Today, we talk about one of the most important things principals can do as an instructional leader - frequent classroom walk-through observations. We know how important they are, but sometimes they are so tough to get done. In the episode, we discuss the many benefits of walk-throughs, the two different types (including which is most popular and which is most valuable), and the three key criteria for effective walk-throughs.

Building off last week's episode, David discusses how principals can operationalize the best practices used in superstar teachers' classrooms and scale them across the school.

The principal's job can be tough. It is arguably the most important role an educator can play in a school district. Successful principals must have a diverse skillset and the ability to lead effectively across many areas. How do you narrow the focus in order to achieve high levels of success? Join David as he discusses the principal's job in one sentence.

As principals and district instructional leaders, we often focus much of our professional learning on HOW teachers are teaching - as in, what techniques are being used during lessons. However, there is a blind spot that deserves some serious consideration before we focus so much on the HOW. Join David as he discusses the importance of WHAT teachers are teaching in the classroom.

Ron Clark, founder of the Ron Clark Academy, joins David on the podcast today. Ron is well-known throughout the education community as a force in education, sought-after consultant, keynote speaker, and New York Times Best Selling author. His perspective on how schools can help students succeed is refreshing and powerful. Also, Ron will be the keynote speaker new June 13 at the Central Kentucky EDUCON conference. Visit www.ckec.org for more information.

TEACH LIKE A PIRATE author Dave Burgess joins the show to talk about leadership and great classroom instruction, as well as combining the best aspects of your personality, experiences, and expertise in order to become the best educator you can be. Dave will be speaking at the Central KY EDUCON on June 14, 2024. Space is limited, so visit WWW.CKEC.ORG to get more information and register for this awesome learning event!

In the "Give Me 5" series, David outlines the Top 5 return on investment, can't miss, bang for your buck, structures, mindsets, and approaches for school and district success in Core Curriculum and Instruction.

Take a look at any education-related social media account, and you will see lots of messaging about the importance of relationships. This isn't incorrect - but it is incomplete. Relationships are important, for sure, but it's a lot more nuanced than that. Superintendent Matt Moore and Director of Elementary Schools Lori Jones of Jessamine County Schools join David today to talk about this topic. The trio also gets into some tips for principals on how to take control of your daily schedule and how to avoid the slippery slope of prioritizing being liked vs being effective.

Watch the full "It's NOT All About Relationships" training here: https://youtu.be/_QL5sZpahng

Chad Brown, co-host of the popular podcast Naked Leadership and associate partner at business coaching firm Take New Ground, joins David to talk about focus, detailed vision, leading in "moments", ways to alleviate the tension we feel in leadership, and much more.