In this episode I chat with Ryan Smith, Principal of Dieck Elementary located in Swartz Creek, Michigan who prides himself on being a Restorative Minded & Trauma Informed Leader. Ryan shares his journey as a new principal and important moves all new administrators must take to be successful. Ryan also shares insight about ways to engage in continuous growth as a leader including ideas he gained from The Cultures of Thinking.

In this episode I reflect upon some of the greatest leadership takeaways I have gotten from my guests in season 7 and set intentions for a new year full of gratitude and abundance. Which of the take-aways will you implement in the new year?

In this episode I chat with Dr. Ryan Eckart, Principal of Walton Elementary School in Cedar Lake, Indiana who talks about the importance of being visible and present with students and staff and shares strategies for establishing priorities so that you can be in classrooms every day. Ryan also discusses the impact that occurs when you empower students and shares strategies for planting seeds that can have a life changing impact.

In this episode I chat with Danielle Randle, Principal of Semple Elementary, located in Louisville, Kentucky. We talk about the importance of identifying your gaps as a leader and the growth that comes from being vulnerable enough to ask for and receive open and honest feedback from your staff without getting defensive about what they have to say. Danielle also reflects on the multiple roles we play as school leaders and the heaviness that comes with trying to be everything to everybody.

In this episode I chat with Jameelah Henderson, Assistant Principal of Kenwood Elementary and author of It’s Working for Your Good.  Jameelah talks about the importance of showing up unapologetically as her true self and the impact it has for students.  We talk about the role representation plays in leadership and tips for having crucial conversations.  You will not want to miss it.

In this episode I chat with Verle Gilbert, principal of Hahn Intermediate School and 2018 MEMSPA Principal of the Year. Verle shares his insights about WIN time and collective teacher efficacy to maximize impact on student achievement. Verle also discusses how to manage the requests of others in a way that builds capacity and empowers without consuming all of your time as a leader.  Verle also discusses the impact Breakthrough Coaching has had on his leadership.

In this episode I chat with Haines City High School Principal Adam Lane who is also Florida’s NASSP Principal of the Year and President of the Florida Association of Secondary School Principals.  Adam shares so many golden nuggets of wisdom about how to create a school culture that establishes clear expectations, provides support, and holds staff accountable to be the best they can be.  Adam also talks about the importance of honoring differences and the empowerment that comes when your staff and students feel comfortable questioning you as a leader.

In this episode I chat with National Distinguished Principal of Urbana Elementary School, Tracy Hilliard, who shares her wisdom for creating and empowering teacher leaders. Tracy talks about the importance of leaders focusing on “grow you” not “got you” when conducting instructional walkthroughs and shares strategies for helping teachers find their voice.

In this episode I chat with Krissy Jennette, the National Distinguished Principal of Blades Elementary located in Seaford, Delaware. Krissy shares her secrets for creating a culture of inclusion that turned around her school from low performing to becoming an ESEA National Distinguished School.

As leaders we must place as much value on adult learning as we do student learning. In this episode I chat with Vicki Wilson, principal of Monroe Elementary School located in Wyandotte, Michigan and author of Lead with Instructional Rounds. Vicki shares insights about the importance of change leadership and discusses highlights from her book to help leaders get started with and/or refine instructional rounds in their building. Vicki also shares insights she gained by overcoming intense challenges which equipped her with warrior leadership.  This episode is packed with golden nuggets you will not want to miss.