#PrincipalPLN

Latest Episodes:

Episode 51: Tia Henriksen Jul 02, 2016

Show notes

In this episode we talk with Tia Henriksen, a current Vice Principal, but soon to be Principal in British Columbia starting on January 1st, 2015. We discuss inbox zero, making the transition to principal and what to change (not change) right away. You can follow Tia on Twitter @TiaHenriksen or her blog at https://henriksenlearning.wordpress.com/.

Resources for new principals mentioned:

The First Year Principal by Pete Hall

The Question by Dan Sullivan

Principal's Monthly Checklist

Episode 47: Conquering Email and Inbox Zero with Curt Rees Jul 02, 2016

Show notes

In this episode we are joined by Curt Rees, Elementary Principal and Recess Kickball legend in Onalaska, Wisconsin. Curt’s school is recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction as a model school for their implementation of Response to Intervention. Curt is also a current doctoral student at UKSTL. You can find Curt online at @CurtRees and http://curtrees.com/ Curt is also mentioned in chapter 4 of Spike’s book, Connected Leadership.

Some of Curt's Email Wisdom:

Don’t sit down and browse email. Sit down and “crank” through them when you’re ready to work on them. Don’t touch an email more than once. Decide on your action for it once you read it. If it takes more than 2 minutes to respond, he sends it to his to-do app (OmniFocus) to schedule when to work on it. Don’t let a read email sit in your inbox, schedule it and get it out of your inbox!

Curt recommends not having work email on your phone and was so convincing that Jessica “ripped the bandaid” off and took work email off of her phone while listening to Curt explain why. Can you do it?

Curt’s Top 5 Tips:

Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen (or anything by David Allen)

Have a system: this is beyond just email, to keep track of what you’re going to do and when

Don’t let email dictate how you’re going to spend your time. Our jobs are busy enough! Make yourself available in other ways.
Don’t let your email inbox be your to-do list!
Don’t clutter up anyone else’s email inbox. Recognize when you need to go and talk instead of sending an email.

Other resources/thoughts on email...

OmniFocus

http://five.sentenc.es/

IFTTT If This Then That

Jessica’s blog post: The Email Monster

Nudgemail

Episode 46: What do you have to do Jul 02, 2016

Show notes

In this episode, Jessica and Spike explore the ever present "to do list."

The show starts out with the realization that the modern day Principal probably needs ADD or ADHD to survive (or it is just induced by the many interruptions to our day!). Jessica then shares her tools she uses for organizing the "to do list."

Jessica's Tools:

Remember the Milk

Google Calendar

Spike shared how he is very traditional in dealing with his "to do list." He uses note pads, post it notes, and Microsoft Office to create his school calendar and monitor his email.

Both Jessica and Spike felt the 20 minutes went just too fast. They agreed to do a follow-up show dedicated to email. Until tonight, Spike didn't think a show on email could work. Now he is not only convinced, but ready to tackle the subject.

Jessica also shared about her experience at the National Distinguished Principals Program and joining in the press conference for the release of the Early Learning Competencies for principals.

Enjoy!

Episode 45: Observations and Walkthroughs Part II Jul 02, 2016

Show notes

In this episode, Theresa and Spike discuss the importance of non-evaluative walkthroughs. Theresa mentioned how her school has used TeachBoost and how it helped her work collaboratively with her teachers.

Spike talked about how is district has been using the McREL Power walkthroughs for the past 4 years. He agreed with Theresa that the most important aspects, despite the tool, is how administrators are encouraged to visit classes and interact with teachers and students.

Want more information on the key points? Check out these resources

Episode 43: Running Your School from your Mobile Device with Adam Welcome Jul 02, 2016

Show notes

In this episode we invite Adam Welcome, a Principal of the Year from Lafayette, CA. You can find Adam on Twitter @awelcome or his blog at adamwelcome.blogspot.com. Adam shares with us some great tips to stay connected, stay healthy, and stay out of your office to be in classrooms and share the great things your students are doing!

Some of his favorite apps shared include:

Twitter

Remind

Touchcast

Google Drive

Evernote

Check out his school's hashtag: #teamkid

And a call for help from our connected administrators: We are collecting data on how administrators are connecting, and what are the drawbacks to being connected. The results from this survey will be used in an upcoming book on Isolation in Leadership. Please go help us by completing this survey. Thank you!

Episode 37: #PrincipalPLN Jul 02, 2016

Show notes

The PrincipalPLN is a weekly podcast hosted by Theresa Stager, Jessica Johnson and Spike Cook. We are committed to creating podcasts that are informative, innovative and fun!

The concept of the podcast was developed by Theresa Stager, who at the time, was a first-year principal seeking ways to learn from others. Theresa reached out to Jessica Johnson, and they invited Spike Cook to join. The crew began podcasting in September of 2013.