2017
Have you ever wondered what it would be like if you walked into your child’s room at home, looked around, gave him a quick nod, and then left him a walk-through-form listing the pros and cons of your short visit? None of us would ever think about building relationships by practices like that with our […]
PMP:085 Managing Demands, Dealing with Difficult People, and Promoting Positive Morale
Oct 11, 2017
When I was a boy, I loved to walk the garden where my grandparents grew summer vegetables. My grandfather had an interesting way of planting tomatoes. He would dig a deep hole, scatter a small handful of fertilizer in the bottom of the hole, and then place a tomato plant in while gathering the rich […]
PMP:084 Adapting to the Changing Winds of Education
Oct 04, 2017
I’ve been reading an excellent book by Tim Elmore and Andrew McPeak, Marching Off the Map: Inspire Students to Navigate a Brand New World, and it has sparked a lot of thought. The first half of the book is what educators know intimately: the changing cultural trends in technology, relationships, politics, and information – and […]
PMP: 083 The Importance of Mindset, Motivation, and Modeling for Education Leaders
Sep 27, 2017
A few days ago I was at airport security when I ran into a parent from my previous school. We exchanged pleasantries, and I asked him about his children. As we said goodbyes, he commented, “We miss you.” I thanked him, and as I walked away I couldn’t help but be grateful. In my new […]
PMP:082 How Can You Accomplish a Mission?
Sep 20, 2017
This past weekend, NASA broadcasted the final transmission of the spacecraft, Cassini, as it plunged into the atmosphere of the planet Saturn that it had orbited and monitored for the past 13 years. Cassini’s mission actually began in 1997. It took six years for it to reach Saturn, an its exploratory orbiting mission began. The […]
PMP:081 Leadership, Courage and Caution Lights for Principals
Sep 13, 2017
This past week I hosted a webinar for principals as a part of a book study over Principal Matters: The Motivation, Action, Courage and Teamwork Needed for School Leaders. In 2012, after being named Oklahoma’s Assistant Principal of the Year, I was asked to share ideas with new or aspiring leaders in graduate classes, workshops […]
PMP:080 A Reality Check for New or Aspiring Principals—10 Takeaways for the Road Ahead
Sep 06, 2017
The other night I was invited to visit a university classroom with sixteen educators who are working on graduate degrees in educational leadership. I listened to each of them present vision and mission statements related to their work with students. It was obvious they had a strong understanding of the road ahead–they understood the “why” […]
PMP:079 Whose Permission Are You Waiting For?
Aug 30, 2017
Last week I heard a presentation by Will Richardson, educator and author, who shared stories about new ways students are interacting with learning today. Here are three examples he shared: He talked about Nate Butkus, a 7-year-old boy who has started his own science podcast. He shared the story of a young man in India, […]
The other day, a principal friend emailed me this question: >>Will, I’d like your thoughts on something I grapple with: that is the importance I place on staff approval of what I do or present…the need to be liked I know is crazy and irrational, but how do you deal with the knock back, hearing […]
PMP:077 Four Tips for #DadsAsPrincipals
Aug 16, 2017
I’ve noticed a group of principals trending on Twitter lately using the hashtag #dadsasprincipals. And my friend Daniel Bauer recently interviewed a group of these dedicated dads at last month’s National Principal Conference. You can hear their talk here. These dads have picked up on the #momsasprincipals movement they saw happening among their female colleagues, […]
PMP:076 Messaging Matters–How to Inspire Teachers, Motivate Students and Reach Communities
Aug 09, 2017
Last month, Justin Baeder, from Principal Center Radio, invited me as a guest on his show to talk to me about my new book Messaging Matters: How to Inspire Teachers, Motivate Students, and Reach Communities. He was gracious enough to allow me to repost the interview here. Here are some takeaways from our conversation: Why […]
PMP:075 Learning from Mistakes with Jon Harper
Aug 02, 2017
Reflection is such an important part of growth — whether that involves your own growth or the growth of your school or team. Jon Harper from BAM Radio’s podcast “My Bad” is a school leader who explores how our mistakes can teach us important lessons. In this interview, we explore how reflecting on your own […]
PMP:074 Growing Your Digital Leadership with Jethro Jones
Jul 26, 2017
Jethro Jones is principal of Tanana Middle School in Fairbanks, Alaska. He is also the host of Transformative Principal Podcast. As NASSP’s Principal 2017 National Digital Principal of the Year, he was honored this month at the National Principal Conference in Philadelphia. I’ve known Jethro for years from connecting online and have had the privilege […]
PMP:073 Three Takeaways for Your Leadership Journey
Jul 19, 2017
Recently I was speaking to school leaders at Okaloosa County Schools’ Summer Leadership Academy in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. I decided to combine my travels there with an opportunity for my family to stay at the beach. My wife and I loaded up all four kids in a Dodge Caravan, and we hit the road. […]
PMP:072 Predicting Your School Climate
Jul 12, 2017
Sometimes my left elbow aches. I have a scar there from when I broke it falling from a horse almost twenty years ago. When it starts hurting, I can usually be certain the weather will turn stormy. My aching elbow reminds me of another story. When I was a boy, I often helped on my […]
PMP:Encore 028 Why Your Vacation Matters
Jul 05, 2017
This week’s post is an encore episode I shared a year ago. Have you thought why your time away from school can help you better serve your school? Regardless of whether someone is an educator or not, or whether your vacation time is long or short, taking time away from work is healthy for a […]
PMP:071 Daniel Bauer Interview – How Masterminds Help You Grow
Jun 28, 2017
School leader and podcaster Danny Bauer shared a conversation with me about his education journey as well as how leaders are collaborating together to keep growing personally and professionally. Danny “Sunshine” Bauer is the founder of Better Leaders Better Schools and facilitates weekly mastermind groups to support leadership growth. His podcast has hosted a hundred […]
PMP:070 How Your Brain Resists Change
Jun 21, 2017
When I was in high school, my dad reenlisted in the Navy and we moved to New York where he was stationed while his ship was in dry-dock. For a country boy from West Tennessee, New York was a culture shock. I remember being so afraid to speak because I didn’t want others making fun […]
PMP:069 Entanglement & Why Messaging Matters
Jun 14, 2017
Invisibilia is a fascinating podcast about the invisible forces that affect us without us being aware. In a January 29, 2015 episode, the reporters narrating the episode were talking about a phenomenon known as “entanglement.” They began by describing a physics experiment where scientists have been able to isolate particle atoms in separate locations, change […]
PMP:068 Choose To Run The Race Anyway
Jun 07, 2017
One summer when our oldest daughter, Emily, was beginning to run track, she signed up to run her first 5k with her younger sister during the July 4th holiday. Unfortunately, our younger daughter ended up unable to run it with her. When I drove Emily to the race downtown to run her race alone, I […]
PMP:067 Wrapping Up Your School Year—Planning for Summer Break
May 31, 2017
Occasionally my wife will remind me when it’s been awhile since I’ve cleaned out my closet. So I’ll take time to sort out what I don’t need anymore. I can easily fill a couple of trash bags with items to donate to the local Goodwill store. Summer break is a great time to “clean the […]
PMP: 066 What Factors Predict Student Success?
May 24, 2017
One weekend I was having lunch with a friend who works in petroleum engineering. We talked about the kind of research and data that he uses to determine which sites are best for drilling or exploration. Investors are especially interested in the ability of a company to substantiate the reason they should commit to providing […]
PMP:065 Celebration Ideas for Finishing The School Year
May 10, 2017
Last month I was asked to share a webinar on how to prepare for our state’s accreditation visits. I decided to begin the conversation with the practical steps we take with my school team on sharing, planning, scheduling, and compiling for accountability. Half way through the webinar, however, I switched gears and talked about celebration […]
PMP:064 Five Tips For Finishing Strong
May 03, 2017
During my daughter’s first year in high school, I drove to the local lake dam spillway to meet her teammates for a weekend track workout. After twenty minutes of warm-up running on the grassy path to the spillway and back, they lined up for drills. These included twelve sprints up an intimidatingly steep grassy incline […]
PMP:063 Reflecting on Regrets & Rewards
Apr 26, 2017
I was listening to an interview between Daniel Bauer and Jethro Jones the other day on Daniel’s Better Leaders, Better Schools podcast. Daniel asked Jethro, an Alaska principal, “What is one of your regrets from your time at your school?” I really liked Jethro’s response because he focused on how relationships were such an important […]
PMP:062 Setting the Record Straight & School Advocacy
Apr 19, 2017
A few years ago, I had the privilege to participate in a ten-day tour of four cities in China. On one leg of the trip, I sat by a Mongolian woman who was fluent in English and on her way home after completing graduate studies at Boston University. We enjoyed trading stories about our families, […]
PMP:061 Six Ways To Showcase Your Great School
Apr 12, 2017
Yesterday John Wink hosted a Twitter challenge called #LoveMySchoolDay where he invited educators across the country and around the world to celebrate their schools and share out moments, ideas, photos, etc. of why they love their schools. In many ways, educators have lost the battle of public relations when it comes to our schools. Part […]
PMP:060 How Mindfulness Influences Leadership
Apr 05, 2017
A few nights ago, I was sitting on the couch with my wife, Missy, when our four children slowly made their way into the living room. Our lives are so busy with three teenage girls and an eleven-year-old boy that we rarely find time to all be together these days. Emily, our oldest, came and […]
PMP:059 How Does Scarcity Affect Your Mindset?
Mar 29, 2017
The other morning, on my drive to school with my daughter, I was listening to a story on NPR called The Scarcity Trap: Why We Keep Digging When We’re Stuck in a Hole by Shankar Vedantam. Researchers have determined that when people find themselves consumed with trying to simply survive, they often instinctively operate with […]
PMP:058 Triggering the Brain with Wonder
Mar 22, 2017
The other day I was talking to our high school choir teacher, when she told me about a fascinating brain study involving music. MIT neuroscientists have discovered that music triggers an auditory cortex of the brain that doesn’t appear to respond to other basic auditory sounds like speech. If our brains have portions that only react […]
PMP: Encore 05 Caution Lights for the Leadership Journey
Mar 15, 2017
Each of us faces different challenges in leadership, and it is important to reflect on the caution lights along the way. This week I wanted to take you back to a podcast episode I shared over a year ago that others have found helpful as they reflect on their own leadership journeys: Caution Lights for […]
PMP 057: Why Self-Reflection Matters (Questions to Ask Yourself)
Mar 08, 2017
A couple of weeks ago, my wife and I took our oldest daughter, Emily, out to dinner. She turned 18 this year, and we wanted to encourage her in the opportunities and challenges she will be facing as a graduating senior and soon-to-be college student. Previously, I had been reading Tim Elmore’s Generation iY where he shares […]
PMP 056: Reaching Generation iY and iGen Students
Mar 01, 2017
A few years ago, I was talking to a senior student, Jesse, who was publishing his first book. He shared with me that he had a great opportunity to speak at a gathering of authors at a book conference. Later, he was invited to a number of middle schools to share with younger students his […]
PMP 055: Spring Semester & Beta-Testing
Feb 22, 2017
When I was boy, my parents would often stop by a decrepit farmhouse where they had first lived after being married. My great-grandfather had built it in the early 1900’s with a big front porch, two chimneys, and a tin roof. A large pear tree grew in the front yard, and in the spring, yellow […]
PMP 054: 7 Tips on Rest & Rejuvenation
Feb 15, 2017
During my first two years in school admin, I barely slept, rarely exercised, and seldom had time for my family. I’ll never forget the night I was up late after my wife and I had put our four kids to bed. I had my laptop open when my wife sat down beside me. “Will,” she […]
PMP 053: 3 Tips for Responding Under Pressure
Feb 08, 2017
When I was in high school and college, my brothers and I worked part-time diving for mussel shells in the Kentucky Lake area. We would sell them by the pound at local markets, and those shells would in turn be sold to Japanese markets. Apparently, the pearly-white cuts from those shells are unique implants for […]
PMP 052: Starting a Movement of Kindness
Feb 01, 2017
Although I grew up in West Tennessee, I was born in San Diego, California when my dad was stationed there in the Navy. Some of my earliest toddler memories include playing on the beach while my dad and older brothers swam in the waves. Even though I was three or four years old, I still […]
PMP 051: The Shocking Truth About Your Decision-Making
Jan 25, 2017
When I was going to graduate school for my Master’s Degree in Education Leadership, I decided to conduct my own informal research. Over a number of weeks, I talked to current and retired principals about what they considered to be the lessons they had learned from their years in school leadership. I remember one man […]
PMP 050: The 5 Marks of a Learning Culture
Jan 18, 2017
After living in Oklahoma for more than twenty years, I’ve become keenly aware that our state’s economy is intricately related to oil and gas.In addition to our rich Native American heritage, almost every major city or town in our state has its roots in the oil fields and exploration that brought workers who in turn […]
PMP 049: Why Self-Control Matters–5 Benefits for Leaders
Jan 11, 2017
A couple of months ago, I enjoyed some special time away with my son, Jack. He had turned 11, and when his older sisters reached that age, my wife took each of them away for a special weekend. Now it was my turn with Jack, and we had fun weekend in historic Eureka Springs, Arkansas. […]
PMP 048: Looking at 2017–Let’s Stay Connected!
Jan 04, 2017
One of my first superintendents had been an elementary teacher. Sometimes she would begin our leadership meetings by bringing a shopping bag full of hands-on materials (paper, scissors, glue, popsicle sticks) as demonstrations for a lesson or an idea she wanted us to understand. No matter what your age, you never outgrow the need for […]
PMP Bonus 02: “Bee Stings” And Thoughts on Life & Death
Dec 28, 2016
This week’s post is more personal than school leadership related. Recently, my wife’s father-in-law, David L. Fulbright, passed away. He was a former teacher, minister, and counselor. He was also a great story-teller and Papa. As the family sat by his bedside in his remaining hours, I had some quiet moments that brought back memories […]
PMP 047: Interview with Adam Beauchamp, Oklahoma Digital Principal
Dec 21, 2016
This is a dual-post including a podcast interview with Principal Adam Beauchamp who shares the digital tools his school is using for enhancing communication. Adam shared with me via a recent webinar on Communication Strategies that Work. If you want to see the Webinar, you can watch it here. I’m also including a companion blog […]
PMP 046: 5 Tips for Responding to Resistance
Dec 14, 2016
One of my favorite college education professors would often start class with a provoking question. As we would grapple with how to answer and/or support our positions, he would stand there with his large hands lifted in the air, his voice booming, “Disequilibrium is the beginning of education!” It took me a while to figure […]
PMP:045 Shawn Sheehan “Teach Like Me” (Lessons in Risk, Failure and Wow)
Dec 07, 2016
In this episode, I sit down with Shawn Sheehan and talk about the lessons from his life, teaching, and advocacy for education. Shawn is the 2016 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year and was a finalist for National Teacher of the Year. He is an Algebra I teacher from Norman High School in Norman, Oklahoma. He […]
PMP Bonus Track: Focusing on the Simple Joys of Life
Nov 30, 2016
Today I’ve decided to take a break from a focus on school leadership and share some simple joys of life. During Thanksgiving Break, I took time to record a couple of songs that I decided to include in today’s bonus podcast track. My wife and I have four children: 3 girls and 1 boy. This […]
PMP: Encore 04 Thankfulness (And the Bacon Story)
Nov 22, 2016
This week’s podcast episode is an encore recording of one of my favorite growing-up stories. As you listen, I hope you take time to remember your own good memories. As we approach Thanksgiving, I hope you are taking time to recharge your batteries and invest time with friends and family. Thanks for doing what matters! […]
I remember my first year of teaching when I walked into a boy’s bathroom that was reeking of smoke. A couple of boys were standing at the urinals when one of them dropped a lit cigarette at his feet. I didn’t know his name, but I told him to grab his bag and follow me […]
PMP:043 Lessons from a Comet Landing (What Can We Accomplish Together?)
Nov 09, 2016
The European Space Agency’s historical comet landing of the spacecraft Rosetta in 2014 was an amazing feat I share about in this week’s podcast. First of all, imagine organizing a team of scientists and space engineers who design and launch a spacecraft with the goal of intersecting with a comet 500 million kilometers from Earth. […]
PMP:042 The Future of Education (A Conversation with Undergraduates)
Nov 02, 2016
Recently I was asked to be a guest presenter for an undergraduate education class at Bartlesville Wesleyan University, a college not too far from my high school. At the end of my presentation, I asked four students if I could interview them for a podcast episode. I had two goals in this conversation: 1. I […]
PMP:041 What Makes a Productive Team?
Oct 26, 2016
When I was boy, my dad bought a long, green Pontiac station wagon. Long before the creation of the mini-van, it was the car of choice for a large family. We spent countless of hours of my childhood driving from the West Coast to the Mississippi River and back during his Navy years. After we […]
PMP:040 How Do You Positively Respond to Apathy?
Oct 19, 2016
Last week when I was hosting a webinar for school leaders, an overwhelming number of responses were made about the challenges of overcoming apathy. How does a leader initiate positive changes when others resist, don’t seem to care, or only comply half-heartedly? There’s so much to unpack in that question. In this podcast, I try […]
Becoming Better: How You Influence Growth
Oct 05, 2016
Last weekend I traveled with my son, Jack, and his Cub Scout pack to a joint campout with an older Boy Scout troop. It was a perfect October weekend: 70’s with sun and breeze; evening temperatures in the 50’s—cold enough that a sleeping bag was the perfect cocoon for tent sleeping. Although Jack and I […]
PMP:038 Celebrating Good Deeds with a Class Cup
Sep 28, 2016
I know a lot of schools have creative ways to celebrate the positive behaviors they want students showing on a daily basis. This school year, our student council and their sponsor, Ms. Franklin, launched plans to award a Class Cup to the grade of students who show the most participation in good deeds and school […]
PMP:037 Are You Growing? Learning to Celebrate the Small Wins
Sep 21, 2016
Last week I left school early so that I could watch our cross-country teams run at a local race. It was one of those days where the sun and clouds kept alternating in the sky. My oldest daughter, Emily ran in the first race. When it ended, clouds moved in and a heavy shower began […]
PMP:036 Four Suggestions on Providing Meaningful Feedback from Observations and Evaluations
Sep 14, 2016
I have a lot of friends who are good golfers. I am not one of them. But I recognize a good golfer when I see one. He or she is usually the one who gets the ball in the hole with the fewest strokes. One observation I’ve made about great golfers, however, is that most […]
PMP:035 Are You Growing? 5 Questions to Ask Yourself
Sep 07, 2016
I remember when my daughter began taking clarinet lessons from a private tutor in junior high. When I picked her up from her first session, she said, “I have been playing for three years, but I learned today that I wasn’t putting the mouth piece in far enough. That one tip has helped me hit […]
PMP:034 Six Ways to Avoid Making Wrong Calls
Aug 31, 2016
I once knew a teaching couple who told me a funny story. They lived right across the street from a man who never seemed to go to work. During their breaks from school, the neighbor always seemed to be home; they would usually see him in cut-offs, working in his yard. They began to suspect […]
PMP:033 What Motivates Your Learning? A Better Alternative…
Aug 24, 2016
When I was a junior high student, I remember feeling pretty clueless about what to expect in high school. Sometimes my teachers would tell me to expect to be treated like a number. At other times, they would warn us that if we were unprepared, we could expect a dismal future. Over the years, I’ve […]
PMP:032 Olympic Lessons in Collaboration for Educators
Aug 17, 2016
Last Saturday my children were watching the Olympics throughout the day. I was walking through the living room when I glanced up at the screen and saw men’s cycling. After six and half hours of racing, the final five kilometers lay ahead, and Poland’s Rafal Majka appeared a certain winner as he was leading the […]
PMP:031 Creating a Sense of Ownership for Students
Aug 09, 2016
Today’s episode is in response to a listener question, “How can we create a sense of ownership for students into today’s education system?” Although answering this question could be very long, let me ask three questions connected to mindsets I believe are important for any school: 1. As a school leader, how have you envisioned […]
PMP:030 Three Simple Ways to Respond to Negativity
Aug 02, 2016
In PMP Episode 30, I continue responding to listener and reader questions. This week’s question was: What’s one of the biggest leadership challenges you face right now? One principal wrote back, “How can I respond to negativity among teachers about their students, colleagues or the community?” The answer to that question comes in three parts. […]
PMP:029 How Can I Have a Bigger Leadership Role as an Assistant?
Jul 26, 2016
Today’s podcast episode is the first in a series responding to listener and reader questions. One assistant principal wrote me to ask, “How can I have a bigger leadership role as an assistant?” This week I wanted to share the response with Principal Matters listeners. If you have other questions you’d like responses to about […]
PMP: Encore 03 Purpose-Driven Leadership
Jul 19, 2016
In this encore episode of Principal Matters Podcast, I talk about the reason behind why some people find meaning in their work. Research confirms that when you understand the meaning behind your work, you actually serve with more effectiveness. Listen in for reminders on how your work matters! Sign-Up For Free Updates and Ebook When […]
PMP: Encore 02 Courage, Teamwork, and Purpose
Jul 12, 2016
This week is another encore episode of Principal Matters Podcast. You can link here see the original post accompanying this episode and all the show notes. Thanks for everything you do in serving schools and for doing what matters! Sign-Up For Free Updates and Ebook When you enter your email address below, you will automatically […]
PMP: Encore 01 Three C’s For a Great School Year
Jul 05, 2016
The weeks of summer are a good time to revisit some original Principal Matters content. This week is an encore episode of the very first episode of Principal Matters Podcast. Listen in for reminders on 3 essential to-do’s for providing a great school year for your students and teachers. For the original blog post accompanying […]
This week’s episode is a reminder of four reasons why your time away from school can help you better serve your school. Regardless of whether someone is an educator or not, or whether your vacation time is long or short, taking time away from work is healthy for a number of reasons. Also, if you […]
PMP:027 10 Tips for Education Interviews
Jun 21, 2016
Whether you are conducting an interview or being interviewed, I have found some common expectations anyone should have when walking into an education interview. This week’s podcast covers 10 tips anyone can use when interviewing for an education position. Also, I mention a resource at the end: 30 Questions from Principal Interviews, if you want […]
PMP:026 The 8 Hats of a School Leader
Jun 14, 2016
This past week I enjoyed speaking to principal organizations in Georgia and Kansas. We explored the various hats that school leaders wear in serving their schools. Today’s podcast is a fourteen-minute version of one of my 90-minute presentations. The keynote is interspersed with examples, resources, and lots of stories, but this summary touches on the […]
PMP:025 8 Tips for Helping Your School Manage Grief
Jun 07, 2016
One of the most difficult parts of school leadership is knowing how to manage the loss of a student. As a high school teacher and administrator, I have experienced this many times over the years. My first year as a site principal, we lost a senior student in a car accident. She was one of […]
PMP:024 Lessons from my Son’s Hospital Stay
May 31, 2016
When bad things happen, it is sometimes hard to see the good in our difficulties. A couple of years ago, I posted about my son’s battle and recovery from an infectious disease known as Kawasaki. In addition to the amazing support of our friends, church and community, during that time, I was astounded at the […]
PMP:023 Five Simple Ways to Support Others
May 24, 2016
In episode 23, I share a story from a local 10-year old boy who inspired others by his willingness to “be the legs” of his little brother in a 5K run. Listen in for reminders on 5 ways you can provide “legs” to those in your building. Here are the show notes for Episode 23 […]
PMP:022 Lessons in Leadership from a Cross-Walk Guard
May 17, 2016
In Episode 22, I share lessons in leadership I learned from a school crosswalk guard. I also tell a story of how a simple phrase can powerfully influence students, how attitude encourages others, and some ways to help students communicate positive expectations. Listen in for motivation in the ways you communicate to others–no matter what […]
PMP:021 10 Ways to Positively Communicate About Your School
May 10, 2016
I once heard someone say, “Communication is 100% of what a principal does.” I couldn’t agree more. Of all the areas you manage as a school leader, the way you communicate is one of the most powerful determiners for what people will think about your school. In episode 21 of the podcast, I share 10 […]
PMP:020 Planting, Growing, and Flourishing
May 03, 2016
It’s easy to become distracted in school leadership, and often my biggest distraction is myself. That’s why it’s so important to keep your focus on serving others. When you do, you’ll find yourself celebrating student learning and remembering why school leadership matters. In episode 20, I share some ideas inspired from author and speaker Jon […]
PMP:019 Key Responsibility Areas for Your School Team
Apr 26, 2016
When I transitioned from teaching to school admin, I was surprised at the many moving parts outside the classroom that keep schools running smoothly. Even with all the ways I prepared, it still took me a long time to begin understanding for the multiple job descriptions I was responsible to oversee. Over time, I discovered […]
PMP:018 First Days of School Questions that Work All Year Long
Apr 19, 2016
My school is preparing for the last days of school, but Episode 18 of the PMPodcast shares ideas from Harry Wong’s First Days of School–ideas that work all year long. Communication about the basics is essential for healthy school communities. Go here to check out the original blog post that accompanies this podcast. Here are […]
PMP:017 Leadership Lessons from the Rise of Theodore Roosevelt
Apr 12, 2016
Studying other leaders can help give us insights and lessons that influence our own. From another great historic read, Episode 17 looks at the life of the legendary Theodore Roosevelt, taken from Edmund Morris’s biography, The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt. Listen in for 8 inspiring takeaways from his early life! Here’s a link to the […]
PMP016: Learning from the Expertise of Others
Apr 05, 2016
Do you ever think about areas in work or life where you wish you had more insight? In episode 16, we talk about learning to lean on the expertise of others. Here are four quick tips on easily connecting and growing to improve your school leadership. For my original companion post to this audio version, […]
PMP:015 Lessons in Leadership from a Champion Racehorse Team
Mar 29, 2016
In episode 15, I share leadership lessons from a championship team. In this case, the team is three men and horse found in Laura Hillenbrand’s classic biography, Seabiscuit. The lessons from this amazing book also apply to any team–including your school teams: principals, counselors, teachers, staff, etc. To see the original post that accompanies this […]
PMP:014 Five Tips for Maintaining Sanity During Stressful Times
Mar 22, 2016
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by your to-do’s? Sometimes you hit seasons where your work can be more stressful than at others. As I’ve hit these seasons at different points in my leadership, I’ve learned a few ways to stay focused even when it feels impossible to do so. Listen in to learn how you […]
PMP:013 And Then I Met a Teacher (The Power of a Caring Adult)
Mar 15, 2016
In this episode, I share reminders why educators are such a powerful influence in the lives of children. I start with stories from two men who lives were significantly shaped by a teacher and a principal. Go here for the companion blog post to this episode. Here are show-notes for this episode 1. Jim and […]
If you view school discipline simply as punishment, you’ll be limited in your effectiveness. If you view it as a way to measure and redirect student behavior, then you may experience more meaningful results. How do you treat others with dignity even when handing out discipline? Listen to Episode 12 to find out! Here are […]
PMP:011 Tips for Showing Appreciation for Teachers
Mar 01, 2016
Because one good deed is worth more than a thousand good intentions, you can never overestimate the power of showing others they are appreciated. In episode 11, learn seven simple ways to show appreciation to teachers, build confidence in your team members, and encourage high expectations school wide. Check out the companion blog post to […]
PMP:010 Tips for Dealing with Difficult People
Feb 23, 2016
In episode 10 of Principal Matters Podcast, we dive into some of the practical ways to make school leadership more effective. Dealing with difficult people is often one of the hardest and most frequent challenges you will face, but you don’t have to be overwhelmed. No one can learn to manage difficulties perfectly, but you […]
In episode 9 of Principal Matters Podcast, we jump into the “nuts and bolts” of school leadership by talking about how to manage requests. School leaders can easily be overwhelmed with the number of fires they are asked to put out on a daily basis. In this episode, I share three quick tips on ways […]
In episode 8 of Principal Matters Podcast, I continue a conversation on the importance of understanding your motivations for why you lead. Based on an original blog post, 3 Tips for Making Each Day Count, I share some insights inspired by Robert Smith’s 20,000 Days and Counting–the lessons of a 50 year old when he […]
PMP:07 Motivation by Wonder & Purpose
Feb 02, 2016
Your deepest motivations determine whether you will lead effectively or not. In this podcast episode, I explore how fear and pride are both counterproductive motivations for school leadership. So what is a healthier motivation? Listen in for a conversation that school leaders often never have with one another, but one that may prevent you from […]
School leadership is not for the weak-kneed or thin-skinned. But no matter how long you are in leadership, it is still easy to feel overwhelmed. In this podcast episode, I share some of the more difficult moments school leaders face. Then we explore specific actions you can take to keep perspective on the positive elements […]
PMP:05 Caution Lights for School Leaders
Jan 19, 2016
In Episode 5 of Principal Matters Podcast, I share “Caution Lights For Your Leadership Journey.” Learn lessons from my earliest years in school leadership and how burning out almost led me to abandoning the profession. Discover ways to refocus your priorities so that you can lead with effectiveness and fulfillment–without burning out! Here are the […]
PMP:04 How Your Story Influences Others
Jan 12, 2016
In Episode 4 of Principal Matters Podcast, I share some of my own background growing up in rural West Tennessee. Learn how your own story can inform and influence your leadership today, and how thankfulness is a powerful motivator for giving back through helping others. Here are the shownotes for Episode 4: Listen to the infamous […]
In this podcast episode, I share some helpful research on how business strategy is more profitable when you understand the meaning in your product. How does this relate to education? And how can school leaders benefit when you take a closer look at your own motivations? This audio post was originally based on my blog […]
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