In this episode of Leaning Into Leadership, host Darrin Peppard welcomes back David James, a 7th-grade social studies teacher at Harold E. Winkler Middle School in Concord, North Carolina. Known for his leadership both in the classroom and through his work with the North Carolina Association for Middle Level Education (NCMLE), David shares powerful insights into what it takes to lead effectively as a teacher. He discusses the importance of building leadership capacity within schools, the impact of teacher-led professional development, and how setting high expectations transforms school culture.

David also offers a sneak peek into his contribution to Culture First Classrooms: Leadership, Relationships, and Practices that Transform Schools, the new book by Darrin Peppard and Katie Kinder, launching on March 17th. In his chapter, David explores how establishing clear expectations from day one leads to a positive and sustainable culture, both inside and outside the classroom.

Key Takeaways:

1. Building Capacity: The importance of teacher leadership in maintaining school culture, especially with the frequent turnover of school administrators.
2. Wolfpack Workshop: How this in-house professional development model at Winkler Middle School empowers teachers and drives student achievement.
3. Culture First Classrooms: Insights from David's chapter on setting expectations and building a culture of trust and accountability.
4. NCMLE 2025 Conference: An overview of the upcoming conference and its evolution into a national-level event for middle school educators.
5. Leadership Advice: Practical tips for teachers looking to take on more leadership roles in their schools.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Culture First Classrooms – Launching March 17th!
• The Wolfpack Workshop at Winkler Middle School.
• NCMLE 2025 Conference – March 23rd-25th in Charlotte, NC.
• Book: Culturize by Jimmy Casas.

Connect with David James:

• Twitter/X: @HeroicHistory22 | @NCMiddle
• Instagram: @HeroicHistory22 | @NCMiddle
• TikTok: @HeroicHistory22 | @NCMiddle
• Facebook: @NCMLE
• Website: www.ncmle.org

Connect with Darrin Peppard:

• Twitter/X: @DarrinMPeppard
• LinkedIn: Darrin Peppard
• Website: roadtoawesome.net

Call to Action:

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! Make sure to grab your copy of Culture First Classrooms when it launches on March 17th and check out the NCMLE 2025 Conference for more amazing professional learning opportunities.

Thanks for listening, and keep leaning into leadership!