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When a rural Nebraska principal discovered a behavioral problem with freshmen students, he turned to an unlikely source of inspiration: African bull elephants. Jerry Mack, the 2025 Nebraska State High School Principal of the Year, shares how this wildlife management concept transformed his school's culture by empowering seniors as leaders and mentors.

Growing up poor in small-town Nebraska, Jerry initially entered education simply to coach sports, but discovered a passion for teaching mathematics and eventually leadership. His innovative "bull elephant" approach began with a powerful first-day assembly where he positions seniors as the leaders of the building, then privately coaches them on using their influence responsibly. The results speak volumes – significantly reduced disciplinary issues and a thriving culture where underclassmen eagerly anticipate their future leadership roles.

Beyond student culture, Jerry shares his philosophy on staff culture, viewing it through the lens of family rather than hierarchy. "Families fight," he explains, but those disagreements stay within the building while support extends beyond school walls. This balance of accountability and care has created a tight-knit community at Chadron High School over his 15-year tenure as principal.

The conversation also explores the importance of educational advocacy, with both Jerry and the host sharing their experiences engaging with state legislators to ensure educators' voices are heard in policy decisions. For aspiring administrators, Jerry offers invaluable advice: "The principal is the number one factor that influences culture in a building," emphasizing that consistent messaging and intentional leadership can transform an entire school community.

Connect with Jerry through Chadron High School to learn more about his leadership approaches and how you might adapt them for your educational setting. What leadership strategies could you implement to transform your school's culture?

Connect with Jerry Mack:

email: [email protected]

Chadron X: @ChadronHS

Chadron High School Facebook:

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What does it take to truly connect with students who struggle? For Erin Jones, Assistant Principal at Sunrise Middle School, the answer lies in her own past. "I wasn't your picture-perfect student," she reveals, explaining how her personal challenges help her relate to behaviorally struggling students today.

This fascinating conversation explores Jones' unconventional path from school psychologist to educational leader. Rather than starting as a classroom teacher, she built expertise in student mental health and behavior before realizing she needed "a seat at the table" to create meaningful change. When a principal told her she was "built for middle school," she embraced her calling and never looked back.

Jones shares a powerful story about building trust with a challenging student who ultimately saw her office as a safe space during emotional crises. "He did exactly what his plan was," she reflects proudly, highlighting how creating psychological safety can transform student behavior. This student-centered approach defines her leadership philosophy and demonstrates the profound impact of meeting students where they are.

Currently implementing the Leader in Me program at her school and serving as president of her regional principals' association, Jones balances building-level leadership with broader educational advocacy. Her advice to aspiring administrators resonates with authenticity: "When it's the right opportunity, it will happen... you end up where you're supposed to be."

Whether you're considering educational leadership or simply looking to better understand challenging students, this episode offers valuable insights into creating school environments where everyone can thrive. How might your own struggles become your greatest teaching tools?

Connect with Mrs. Erin Jones:

Email: [email protected]

Sunrise Middle School Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SunriseMiddleSchool/

"Leadership in Me Program" Contact Sam Stecher for more Information: 

Email: [email protected] 

Phone: 308-627-1969

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What happens when a Norwegian tour guide discovers her passion for educational leadership? In this revealing conversation, Dr. Dana Goodier shares her remarkable 25-year journey through the educational landscape, from teaching world languages to navigating the complex terrain of school administration.

Dr. Goodier's story isn't one of overnight success but rather persistent determination. Despite completing her principal licensure program in 2011, she waited seven years before landing her first administrative position as a dean. This candid admission offers both comfort and inspiration to aspiring leaders facing similar obstacles. Throughout our discussion, she reveals how department chair roles, committee work, and instructional leadership provided crucial stepping stones toward her administrative goals.

The conversation takes a compelling turn when Dr. Goodier explains the origin of her "Out of the Trenches" podcast and subsequent book. Born from her own challenging experiences, these platforms amplify stories of educator resilience and provide practical strategies for overcoming professional obstacles. Her work reminds us that difficulties in education aren't signs of personal failure but common experiences that can catalyze profound growth.

For current administrators navigating difficult seasons, Dr. Goodier offers wisdom that transcends trendy leadership jargon: reconnect with your fundamental purpose, assess whether your current position aligns with your goals, seek community through professional networks, and prioritize self-care. These practices sustain educational leaders through challenging periods and prevent burnout.

Whether you're an aspiring administrator, a veteran principal facing challenges, or simply interested in educational leadership, this episode delivers practical insights alongside an inspiring narrative of resilience. Subscribe now to hear more conversations with educational leaders who are making a difference despite the obstacles they face.

Visit Dr. Dana Goodier's Website:

Visit Dr. Dana Goodier's Speaker’s Page: 

Out of the Trenches: Stories of Resilient Educators (Amazon)

Out of the Trenches Podcast (Apple Podcast)

Follow Dr. Dana Goodier: 

Facebook: @danagoodier 

X: @danagoodier 

BlueSky: @danagoodier

IG: @outoftrenchespc

Threads: @outoftrenchespc

BlueSky: @outoftrenchespc

YouTube: @outoftrenchespc 

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That moment when you've built a solid foundation, but find yourself staring at the ceiling wondering, "What's next?" This summer, after three years of transformative work as building principal at Hastings High, I hit that wall. 

We'd successfully tackled culture, transforming our school from "welcome to the jungle" into a place where students and staff felt valued. We'd implemented systems that increased daily attendance by nearly 4% and reduced chronic absenteeism by 8.9%. The electronic hall passes, thoughtful device policies, and collaborative approach had worked. Yet success created its own challenge: identifying our next mountain to climb.

The answer came from Ted Lasso's iconic dart scene and the powerful philosophy of being "curious, not judgmental." This mindset shift illuminates everything we're doing this year. When a student struggles, rather than judgment, we exercise curiosity. When district initiatives emerge, rather than resistance, we seek understanding. When teachers face challenges, we ask questions instead of making assumptions.

Our next frontier is clear: instructional excellence. While maintaining our cultural gains, we're focusing on growing instructional capacity through peer observation, curriculum alignment, and deeper professional learning communities. I'm committing to spending at least one block period daily in classrooms, engaging in curious conversations rather than evaluative walkthroughs.

Four questions now guide my leadership: Do people love coming to our school? Would I send my own child here? How can I be 1% better today? How can I exercise curiosity in every interaction? 

Whether you're a seasoned administrator or an emerging leader, this episode offers a transparent look at the cyclical journey of educational leadership – how building culture enables instructional growth, which further strengthens culture. What's your next mountain to climb, and how might curiosity transform your approach?

Episode 8: Reducing Chronic Absenteeism in Schools!

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What does it take to transform a struggling school? Josh Tovar knows firsthand. Born in Juarez, Mexico, and growing up with learning disabilities and family challenges, Josh's journey from troubled teen to transformational principal offers powerful lessons for any educational leader.

Josh's personal story gives him authentic "street cred" with students facing similar struggles today. "I was a drunk in high school. I had no pathway," he shares candidly. This background allows him to connect with students in a way many educators cannot. After joining the Marines for structure and direction, Josh found his calling in education, though not by conventional means.

His leadership philosophy centers on a powerful principle: "connections before content." Josh explains that effective school leadership requires building genuine relationships while maintaining high expectations and consistent systems. Drawing from his military background, he implements clear structures that create safety and predictability, allowing learning to flourish.

The results speak for themselves. Josh transformed a 6A high school with persistent discipline problems and low achievement from a D-minus to a B-minus rating with distinctions in just three years. At his current school, Memorial Pathway Academy, he serves immigrant students and those at risk of dropping out – creating an environment with minimal discipline issues and high student engagement.

Perhaps most refreshing is Josh's honesty about the challenges of educational leadership. He discusses the political realities of being "blackballed" in a district, the mentors who championed his success despite obstacles, and the difficult balance between professional dedication and family responsibilities.

Whether you're a new administrator or a veteran principal, Josh's insights on creating systems, building relationships, and maintaining high expectations offer a blueprint for transformational leadership. Connect with him through the PGP Podcast or social media to continue learning from his journey.

PGP Podcast Link:

Memorial Pathway Academy Garland, TX Link: 

Email Principal Josh Tovar: [email protected]

Follow Principal Josh Tovar on X: @MPA_GOJAGUARS

Follow Principal Josh Tovar on LinkedIn: 

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What happens when talented, dedicated educators feel stuck despite their best efforts? According to Casey Watts, the answer isn't about working harder—it's about seeing clearer.

After two decades in education as a teacher, coach, and district leader, Casey discovered that the persistent gap between administrators and classroom teachers wasn't due to lack of commitment or expertise. The missing element was clarity. When leaders say, "Nobody's getting on board with our initiative," while teachers simultaneously claim, "We have no idea what's going on," something fundamental is broken in the communication chain.

Casey's journey into education wasn't planned—in fact, she once declared she would "never be a teacher." But after navigating through music and psychology studies, she found herself in a classroom, initially struggling through a challenging first year before discovering her native genius in working with students. This experience shaped her understanding that many educators need support to move from merely surviving to genuinely thriving.

Through her Clarity Cycle Framework, Casey guides educational leaders through a systematic process that bridges communication gaps. The approach starts with identifying an area of focus, analyzing root causes, setting specific goals, and conducting "listening tours" to gain stakeholder insights. Rather than imposing top-down mandates, the framework empowers everyone to contribute to the vision while mapping clear paths forward.

Casey shares a powerful case study of a Los Angeles school where teachers were individually analyzing data but implementing vastly different strategies in isolation. This unintentionally widened achievement gaps as students moved between classrooms with inconsistent approaches. By applying the Clarity Cycle, the school established collective practices that dramatically improved both teacher confidence and student outcomes.

Today, Casey focuses on bringing clarity to three essential areas: organizational direction, leadership identity, and authentic collaboration. She challenges the "faux collaboration" prevalent in many schools and offers practical strategies for building truly cohesive, clarity-driven teams where everyone feels valued and empowered.

Ready to transform your educational leadership? Connect with Casey at catchingupwithcasey.com and discover how clarity can precede capacity in your organization. When everyone understands both the destination and the path to get there, remarkable progress becomes possible.

Connect with Casey on LinkedIn:

Catching up with Casey Podcast:

Email Casey at: [email protected]

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What makes a school leader decide to step away when they still love what they do? Former high school principal Todd Bloomer opens up about his nearly three-decade journey through education and the wisdom he gained along the way.

Todd's story begins as a New Yorker who packed everything into a Geo Prism and moved 1,800 miles to teach in Texas without ever having visited the state. His leadership philosophy was born in a seventh-grade Texas history classroom when a student candidly asked why he should care about rainfall in El Paso. This moment forced Todd to rethink his entire approach to education, shifting from textbook regurgitation to student engagement and voice—a principle that would guide his entire career.

As Todd advanced from teacher to assistant principal to principal, he developed what he calls the "Bloomer Triangle of Success," emphasizing the importance of soliciting voices from teachers, parents, and students. He shares practical strategies for building strong school culture, from strategic hiring practices that value community connections to his commitment to visiting every teacher's classroom daily. His Monday morning emails—always starting with personal stories about weekend activities and restaurant recommendations—became a touchstone that built authentic connections in a large high school with nine buildings.

Unlike many educators who leave due to burnout, Todd made the difficult decision to retire from his beloved principalship at Winston Churchill High School while still passionate about the work. He recognized that the all-consuming nature of high school leadership requires complete dedication, and he wanted to ensure his school received the leadership energy it deserved. Now transitioning to Director of School Leadership for the Archdiocese of San Antonio, Todd offers candid advice about balancing family life with the demands of school leadership.

Whether you're an aspiring administrator, veteran principal, or teacher considering a move into leadership, Todd's authentic insights and practical wisdom offer a blueprint for not just surviving, but thriving in educational leadership. Check out his book "The Blueprint: Survive and Thrive as a School Administrator" to learn more about his journey and the lessons that can transform your leadership approach.

The Blueprint: Survive and Thrive as a School Administrator:

Todd Bloomer's Website: 

Connect with Todd Bloomer on his social media platforms: 

 X- @bloomer_sa

LinkedIn- @Todd Bloomer

Instagram- @Todd_Bloomer_Author

Tik ToK- @todd_bloomer_author

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Have you ever wondered what happens when a teacher steps into the administrator's office for the first time? Josh Rowan, Assistant Principal and Activities Director at Schuyler Middle School, pulls back the curtain on his journey from broadcaster to classroom teacher to educational leader in this revealing conversation.

Josh's path wasn't the traditional straight line into education—he discovered his calling while covering school events for his hometown newspaper. This unique entry point gave him valuable perspective when building relationships with students and staff. "Relationships are key with everything," Josh explains, sharing how his presence at student activities transformed classroom dynamics and later became the foundation of his administrative approach.

The transition to leadership came with unexpected challenges. After twelve interviews and numerous rejections, Josh found his place at Schuyler, where he quickly discovered the vast difference between theoretical knowledge and practical application. From managing student behaviors to coordinating with stakeholders to celebrating a state soccer championship, his first year brought lessons no leadership academy could fully prepare him for. Perhaps most illuminating is his candid discussion of balancing administrative responsibilities with family life, including the birth of his son during the school year.

For aspiring or new administrators, Josh offers two powerful pieces of wisdom: "Don't be afraid to ask questions" and "Presence is everything." He emphasizes the importance of connecting with everyone in the building—from teachers to custodial staff to nurses—recognizing that each holds valuable knowledge about the school community. The authenticity in his advice reflects the genuine approach that helped him navigate that challenging first year.

Whether you're considering educational leadership or simply curious about what happens behind the administrator's door, this conversation offers valuable insights into the realities of school leadership. What leadership lessons might transform your approach to education? Listen now and join the conversation about creating positive impact in our schools.

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What separates exceptional educational leaders from the merely competent? According to Dr. Frank Buck, it might be as simple and as challenging as reliable organization systems. His journey from band director to productivity expert reveals a crucial truth: educators aren't typically fired because students performed poorly at a concert, but because they forgot to order the buses to get there.

Dr. Buck's leadership philosophy centers on supporting teachers by removing obstacles to their core instructional work. With experience spanning classroom teaching, building leadership, and district administration, he's observed firsthand how systematic approaches to organization create environments where both teachers and students thrive. His fundamental principle? External systems for capturing commitments allow your brain to focus on what truly matters teaching and leading rather than constantly trying to remember countless details.

The digital revolution has transformed how we manage information, but Buck argues the underlying principles remain unchanged. Whether using a paper planner (his original "little book that impressed teachers") or sophisticated digital tools like Remember the Milk, the key is developing reliable systems where nothing falls through the cracks. Buck shares practical strategies for implementing digital task management, leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance productivity, and creating repeating task systems that eliminate the need to reinvent processes annually.

For aspiring leaders, Buck emphasizes mentorship and persistence, encouraging educators to seek administrative positions before they feel fully ready, understanding that the application process itself builds crucial networks and experience. His most powerful insight might be the simplest: "Good teachers come and stay if you treat them right." Creating systems that support teacher effectiveness ultimately creates the environments where students can flourish.

Ready to transform your leadership through better organization? Visit frankbuck.org to access free resources, join his email list, and discover how simple systems can dramatically improve your effectiveness as an educational leader.

Dr. Frank Buck's Website: https://FrankBuck.org 

"Get Organized Digitally!: Here Are Updates To The Book" 

https://frankbuck.org/get-organized-digitally-updates/

Dr. Frank Buck's social media links:

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/DrFrankBuck

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@drfrankbuck

X: https://x.com/DrFrankBuck

Instagram: http://instagram.com/drfrankbuck

Facebook: https://facebook.com/@DrFrankBuck

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/frankbuck.org

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Imagine walking into a school where a principal tells a fart joke, and within seconds, students take deep breaths and self-regulate back to attention. Sound impossible? For Leroy Slanzi, this is everyday reality in schools that have embraced his emotional intelligence framework.

With over 25 years of experience across elementary, middle, and high school leadership, Slanzi brings a unique perspective to the educational leadership conversation. Having begun his career as a special education teacher, he quickly discovered that managing the emotional responses of adults was often more challenging than working with students. This insight became the foundation for his approach to school leadership and eventually led to his book, "Emotional Schools."

Slanzi argues that dramatic shifts in childhood experiences over the past 15 years—reduced free play, increased screen time, helicopter parenting—have created a generation of students struggling to manage stress and persevere through challenges. "We're seeing more kids with anxiety disorders, mood disorders, behavior disorders," he explains, noting this trend began well before the pandemic and continues to accelerate worldwide.

Rather than lamenting these changes, Slanzi developed a framework that teaches students the science behind their emotions. Even kindergarteners learn how deep breathing activates the prefrontal cortex, allowing for better decision-making. Using consistent language and visual cues throughout the school, this approach becomes embedded in daily interactions rather than existing as a separate program.

The results speak for themselves. Schools implementing Slanzi's framework report dramatic improvements in student behavior, attendance rates, and academic performance. Teachers spend less time managing disruptions and more time teaching. Perhaps most impressively, students begin to self-regulate independently, taking deep breaths when frustrated or overwhelmed instead of melting down or acting out.

Whether you're dealing with elementary students who think you "walk around with a cape on" or high schoolers contemplating their futures, Slanzi's approach offers practical strategies for building emotional resilience alongside academic skills. Ready to transform your school culture through emotional intelligence? Visit EmotionalSchools.com to learn how you can bring these evidence-based practices to your community.

Connect with Leroy Slanzi:

Emotional Schools (Amazon):

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