#PrincipalPLN

Latest Episodes:

The Learning Bridge: BAFTA Award-Winning Broadcasters Carrie and David Grant Jul 21, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, from The Learning Bridge on the Be Podcast Network, host Richard Gerver speaks with BAFTA award-winning broadcasters, legendary music industry veterans, and parents of four children, Carrie and David Grant.

Hear about the very different, yet similarly challenging childhoods Carrie and David each navigated. We discuss their journeys into the entertainment industry, as well as the growth of their relationship, and their various roles as singers, presenters, talent show judges, and singing coaches to the stars.

We also talk about their family and in particular their four neurodivergent children. Carrie and David discuss what they’ve learnt about their children and how they champion each of them. They also explain what the education system needs to understand about the challenges they and millions of parents like them face. Carrie talks about her own recent diagnosis of being autistic.

Subscribe to The Learning Bridge wherever you get your podcasts: https://thelearningbridge.bepodcast.network/subscribe

About the host

Richard Gerver is a sought-after speaker, world-renowned thinker, and bestselling author of books including Change and Simple Thinking. His career began in education, first as a teacher and then as a school principal, when he turned the fortunes of a failing school and its pupils around in just two years.

Now regarded as one of the world's leading thinkers on human leadership and organisational transformation, Richard has worked with an extraordinary range of people, from elite athletes to former US President Barack Obama. Named UK Business Speaker of the Year three times, Richard has been invited to speak on the world’s most recognised stages, including TED, the RSA and the BBC.

Follow Richard on Twitter @richardgerver and on LinkedIn.

(00:00) - Carrie and David Grant
(00:08) - Introduction and Podcast Overview
(01:25) - Guest Introduction: David and Carrie Grant
(01:41) - David and Carrie's Personal Journey
(02:53) - Transition into the Arts and Entertainment Industry
(03:58) - Impact of Fame and Success
(04:16) - Raising Neurodivergent Children and Advocacy
(07:12) - Reflections on Personal Growth and Self-Perception
(24:56) - The Power of Honesty and Constructive Criticism
(26:31) - The Struggles of Neurodivergent People
(27:51) - The Importance of Truth and Honesty in Relationships
(30:40) - The Challenges of Parenting Neurodivergent Children
(35:02) - The Power of Emotional Intelligence and Understanding
(43:23) - The Future of Education and Leadership

De Facto Leaders: The School Leader's Guide to Executive Functioning Support Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

Today we're excited to share an episode from De Facto Leaders, hosted by Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan.

Karen announces the release of her new compression course, “The School Leader’s Guide to Executive Functioning Support.”

You can learn more about the course here: https://drkarenspeech.lpages.co/school-leaders-guide-to-executive-functioning-support/

In this session, Karen shares why she created this program, what parents and professionals have shared with her when she talks about executive functioning, and how she approaches educating professionals about this important and relevant topic.

Imagine a school where:

✅ Students are better equipped to handle challenges and setbacks

✅ Teachers spend less time managing behavior and more time on meaningful instruction

✅ Academic performance improves across the board

✅ Your team feels empowered and supported, rather than overwhelmed by another initiative

Introducing: The School Leader's Guide to Executive Functioning Support

After years of developing frameworks to support these essential cognitive skills and helping professionals implement them in their own schools, I've created a comprehensive guide specifically for school leaders like you.

Listen to De Facto Leaders on the Be Podcast Network: https://defactoleaders.com/

Transformative Principal: Literacy in Mental Health and Reading with Barb Solish and Dr. Erin Bailey Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, originally published on Transformative Principal, Jethro Jones introduces a special conversation between Dr. Erin Bailey, Vice President of Literacy Programs and Research at Reading is Fundamental, and Barb Solish, the NAMI National Director of Innovation. They discuss the partnership between Reading is Fundamental (RIF) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), supported by Macy's, to provide books and mental health resources to children nationwide.

The conversation dives into the youth mental health crisis, the literacy crisis, and how these two organizations are working together to support children's mental and emotional well-being through literacy and other resources.

NAMI and RIF joining together with the support of Macy’s
Being next to someone is powerful
Name it to tame it.
Identifying emotions for kids is powerful
Literacy for skills in both areas.
The power of a mother reading aloud to her children.
NICU mothers reading aloud to kids every day lowered rates of post-partum depression and stress.
Routine and trust are built together.
Early intervention
The Presence and the connection is what really matters.

Listen to more from Transformative Principal: https://transformativeprincipal.org

(00:00) - TP RIF & NAMI Episode
(00:34) - Intro
(29:19) - Jethro's final outtro

Transformative Principal: The Evolution of Trust-Based Observations with Craig Randall Jun 12, 2025

Show notes

Today we're happy to bring you an episode from Transformative Principal.

In this episode, Jethro D. Jones welcomes back Craig Randall to discuss the evolution of trust-based observations and its impact on improving teaching and learning. Craig shares insights from his podcast '20 Minutes of Teaching Brilliance (On the Road with Trust-Based Observations)' and delves into the challenges and strategies for writing and implementing effective educational practices.

Nerding about the writing process.
When the idea comes, you’ve got to take it.
How Trust-Based Observations has evolved.
You learn something new every single week.
Coaching model vs. Trust-Based Observations
We have blind spots, if we leave it to that model, we may not have the solution they need.
Cumulatively add the activities to the lesson to show the most learning.
Intensive training, really goes deep.
Don’t offer suggestions until the fourth visit because we haven’t built enough trust.
Asking permission to offer a suggestion.
Observation form available on the web site.
9 areas of pedagogy hasn’t changed.
Relational trust hasn’t changed.
TBO is collective teacher efficacy in action
How we lower vulnerability to get people to take risks is by building trust.

Craig’s podcast - 20 Minutes of Teaching Brilliance (On the Road with Trust-Based Observations)

The Learning Bridge: "Real-Life James Bond" Tim Bradshaw Explores the Power of Human Relationships Jun 05, 2025

Show notes

Tim Bradshaw is a real life James Bond.

He is a former Intelligence Officer and graduate of Sandhurst Military Academy. By 20 years old he was leading a unit of nearly 40 soldiers.

His work as a Covert Human Intelligence Officer saw him recruit, run and build relationships with foreign agents worldwide. Often creating influence and affecting the outcome of extremely sensitive and dangerous situations.

Tim founded, and is a director of Sandstone Communications, an international leadership and team building consultancy. He is Chief Executive Officer of the Sandstone Foundation delivering resilience workshops to schools and young people.

In this episode of The Learning Bridge, he speaks with Richard Gerver about leadership and learning and how resilience is linked to passion and purpose. As Tim looks back on his life and career we explore the power of human relationships and connecting the dots.

Subscribe to The Learning Bridge wherever you get your podcasts: https://thelearningbridge.bepodcast.network/subscribe

About the host

Explore more BE Podcast Network shows:

Transformative Principal: https://bit.ly/3vPSMY3
The Authority Podcast: https://bit.ly/48dhakQ
Artificial Intelligence: Real Talk: https://bit.ly/3QxEh2j
Better Teaching: Only Stuff That Works: https://bit.ly/3DhvVIP
Sideline Sessions: https://bit.ly/49Pib2P

Three Factors that Led to the Mississippi Miracle in Child Literacy with Dr. Trish Stoll - Transformative Principal May 21, 2025

Show notes

Today, we're excited to share an episode from the Transformative Principal podcast on the BE Podcast Network.

We introduce you to Dr. Trish Stoll, a transformative leader who played a pivotal role in the Mississippi Miracle—a remarkable effort to improve child literacy rates in the state. Dr. Stoll will share her insights on how to empower teachers, build their capacity for literacy instruction, and create a culture of learning where all students can thrive. She'll discuss the importance of focusing on teacher capacity, providing ample training and support, and involving teachers in decision-making. Dr. Stoll will also share her thoughts on how principals can be transformative leaders by observing classrooms, learning from students, and creating a culture of continuous improvement. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in improving literacy outcomes for all students.

Mississippi Miracle
Prior initiatives
- Barksdale Reading Academy
- Reading Universe
- Reading First - Literacy block was protected, pockets not the entire state
- Literacy-Based Promotion Act - 3rd grade assessment
- Mississippi Kindergarten Readiness
Focus on Teacher Capacity on Literacy
- State literacy programs
- 3 Consortiums throughout the state to help teachers learn more
- AIM Pathways partnering with the state
- Lots of training and support for all teachers.
- If we focus on learning to read from Pre-K to second
Empowering Teachers
- State literacy coaches were teachers
- Teacher advisory committee - created by state Supt.
- Teachers take ownership of their professional learning
- TEDx talk for teachers
How to be a transformative principal? Go into classrooms observe what students are doing and be a learner. Even district personnel are learners too

About Trish Stoll

Dr. Trish Stoll is a dedicated and experienced educator who currently serves as the ELA Curriculum Specialist for the Gulfport School District in Gulfport, Mississippi. With over two decades of experience in the field of education, Dr. Stoll has held various roles including general education teacher, Visual Arts Instructor, Literacy Coach, and Instructional Coach. Her passion for implementing best practices in literacy education has made her a valuable asset in improving literacy for students in Mississippi and beyond. Dr. Stoll's commitment to continuous learning, research, and collaboration with other literacy professionals across the nation ensures that students receive the most effective literacy instruction possible. Holding an Ed. D in Educational Leadership, a Specialist Degree in Instructional Leadership, a Master of Science, and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Dr. Stoll has a strong educational background that informs her work in the field. Furthermore, Dr. Trish Stoll is a Middle and Early Childhood Art National Board Certified Teacher, showcasing her expertise and dedication to the field of education. With her wealth of experience and qualifications, Dr. Stoll continues to make a significant impact on the literacy education landscape, striving to enhance learning outcomes for students and promote excellence in education.

Teacher by Teacher with John King — The Authority Podcast May 15, 2025

Show notes

Today we're pleased to share a special episode from The Authority Podcast, with Dr. John B. King, Jr., the 10th U.S. Secretary of Education.

John is currently the chancellor of the State University of New York (SUNY), the nation’s largest comprehensive system of public higher education. Over the course of his career in public education, he has been a high school social studies teacher, a middle school principal, the first African American and Puerto Rican to serve as New York State Education Commissioner, a college professor, and the president and CEO of the Education Trust.

His new book is called Teacher By Teacher: The People Who Change Our Lives.

John and Ross discuss:

John’s inspiring story
Teachers who treat students as worthy of respect
The teachers who made an impact and why they still stand out today
What we miss when schools are discouraged from supporting and developing the whole person
The meaning of public education – why it’s critical and what we miss when it’s not supported
The public education discourse - what’s missing or what we get wrong
Rigor and joy are not mutually exclusive
Going on “offense” to create relevance in school and address chronic absenteeism
Reasons for hope in education

You can find Teacher by Teacher wherever you get your books.

About today’s guest

John B. King Jr. served in President Barack Obama’s cabinet as the tenth U.S. Secretary of Education. Over the course of his extensive and influential career in public education, he has been a high school social studies teacher, a middle school principal, the first African American and Puerto Rican to serve as New York State Education Commissioner, a college professor, and the president and CEO of the Education Trust, a national education civil rights organization. King is currently the chancellor of the State University of New York (SUNY), the nation’s largest comprehensive system of public higher education. Both of King’s parents were career New York City public school educators. He lives in Brooklyn, New York, with his wife, an education researcher and former teacher, and his two daughters.

About the host

Ross Romano is a co-founder of the Be Podcast Network and CEO of September Strategies, a coaching and consulting firm that helps organizations and high-performing leaders in the K-12 education industry communicate their vision and make strategic decisions that lead to long-term success. Connect on Bluesky or LinkedIn

Artificial Intelligence: Real Talk - Navigating AI Bias and Access with Dr. Marlena Ward Dodds Mar 12, 2025

Show notes

Today we're excited to introduce our newest podcast here on the Be Podcast Network, Artificial Intelligence: Real Talk hosted by Eli Marshall Davis. Eli is an Interventionist at Hemphill Elementary in Birmingham, AL, where he sits on the leadership team and chairs the MTSS/Problem Solving Team committee. He is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of South Carolina, focusing on Teaching and Learning, with research interests in social justice, epigenetics, and the transformative potential of AI in education.

In this episode, host Eli welcomes his longtime friend Dr. Marlena Ward Dodds. They explore artificial intelligence, particularly its impact on education and inclusivity, the challenges of online learning, and the digital divide. Dr. Dodds shares her insights and experiences with AI, both in higher education and in the broader context of learning and development. They also discuss the ethical implications and biases in AI, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and equitable access to technology.

Listen to Artificial Intelligence: Real Talk about subscribe here: https://avisionforlearning.com

Transformative Principal: Hats, Tats, and UDL with Bryan Dean Feb 27, 2025

Show notes

Today, we're sharing a conversation from Transformative Principal, between host Jethro Jones and guest Bryan Dean. Bryan is CAST's Innovation Specialist. Bryan has been working with hard-to-reach students with emotional impairments, conduct disorder, behavioral difficulties, and low interest for more than 20 years.

The conversation covers:

Giving UDL away for free
Building products through grants
People think UDL is static, but it isn’t.
Identity is important.
UDL is human centric, not student centric.
How UDL invites students to take ownership of their learning experiences.
Do you feel behind?
“What if I could have gone through school feeling unencumbered?”
Expert Learners vs. executive functioning
Bounded autonomy.
Assumptions about student learning.
Joy Zabala - You can’t boil the ocean
UDL Con is an Experience
AI, Accessibility,
UDL Guidelines 3.0
UDL Con - where the guidelines will be released.
CAST.org - check out the projects and resources.
How to be a transformative principal? Ghostwalks - walk with nobody there in your school. What is being said by what is on the walls and in the classroom.

Personalize and Quest Academy with Eric Sheninger and Nicki Slaugh — Transformative Principal Feb 20, 2025

Show notes

In this bonus episode, originally recorded for Transformative Principal, Jethro Jones speaks with Eric Sheninger and Nicki Slaugh about their book Personalize: Meeting the Needs of All Learners. Hear about: